Modern Developments in Urdu Language and Literature

Urdu Language 

Modern Developments in Urdu Language and Literature

       Evolution and development of any language are dependent on the evolution and development of a society where it is spoken. 

Various invasions and conquests on a place affect the development of its language.

       Pakistan is a land that attracted to many foreign races and empires during the course of its long history. Urdu is the product of the centuries of cultural interaction between the Hindu and the Muslim communities of India.

 Urdu language developed in the northern Indian subcontinent, an area that underwent centuries of invasion. This allowed Urdu to acquire a rich variety of linguistic influences.

Development of the Urdu language is closely intertwined with the history of Islamic expansion on the Indian subcontinent.

 It offers an intriguing look at the significant role that religion can play in the development of a language.

 

Urdu language has drawn inspiration from Persian literature and has now an enormous stock of words. 

One of the most eminent earliest poets who made usage of Urdu in his poetry is Amir Churro. Churro can be regarded as the father of Urdu language.

While the Urdu literature tends to be heavily dominated by poetry, the most well-developed vessel of Urdu literature has turned out to be the ‘ghazel’. 

The range of expression achieved in the ‘ghazel’ and ‘name’ has led to its continued development and expansion into other styles of writing, including that of the short story, or ‘asana’ and ‘distain’, which are long-epic stories dealing with magical creatures and events based on a complicated plot. 

Abdul Halim Sharer wrote historical romances of Muslim heroes and realistic novels of contemporary social life. 

Mauve Nasir Ahmed wrote a number of domestic tales of ordinary men and women with a strong moral message Sadat Hassan Manta, a prominent writer of short stories of South Asia, produced great literature out of the events relating to the India-Pakistan independence.

Before 1970, Urdu prose generally followed the ornate and florid style of Persian writings. 

The Calcutta school developed a simple prose style, which served as a model for the writers of Delhi and Lahore.

 Notable names among these are of Sher Ali Afros and Masher Ali Khan Vila to name a few and the collection of the letters of the renowned poet, Hali, based on satire. 

Shah Rafi Uddin and Shah Abdul Nadir translated Quran in simple Urdu.

       Near the end of the 19th century, the school of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan wrote prolifically on social, political, scientific and educational themes. Mauling Shelbi Momani led a parallel school of religious learning.

      Urdu poets have contributed immensely towards the evolution of Urdu language and literature through their literary works.

 Literary trends are now marked by more openness, eclecticism, and a willingness to experiment.

 Nostalgia for the past and discomfort at the uprooted present that marks the work of many of these writers also seems to indicate a suppressed regret of a loss of manhood. 

In this sense, the new poets have not yet come to terms with the issues raised by women’s writing.

 Urdu literature, as always, seems eager to take on all these debates, which have contributed to its remarkable energy since the nineteenth century.

Languages do not originate overnight, they take centuries to evolve and develop, similarly, Urdu language developed over a long period of time.

 Evolution and development of any language play a vital role in building the character of an individual as well as a nation. 

          Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and is known as the symbol of the Muslim nationhood in the world. 

The Government of Pakistan should take effective measures to promote the Urdu language. 

Today, Urdu language is spoken by approximately 104 million people around the world, most of whom are located in Pakistan and India.

      Urdu is the official language of Pakistan and is officially recognized by the constitution of India to serve as a state language in some states.