The Roots:
* Sanskrit: Hindi's core foundation is Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language considered the "mother" of many Indian languages. It was the language of the ancient Vedic texts and religious literature.
The Journey:
* Prakrit: Around 500 BCE, various Prakrit languages, which were offshoots of Sanskrit, emerged as spoken languages throughout India. These Prakrits formed the base for Hindi and many other regional languages.
* Apabhramsha: Further evolution led to Apabhramsha languages, which were a blend of Prakrit and other influences. These became the bridge between Sanskrit and the modern languages.
* Khari Boli: By the 10th century, a specific Apabhramsha dialect called Khari Boli, spoken in the Delhi-Aligarh region, began to gain prominence. It's considered the direct ancestor of modern Hindi.
* Persian Influence: During the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526), Persian, the language of the ruling class, had a major impact on Khari Boli. This introduced many words, grammatical features, and literary techniques that continue to enrich Hindi today.
Standardisation:
* Hindustani: By the 17th century, Khari Boli had evolved into a lingua franca called Hindustani, widely spoken across North India. This language had two main forms - one with more Persian influence (Urdu) and another with more Sanskrit influence (Hindi).
* Hindi and Urdu: In the 19th century, these two forms of Hindustani began to diverge, leading to the formal standardization of Hindi and Urdu as separate literary languages, though their spoken forms remain largely similar.
Today:
* Hindi, a vibrant and widely spoken language, is the official language of India, alongside English. It continues to evolve, drawing on its rich heritage while incorporating new influences and serving as a bridge between India's diverse communities.
In short, Hindi's journey is a testament to the dynamic nature of language. It's a mix of ancient roots, historical influences, and ongoing evolution, making it a fascinating language to learn and understand.