* Origins: Gujarati evolved from a Prakrit language, Apabhramsha, which itself derived from Sanskrit. This process began around the 7th-8th centuries AD.
* Early Literary Form: The earliest known Gujarati literary works date back to the 12th century. These were primarily religious and devotional texts.
* Development & Standardization: Gujarati continued to develop and mature over the centuries. By the 15th century, it had established itself as a distinct language with a rich literary tradition. It was further standardized during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Therefore, while the origins of Gujarati can be traced back to the 7th-8th centuries, its emergence as a distinct language and its literary development occurred between the 12th and 19th centuries.
It's important to note that the term "age" for a language is complex. Languages are constantly evolving and adapting, so their "birth" isn't a clear-cut moment in time.