1. Sanskrit: As the primary liturgical and literary language of ancient India, Sanskrit has profoundly shaped Kashmiri vocabulary, grammar, and literature. Numerous Sanskrit words and grammatical structures have been adopted and integrated into Kashmiri.
2. Prakrit: A group of languages that evolved from Sanskrit and served as vernacular tongues, Prakrit languages have also left their mark on Kashmiri. This influence is visible in vocabulary and phonetic features.
3. Persian: The long-standing cultural and political influence of Persia (Iran) on the Kashmir region is evident in Kashmiri's adoption of numerous Persian words, particularly in the domains of administration, literature, and everyday life.
4. Arabic: The spread of Islam in Kashmir introduced Arabic words related to religion, Islamic law, and religious practices into the language.
5. Turkish: Turkish, particularly during the Mughal period, contributed some words to Kashmiri, primarily related to administration and military affairs.
6. Dardic Languages: Kashmiri is classified as a Dardic language, a branch of Indo-Aryan languages spoken in the northwestern Himalayas. It shares cognates (words with a common ancestor) with other Dardic languages like Shina, Khowar, and Kohistani, indicating a shared linguistic heritage.
7. Other Indian Languages: Kashmiri has also borrowed words and phrases from other Indian languages like Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi, reflecting the region's cultural interactions.
Important Note: Kashmiri, like many languages, is dynamic and constantly evolving. These influences have not only shaped the vocabulary but also its grammar, pronunciation, and literary traditions.
It's important to remember that these influences have been integrated and reinterpreted by Kashmiri speakers over centuries, creating a unique linguistic identity that reflects the diverse history and cultural heritage of the region.