Hindustani (language)
- Scope note
- Language of the Muslim conquerors of Hindustan, being a form of Hindi with a large admixture of Arabic, Persian, and other foreign elements. Known as the lingua franca of northern India and Pakistan, with two variants Urdu and Hindi, which are official languages in Pakistan and India respectively. Hindustani began to develop during the 13th century CE in and around the Indian cities of Delhi and Meerut in response to the increasing linguistic diversity that resulted from Muslim hegemony. In the 19th century its use was widely promoted by the British, who initiated an effort at standardization.
- Date of creation: 18-Nov-2024
Accepted term: 18-Nov-2024