The Evolution of Urdu Language in Baltistan

Abstract

The history of the Urdu language in Baltistan is quite ancient. The language got an opportunity to be introduced in this region during the eras of the Dogras, the Sikhs, and the British. During the reign of the Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Urdu found an opportunity to flourish in the royal court. The Dogra government even granted it the status of the official language. Later, during the British rule, Urdu continued to exist in the region as a lingua franca. The local people, being influenced by Islamic culture, gave great importance to Persian and Arabic languages. Initially, there was some hesitation in accepting Urdu as an alternative to Persian, but later it was accepted, and Urdu began to gain popularity in Baltistani society. Along with becoming a medium of expression, literary creation in Urdu also began in the region, and journalism was also initiated. Thus, Urdu progressed very rapidly here, and its evolutionary process continued in every era. After independence, when the people of Baltistan made an unconditional accession to Pakistan, Urdu journalism and literature got further opportunities to develop. Due to the movement of people from Pakistan to this region, an environment was created in which it became possible to understand and speak Urdu in a better way. Today, having progressed, Urdu has become a strong, developed language with a rich literary heritage.

Keywords: Baltistan, Urdu Language, Evolution, Dogra Era, Journalism, Literary Heritage