Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 500 million speakers. It is the official language of India and is also spoken in several other countries, including Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. But how did Hindi language spread to become such a dominant language in the Indian subcontinent?
The history of Hindi language dates back to the 7th century when it originated from the dialects spoken in the region around Delhi. Over the centuries, it evolved and absorbed words from other languages like Persian, Arabic, and Sanskrit. During the Mughal era, Hindi became a language of administration and was used in the courts of the Mughal emperors. It was also the language of the literary works of famous poets like Amir Khusro and Kabir.
However, the spread of Hindi as a national language began during the independence movement of India. The Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, advocated for Hindi as the national language of India, as it was spoken by the majority of the population. In 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India recognized Hindi as the official language of the country, alongside English.
To spread the use of Hindi, the Indian government established the Central Hindi Directorate in 1960, which is responsible for the promotion and development of Hindi language and literature. Hindi is now taught in schools and universities across India, and many government offices and institutions use it as the language of communication.
The spread of Hindi language is also due to the popularity of Bollywood movies, which are produced in Hindi and widely watched in India and around the world. The music and lyrics of Bollywood songs have also contributed to the popularity of Hindi language and have helped non-Hindi speakers learn the language.
In conclusion, Hindi language has spread over the centuries through the influence of various cultures and languages, but its recognition as the national language of India and the efforts of the Indian government to promote it have been key factors in its widespread use today. The popularity of Bollywood movies and songs has also contributed to the growth of Hindi language around the world.