Key Question 5: To what extent Urdu and Regional languages contributed to the
cultural development of Pakistan ?
1. Why did Pakistan choose Urdu as its national language? [7]
One of the reasons why Urdu became the national language in Pakistan is its long
history. It was widely used in the Mughal period and dates back as far as the Sultans
of Delhi. In its early stages it was used by the Muslim armies and became widely
spoken and understood in many parts of the subcontinent. So it was natural that such
a well known and established language would be chosen.
Another reason for Urdu being chosen was its high status. Some of the finest early
poets, such as Amir Khusrou wrote in Urdu and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s school at
Aligarh became a centre for Urdu study. Many religious books, including the Quran,
were translated into Urdu. So it was considered an important language with a rich
literacy tradition.
Perhaps the major reason for Urdu being chosen was the fact that it was so closely
associated with the Pakistan Movement. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan supported it and the
Muslim League was formed not only to defend Muslims interests, but also to protect
Urdu. The Quaid-e-Azam was particularly keen to promote Urdu as he saw it as a
unifying force. Since Pakistan was a new country, it was very appropriate to pick a
language which had played a part in unifying Muslims.
Advantage of Urdu
The Quaid-e-Azam was particularly keen to promote Urdu as he saw it as a unifying
force. Since Pakistan was a new country , it was very appropriate to pick a language
which had played a part in unifying Muslims.
Disadvantages of Urdu
Destruction of other languages
Language of only 8%
Urdu Bengali Controversy which lead to separation
cultural development of Pakistan ?
1. Why did Pakistan choose Urdu as its national language? [7]
One of the reasons why Urdu became the national language in Pakistan is its long
history. It was widely used in the Mughal period and dates back as far as the Sultans
of Delhi. In its early stages it was used by the Muslim armies and became widely
spoken and understood in many parts of the subcontinent. So it was natural that such
a well known and established language would be chosen.
Another reason for Urdu being chosen was its high status. Some of the finest early
poets, such as Amir Khusrou wrote in Urdu and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s school at
Aligarh became a centre for Urdu study. Many religious books, including the Quran,
were translated into Urdu. So it was considered an important language with a rich
literacy tradition.
Perhaps the major reason for Urdu being chosen was the fact that it was so closely
associated with the Pakistan Movement. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan supported it and the
Muslim League was formed not only to defend Muslims interests, but also to protect
Urdu. The Quaid-e-Azam was particularly keen to promote Urdu as he saw it as a
unifying force. Since Pakistan was a new country, it was very appropriate to pick a
language which had played a part in unifying Muslims.
Advantage of Urdu
The Quaid-e-Azam was particularly keen to promote Urdu as he saw it as a unifying
force. Since Pakistan was a new country , it was very appropriate to pick a language
which had played a part in unifying Muslims.
Disadvantages of Urdu
Destruction of other languages
Language of only 8%
Urdu Bengali Controversy which lead to separation
