The history of the Bengali language is a testament to its evolution from Sanskrit origins. Bengali is the seventh most spoken language in the world, with more than 230 million first-language speakers, mainly in Bangladesh and West Bengal in India. Being one of the most ancient languages of South Asia, Bengali, with its deep cultural and literary background, can offer a unique view of South Asia.
In this blog, I will discuss the history of the Bengali language, how it evolved from Sanskrit, and how this language can help one understand its history. Also, you can learn 10 Bengali words from Bengali literature and its history. Now, let’s jump into knowing the history of Bengali culture.
Table Of Contents
Origins Of The Bengali Language: The Evolution Of The Language Movement
The origin of the Bangla language or Bengali literature can be traced back to Sanskrit, an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Indian subcontinent. The Bengali language emerged from the early development of Bengali and was greatly influenced by Sanskrit and many other regional languages.
Sanskrit’s Influence On Bengali
Bengali has its roots in Sanskrit, the sacred language of Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. The evolution of Proto-Bengali began around the 7th century when the language started to diverge from its source language, Prakrit. This phase was characterized by simplifying the grammar of Sanskrit, gradually evolving into a more universally accessible language.
The Emergence Of Proto-Bengali (7th To 10th Century)
Proto-Bengali, the earliest form of Bengali, developed between the 7th and 10th centuries. During this period, the language began to take on distinct features, influenced by the regional dialects of eastern India. The first writing system and literature in Proto-Bengali illustrate the transition from Sanskrit.
The Development Of Middle Bengali (10th To 14th Century)
The Middle Bengali period, from the 10th to the 14th centuries AD, marks another phase in the evolution of the Bengali language in West Bengal. This period saw the development of the Bengali script, which evolved from the Brahmi script. Literary works from this time, such as the Charyapada, a compilation of Buddhist mystic songs, reflect the growing maturity of the Bengali language as it sought its individuality.
Modern Bengali (After The 14th Century)
The modern Bengali language, as we know it today, began to evolve in the 14th century in West Bengal. During this period, the language became more standardized due to the influence of the Islamic rulers from the Delhi Sultanate, followed by the Mughals. The incorporation of Persian and Arabic words added new dimensions to modern Bengali, making it a language of fusion.
Influence Of Other Languages And Cultures On Bengali
It is important to note that the evolution of the Bengali language was influenced not only by Sanskrit but also by other languages and cultures. Bengali absorbed words from Persian, Arabic, Portuguese, and English—languages introduced through Bengal’s encounters over the centuries. These influences have enriched the Bengali language, making it vibrant and dynamic.
History Of Bengali Language: Overview
The Ancient Period: Vedic And Gupta Eras
The Bengali language traces its beginnings to the Vedic period when Bengal was part of the larger Vedic civilization. The Gupta Empire, which dominated much of northern India from the 4th to the 6th centuries, also influenced Bengal culturally, religiously, and linguistically.
The Medieval Period: Pala And Sena Dynasties
The Pala dynasty ruled Bengal from the 8th to the 11th century and was known for its support of Buddhism and educational institutions like Nalanda. The Sena dynasty, which succeeded the Palas, actively promoted Hinduism in Bengal and significantly contributed to the growth of Bengali literature and culture.
The Colonial Period: British Rule And The Bengal Renaissance
British colonial influence was strongly felt in Bengal, particularly during the Bengal Renaissance in the 19th century. This cultural and intellectual movement produced notable Bengali figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Rabindranath Tagore. The period witnessed a revival of interest in the Bengali language, literature, and history.
Post-Independence: The Division Of Bengal And Contemporary History
The partition of India in 1947 led to the formation of West Bengal in India and East Bengal, now Bangladesh. This division had a lasting impact on the cultural and linguistic development of the region. While politically, the two Bengals have gone separate ways, the Bengali language remains a unifying force, preserving cultural continuity.
How Learning Bengali Can Help
Learning Bengali can help in multiple ways. To learn the Bengali language, knowing the Bengali alphabet is crucial. Here are 4 benefits of knowing the beautiful Bengali language:
Cultural Enrichment: Learning the Bengali language lets you discover a rich heritage of literature, including the poems of Rabindranath Tagore and novels by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Learning Bengali gives a key to understanding the area’s culture, history, and artistry.
Enhancing Communication: Bengali is one of the most popular languages, with over 230 million people speaking it. Learning Bengali will help you interact with people in Bengal, Bangladesh, and any other Bengali-speaking region in the world.
Economic Opportunities: Bengal has always been an economically productive region, and Bengali is a useful language for commerce. If one is planning to venture into new areas or is looking to diversify their business, knowledge of Bengali can prove to be a boon.
Educational Benefits: For students and scholars, learning Bengali is a chance to read the region’s literature and history from the original sources. This could help in developing a richer and deeper appreciation of Bengal’s role in the history and culture of the region.
What Are 10 Words To Pick Up When Learning Bengali History?
The Bengali script is unique and interesting to learn. The Bengali language is spoken in villages differently than in cities, and modern Bengali is different from the Latin script of Bangla. Native Bengali people speak differently and have different native Bengali words. Thus, as we examine the Bengali language and history, I have picked up the most essential words that will help you understand Bengali history.
Practice Tips For Mastering The Bengali Language
- To learn the Bengali language and Bengali script use flashcards as it is useful for memorizing the script.
- Talk to native Bengali speakers to familiarize words, along with the spoken language.
- Read more about the Bengali language movement blogs, articles, books, documentaries, and watch on YouTube.
- Watch movies on Bengali literature, know about the middle Bengali language and more. Knowing these will help you understand the Bengali writing system and scripts.
How Do You Say ‘Bengali History’ In Bengali?
In Bengali, Bengali history is referred to as Banglar Itihash (বাংলার ইতিহাস) pronounced as Bang-lar I-ti-hash.
3 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Is Bengali Different From Other Indian Languages?
Bengali’s linguistic features differ from those of other Indian languages due to its Sanskrit and Persian vocabulary, modern linguistic characteristics, and distinctive Bengali punctuation marks. Bengali has different written and spoken forms, but its rich history sets it apart from other languages.
2. How Hard Or Easy Is It To Learn Bengali For Non-Native Speakers?
The Bengali language is one of the most widely spoken languages. Learning it may be a little difficult because of the Sanskrit words, their script, and pronunciation. However, with constant practice and exposure, it is possible to master the language.
3. What 3 Books Should Non-Bengalis Read To Understand Its History?
Bengali is spoken in West Bengal and Bangladesh. To learn history, three essential books include Bengal Divided: Hindu Communalism and Partition, 1932-1947 by Joya Chatterji, Rabindranath Tagore: An Anthology by Krishna Dutta and Andrew Robinson, and In the Name of the Nation: India and its Northeast by Sanjib Baruah.
Learn More About Bengali History!
Bengali is the state language and official court language of West Bengal. It is also a popular foreign language, a blend of Indo-Aryan and European influences. Therefore, knowing the written Bengali script is essential to exploring it fully.
However, using the Ling app is a great way to learn more about Bengali history. You can enhance your learning experience by combining the app with our Bengali blog. You’ll be able to learn about Bengali grammar, verb forms, vocabulary, Bengali food, and so much more.
