UPSC CSE Pre. 1999, GS Paper I

Evolution of Urdu Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The first writer to use Urdu as the medium of poetic expression was:

Answer: A

Concept Urdu evolved as a bridge language (Lashkari) between Persian-speaking elites and the local Hindi-speaking populace.

Explanation Amir Khusrau (13th century) called this language 'Hindavi' and used it for his riddles (Paheliyan) and Sufi songs.

Logical Breakup

Option A is Correct: Known as 'Tuti-e-Hind' (Parrot of India), Khusrau was the first to blend Persian structures with local Hindavi vocabulary.

Others: Ghalib and Zafar belonged to the 19th century, during the peak of Urdu literature.

Question

By what other name is Amir Khusrau known?

Answer

He is called 'Tuti-e-Hind' or the 'Parrot of India' for his poetic eloquence.

Khusrau's use of Hindavi was a deliberate attempt to connect the Islamic mystic tradition with the local Indian cultural idiom.