Why Pakistan Chose Urdu for Its National Anthem: An Exploration of Language and History

Pakistan's national anthem, written by poet Hafeez Jalandhri, consists of 15 stanzas and is an integral part of the country's cultural heritage. The choice of Urdu, the national language, for the anthem is intriguing given its evolution from a diverse linguistic and cultural mix. This article delves into the historical and linguistic context that led to the adoption of Urdu as the language of choice for Pakistan's national anthem.

The National Anthem of Pakistan in Urdu

In English, we talk about the 'National Anthem of Pakistan,' and in Urdu, it is known as 'Pakistan ka Qaumi Taraana.' This anthem serves as a powerful symbol of the nation's identity and spirit. Hafeez Jalandhri's poetry captures the essence of Pakistan's journey and spirit in ever-intricate verses.

Urdu: The Mother Tongue of Pakistan

Urdu is not just the national language of Pakistan, but it is also deeply rooted in the country's historical and cultural fabric. Historically, Urdu was a native language used by a significant section of the population in the Indo-Pakistan region. Despite its rich history, the question arises: why did Pakistan choose to adopt a national anthem in this language rather than one of its indigenous languages?

Background of the National Anthem in Urdu: Urdu, as a language, originated around the 12th century in the northern regions of the subcontinent. It evolved from a conglomerate of various cultural and linguistic influences, including Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and Sanskrit. Over the centuries, Urdu developed a unique identity, becoming a medium of literary expression and everyday communication.

Historical Context of Urdu

The Indo-Pakistan region has seen the invasion and rule of numerous empires, each leaving a significant impact on the region's cultural and linguistic landscape:

Important Emperors and Rulers

1. Iran Persia:

Darius-I: In the 6th century BC, he conquered parts of northwestern India.Nadir Shah: In 1739, he invaded Delhi and looted immense wealth.

2. Greece Macedonia:

Alexander the Great: In 326 BC, he invaded the northwestern regions of India, leaving a lasting cultural impact.

3. Afghanistan:

Mahmud of Ghazni: In the 11th century, he invaded India, especially Somnath.Shahabuddin Ghori: He captured Delhi in the 12th century, laying the foundation for Muslim rule.

4. Mongolia Mongol Invasion:

Genghis Khan: His Mongols invaded the northwestern regions of India in the 13th century, though they did not establish rule there.Timur Lang: In the 14th century, he attacked Delhi and caused widespread destruction.

5. Turkey Ottoman Empire:

Bahlul Lodhi: A Turkic descent ruler who ruled over Delhi.Zaheer-ud-Din Babur: A Turk of Mongol descent, he invaded India in 1526, founding the Mughal Empire.

6. Mughal Empire:

Zaheer-ud-Din Babur: The founder of the Mughal Empire, he ruled over India for three centuries.Akbar, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb: Mughal rulers who established stable and vast empires over India.

7. Portugal: They established colonies in Goa, Daman, and Diu in the 15th and 16th centuries.

8. England British Raj:

British East India Company: In the 18th century, they gradually took over India.British Rule: After the rebellion of 1857, they ruled directly until 1947.

Each of these empires and rulers introduced their own languages, which blended with the regional vernacular, eventually giving birth to Urdu.

Evaluation of Urdu

The Urdu language embodies a rich tapestry of influences, reflecting the diverse cultural and historical interactions of the region. Its vocabulary is a fusion of Persian, Arabic, Turkish, Sanskrit, and English words. Some key languages that contributed to the development of Urdu include:

1. Persian: Words in Urdu heavily influenced by Persian, especially in literature, poetry, and everyday conversation.

2. Arabic: Used mostly in religious and academic contexts, such as the Quran, prayer, and knowledge.

3. Turkish: Words for terms like Quli (Labourer) Bahadur (Brave).

4. Sanskrit: Common with Hindi, especially in everyday vocab, such as vegetable, gold, and salt.

5. English: Modern Urdu has adopted many English words, particularly in fields like technology and education, such as computer, mobile, and college.

6. Portuguese: Influences can be seen in words like bucket and key from this language.

Conclusion

The National Anthem of Pakistan is a profound piece of literature written in pure Urdu, the national language. This choice reflects Pakistan's deep connection with its historical and cultural heritage. Seminar studies and research demonstrate that Pakistan's national anthem was composed in Urdu, not Persian, highlighting its importance in unifying the nation. Urdu, with its rich diversity and profound cultural significance, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Pakistan and its ongoing journey.