The Role of Persian Culture and Literature in the Formation and Influence on Subcontinental Literature: A Study on Historical and Cultural Impacts in Persian-Urdu Texts

Abstract

This article examines the profound and enduring influence of Persian literature on the Urdu language and literature in the Indian subcontinent. Through a historical and linguistic analysis, it explores how Persian, as a cultural and spiritual language, deeply influenced the linguistic and cultural structure of the region, playing a fundamental role in the formation and development of Urdu literature. Persian, particularly through poetic forms such as the ghazal and qasida, as well as mystical and religious themes, enabled Urdu to evolve into a prominent and independent language. With the presence of Persian in Mughal courts, the support of elites and poets, and the translation of religious and mystical texts, Persian enriched Urdu’s linguistic and spiritual dimensions and contributed to the consolidation of the cultural and religious identity of the community. Analysis of literary examples reveals that Urdu borrowed extensively from Persian, not only in vocabulary and structural forms but also in cultural and thematic patterns. This article also examines the reciprocal influences between these two languages, highlighting instances where Urdu impacted Persian in specific aspects. Concluding with recommendations for future research, this article emphasizes the need for further exploration of the linguistic and cultural interactions between Persian and Urdu to better understand this deep and continuous cultural heritage.