Introduction to Urdu: The Story of Urdu’s Many Names | Module 2 | Rekhta Learning

Introduction to Urdu: The Story of Urdu’s Many Names | Module 2 | Rekhta Learning For over 500 years, the language we call Urdu didn't have that name yet. In this lesson, you will get to know the story of Urdu's many names from the 13th to the 18th century. The language started forming in the 1200s, but the name Urdu wasn't adopted until the late 1700s. Before that it went by several names, each tied to a place and a moment in history. Its earliest names were Hindavi and Hindi, used by Sufi saints like Baba Farid and by Amir Khusrau, who called himself a proud Hindustani Turk who spoke Hindavi. Since it grew in and around Delhi, it was briefly called Dehlavi. When Muhammad bin Tughlaq moved the capital to the Deccan in 1327, the language traveled too, becoming Gujari in Gujarat and Dakani in the South. Poets like Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Ghalib and Nazir Akbarabadi used the name Rekhta, meaning mixed or blended. The word Urdu itself means army camp. When Shah Jahan built Shahjahanabad in 1648, the speech there was called Zaban-e-Urdu-e-Mualla, later shortened to just Urdu. Content by Dinesh Shrinet and Hussain Ayaz. Presented by Shagufta Yasmin. . Get the full course here: https://bit.ly/4aFgJD5 . Chapters: 00:00:00 The Hidden History of Urdu's Many Names 00:00:53 Why Urdu Was Originally Called Hindavi 00:01:44 How 'Hindi' Was Used in Early Urdu Poetry 00:02:16 Dehlavi: Origins in the Streets of Delhi 00:02:46 Migration: The Rise of Gujari and Dakani 00:03:22 Rekhta: The Language of Poetry and Art 00:04:39 Ghalib and the Era of Rekhta Poetry 00:05:20 The Birth of the Name 'Urdu' 00:05:42 Royal Roots: What 'Urdu' Actually Means 00:06:12 From the Royal Court to Modern Urdu 00:07:01 Urdu: A Language Named After a City . About the Course: Looking to enter the magical world of Urdu language, literature, and culture? If yes, then you’re at the right place! This crash course will be your perfect guide in exploring the history of the language, its vibrant literature, and its cultural heritage. Through a beginner-friendly approach, this course will unravel the poetic traditions of the language, enabling you to appreciate its charm. You will get to explore iconic genres of Urdu literature across poetry and prose. An introduction to legendary figures that have shaped this timeless language and its literature is also a part of this course. It will also shed light on the influence of Urdu on performing arts like Dastangoi, Mushaira, Qawwali, and cinema. Join the course to delve into the magical realm of Urdu today! . About Jashn-e-Rekhta Jashn-e-Rekhta is the world’s largest cultural festival celebrating the beauty, depth, and living spirit of the Urdu language. Held annually, it brings together poets, musicians, writers, thinkers, and artists from across the world to create a space of poetry, music, conversations, and storytelling. From soul-stirring mushairas and spellbinding musical evenings to intimate dialogues and immersive cultural experiences, the festival is where language turns into emotion and heritage finds a contemporary voice. More than a festival, Jashn-e-Rekhta is a movement that keeps Urdu alive, relevant, and deeply connected across generations. . #historyofurdu #learnurdu #urduhistory #amirkhusrau #mirzaghalib #urdulanguage #rekhtalearning . About Rekhta Foundation: Rekhta Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation committed to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the Urdu language and its rich literary and cultural legacy. Through digital archives, learning platforms, publications, festivals, and community initiatives, the Foundation works to make Urdu accessible and meaningful for audiences worldwide. By bridging classical traditions with modern platforms and voices, Rekhta Foundation ensures that the language continues to inspire, connect, and evolve with time. . IMPORTANT COPYRIGHT NOTICE © Rekhta Foundation. All rights reserved. Unauthorised downloading, clipping, re-uploading, or reuse of this content (audio/video/visuals) is strictly prohibited without written permission. . External Links: Website: https://rekhta.org/ Instagram:   / jashnerekhtaofficial   Rekhta Books: https://rekhtabooks.com/ Rekhta Learning: https://rekhtalearning.com/