Usage Of Arabic Words and Terms in Assamese Language and Literature: An Analytical Study

Abstract

Long before Islam arrived, the Indo-Arab commercial relations had a significant influence in India as well as Assam, where Arabic language has grown and developed through different periods. Assam has come into a relation with Arabs as well as Arabic language. In the early years of the seventh century A.D., Arabs left for India and began to settle in various regions after they invaded Sind (in 712 A.D.). In due course of time, they built Masjids, spread the Islamic faith and instructed people to Islamic customs using Arabic words and terms. The proportion of Arabic learning people in all parts of India significantly increased. Arabic has been become the language of religion and education for Muslim rulers and subjects ever since. Later, when Muslim Sufis like Peers, Faqirs, and Awliyas emerged, they were also played a vital role in teaching Arabic to the Assamese people. The usage of Arabic words and terms in Assam and its different region can be traced back to the early 13th century, when the Nawab of Gour, Muhammad bin Bakhtiar Khalji, wanted to conquer China through Assam. Moreover, we know that there are many prominent Assamese authors who have been incorporating a good number of Arabic words and terms into Assamese literature. Accordingly we find a significant relation of Arabic and Assamese language.