History of Bengali Language and Literature c8.1

c8.1

As a result of the conquest of Bengal by the Muhammadans and their settlement in the country, a number of Persian and Arabic words were mixed with the dialect current in Bengal. In the official and business-life this foreign element naturally predominated. Sanskritic words were replaced by those imported by Moslem settlers. As the Hindus gradually lost administrative functions, the language of the court became full of Arabic and Persian words. Articles of luxury and the customs of high life bore foreign names, and the fact of a conquering nation gradually monopolizing all power, together with all the important and profitable activities is evidenced in the indelible marks left on our language,—this importation of foreign words having commenced so early as 1203 A.D. when the Muhammadans invaded Bangal.