When Persian was the Official Court Language

Did you know: Before the advent of the East India Company and the subsequent colonization of our country, the court language was not English but Persian. [Note: We are, of course, referring to the region that was invaded by the Turks, Padhans and the region under the rule of the Mughal Sultanate.] 

Then the British came! 

Initially, they did not interfere much with the official language of the courts, which continued to be Persian. Then again, let's face it. They came here to do business (and earn money). Social or legal reforms was not really on their agenda. 

But as their feet got firmly planted in the country, they realized that the language spoken at the courts did not have any meaning for the masses. 

Thus, the first step they took was the Bengal Regulations IV and IV of 1793 and IV of 1797, whereby the parties and witnesses (in a suit) were given the liberty to be examined in any language they chose. 

Of course, they also realised that getting every document translated into English so they themselves could understand it posed another handicap. Why? 1) It wasted time, and 2) It increased the cost. And not to mention, the RULERS will always prefer their own language over that of the RULED!!!

And thus, by 1832...English was partially introduced as the official court language along with other vernaculars (like Marathi, Gujrati, Tamil, Telugu, etc.). However, Persian had finally lost its place altogether. 

However, even today... the remnants of the Persian language still abound in old court documents. What's more, we still have lots of old Persian terms that are still in vogue in the courts today! 

Don't believe me... watch this space for more!!! 

Best wishes, 

Dr. Mallika Nawal

Advocate 

(mallika_nawal@yahoo.com)