Sindhi Language Day: 10 April 2025
World Sindhi Language Day is observed annually on April 10th to honor the Sindhi language worldwide by Sindhi people, one of the oldest and most culturally significant languages in South Asia. Sindhi has its roots in the ancient civilization of Sindh, now part of Pakistan, and continues to be a bridge between past traditions and modern linguistic identity.
Sindhi Language Day: Celebrating a Rich Heritage
Sindhi, an Indo Aryan language spoken by more 50 million predominantly in the Sindh Pakistan and India, is deeply rooted in history, culture, and tradition of Hind Sind. Lets explore its history, its emergence from ancient scripts, and its journey through time, particularly highlighting the contributions made to the language’s modern form.
Birth of Sindhi Language Day
World Sindhi Language Day was established on April 10, 1967, when the Indian government officially recognized Sindhi and included it in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. This acknowledgment marked a significant milestone in preserving and promoting the Sindhi language and cultural heritage.
The Sindhi language has a fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Its roots can be traced back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 3,000 BCE in what is now Pakistan’s Sindh province and parts of India. The people of this civilization, although their language remains largely undeciphered, left behind artifacts that point to an early form of writing.
It is believed that the Sindhi language evolved from the Proto-Indo-Aryan languages spoken by the people of the region. Around 1,500 BCE, the region saw the arrival of the Indo-Aryan invaders who contributed to the development of the Vedic civilization. This period laid the foundation for much of Indian culture, including language.
Over time, Sindhi began to emerge as a distinct language, influenced by these ancient invaders and subsequent local developments. This language further evolved as the region saw the integration of multiple cultural and linguistic influences.
Mohenjo-Daro language Scripts
Mohenjo-Daro, one of the two major settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, offers valuable insight into the evolution of Sindhi and other regional languages. The archaeological findings in Mohenjo-Daro, including seals with pictographic writing, have long intrigued linguists and historians.
While the script used by the Indus Valley people remains undeciphered, some scholars argue that the language used in the region may have influenced the Sindhi script. The existence of early script-like symbols found in Mohenjo-Daro supports the theory that the Sindhi language has roots going back more than 4,000 years.
Even though the precise relationship between the Indus Valley script and modern Sindhi is unclear, these findings suggest that Sindhi, or a precursor to it, might have been in use in this region from as early as the 3rd millennium BCE.
First Translation in Sindhi language (Quran with Sindhi Translation)
The formal written record of the Sindhi language begins to appear in the 8th century CE, with the first known Sindhi writing being a translation of the Quran. This translation marks an important milestone not only for the language but also for the broader Islamic world.
Isma’ili religious literature and poetry in India, dating back to the 11th century CE, utilized a language closely related to Sindhi and Gujarati. Much of this literature consists of ginans, which are devotional hymns, showcasing the deep connection between these languages in the context of religious expression.
He was a Muslim theologian from Sindh, who is credited with translating the Quran into Sindhi in 1870. This work was groundbreaking, as it made the Quran accessible to the Sindhi-speaking population in their native language, paving the way for the use of Sindhi in religious, literary, and intellectual contexts.
Akhund Azizullah Muttalawi’s translation is considered the first written of translation of Holy Quran into Sindhi language, and it was instrumental in developing the Sindhi language for religious and scholarly purposes. This translation helped establish Sindhi as a language capable of carrying complex theological and philosophical ideas. His work set a precedent for future translations of religious texts into Sindhi and played an essential role in shaping the language’s future.
The Modernization of Sindhi Language
Over the centuries, Sindhi continued to evolve as both a spoken and written language. However, it wasn’t until the British colonial era that the language began to gain formal recognition. The British administration took an active interest in developing regional languages for administrative purposes.
Sindhi was officially recognized by the British government, and schools were established to teach the language, ensuring its growth and development in modern times. The modern Sindhi alphabet, based on the Perso-Arabic script, was standardized in 1853 under British rule, with Captain Richard F. Burton playing a key role. It was later further refined for educational and official use, ensuring its widespread adoption in Sindh and beyond.
In post-colonial Pakistan, Sindhi was recognized as one of the country’s regional languages. Despite the challenges faced by the language, especially with the rise of Urdu and English in Pakistan, efforts to standardize and preserve Sindhi continued. The Sindhi script, which is a modified version of the Arabic script, became the official script for writing the language, although the Devanagari script is still used in India.
In addition to this landmark translation, the work of poets and scholars such as Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai further enriched Sindhi. Although Bhittai did not translate the Quran, his mystical poetry and philosophy contributed immensely to the language’s literary development. His poetry continues to be regarded as a cornerstone of Sindhi culture, providing the language with a rich repository of spiritual and philosophical thought.
| Poet | Lifespan | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Qazi Qadan | 1493–1551 | Earliest known Sindhi Sufi poet, emphasized mysticism. |
| Shah Abdul Karim Bulri | 1538–1623 | Influential Sufi poet, focused on divine love. |
| Shah Inat Rizvi | c. 1613–1701 | Prominent poet who shaped Sindhi mystical poetry. |
These poets played a crucial role in shaping Sindhi Sufi literature.
Medieval Sindhi literature enriched cultural heritage with folktales like Sassui Punnhun, Sohni Mahiwal, and Momal Rano, retold in poetry. Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689–1752), Sindhi’s greatest poet, preserved these in Shah Jo Risalo. The first Sindhi Quran translation was done by Akhund Azaz Allah Muttalawi (1747–1824).
Sindhi Language in the Constitution of India
Sindhi language, although predominantly spoken in Pakistan, also holds significant importance in India. In 1967, Sindhi was officially included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, recognizing it as one of the scheduled languages of India. This inclusion granted Sindhi the same status as other major Indian languages, ensuring its use in education, media, and government affairs.
The inclusion of Sindhi in India’s constitution was a key moment in its modern history, providing greater access to educational and government resources in the language. Following Sindhi’s inclusion in 1967, other regional languages like Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali were added in 1992, further reflecting the importance of linguistic diversity in India. Since then the Sindhi scholars celebrate Sindhi language day worldwide to honor this recognization.
World Sindhi Language Day: A Celebration of Heritage
World Sindhi Language Day, observed annually on April 10, is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and celebration of the Sindhi language. This day is not only a recognition of the historical significance of Sindhi but also a call to action to ensure that the language continues to thrive in the face of modern challenges.
It is a day to honor the contributions of scholars, poets, and writers who have worked tirelessly to promote Sindhi, such as Akhund Azizullah Muttalawi, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, and many others. The celebration of World Sindhi Language Day serves as a reminder of the struggles and resilience of the Sindhi-speaking community, both in Pakistan and India.
It highlights the importance of language in preserving cultural identity and fostering a sense of belonging among the Sindhi people. Through this observance, efforts to promote Sindhi in education, media, and technology continue, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their linguistic heritage.
Conclusion
International Mother Language Day on February 21st) and Sindhi Language Day on April 10th share a common goal—preserving linguistic heritage and cultural identity. Just as February 21st honors the sacrifices made for the Bengali language, Sindhi Language Day celebrates Sindhi’s resilience and recognition in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 1967.
Both days emphasize the importance of multilingualism and language preservation in an era of globalization. By promoting Sindhi language and literature, we contribute to the global movement of safeguarding endangered languages, ensuring that Sindhi continues to thrive for future generations while honoring its historical and cultural roots.
Happy Sindhi Language Day