When Persian served in Bengal as the language of power and culture

What Happened

Persian functioned as Bengal's administrative and courtly language from the fourteenth century until Mughal conquest in early seventeenth century. Historians note Persian vocabulary persists in modern Bengali through words like piyala and aasta. Under Mughal rule starting 1576, Persian influence intensified through administrative officials and cultural practices. The language enabled effective governance where Sanskrit seemed unsuitable for Muslim rulers and regional dialects appeared too limited for imperial administration.

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