The History of the Bengali Language

The History of the Bengali Language

Author: Bijachandra Mazumdar

Publisher: University of Calcutta

Edition: First Edition, 1927

Binding: Hardcover

Pages: 323

Size: 5 inch x 8 inch

The History of the Bengali Language by Bijachandra Mazumdar, published in 1927 by the University of Calcutta, is one of the earliest and most comprehensive scholarly efforts to chronicle the linguistic evolution of Bengali. As a pioneering academic work, it offers a detailed, systematic account of how the Bengali language emerged, transformed, and came into its modern form.

Spread over 323 pages, this hardcover edition delves into the historical, grammatical, and phonetic aspects of the language. The author traces Bengali’s lineage from its Indo-Aryan roots, examining the influence of Prakrit, Pali, Sanskrit, and various regional dialects that contributed to its growth over the centuries. The text also explores how foreign influences, such as Persian, Arabic, and English, left their imprint on Bengali vocabulary and syntax.

Mazumdar’s scholarship stands out for its methodological depth and linguistic clarity. He organizes the material into chronological stages—Old Bengali, Middle Bengali, and Modern Bengali—while providing literary and historical examples that illustrate the shifts in language and style. Additionally, the book pays attention to regional variations and dialectical diversity within Bengali-speaking regions, enhancing its relevance for comparative linguistic studies.

This first edition is more than just a linguistic record; it also captures the socio-cultural forces that shaped the Bengali identity through language. For students of linguistics, cultural studies, and South Asian history, Mazumdar’s work remains a classic reference that continues to be cited nearly a century after its original publication.

Its 5 x 8 inch format and durable hardcover make it a collector’s item for serious readers, institutions, and libraries with a focus on Indian linguistics or the history of Bengal.

• Genre: Linguistics / History & Culture

• Subject Focus: Historical evolution of the Bengali language from ancient to modern forms

• Academic Importance: One of the earliest scholarly works dedicated entirely to Bengali linguistics

• Cultural Insight: Explores the socio-historical backdrop influencing language change

• Linguistic Range: Covers phonetics, grammar, vocabulary evolution, and literary transitions

• Edition Note: First edition published in 1927 by the University of Calcutta

• Ideal For: Scholars of linguistics, South Asian studies, philology, and Bengali literature

• Author’s Contribution: Bijachandra Mazumdar was a noted scholar who significantly contributed to Bengali language studies

• Design: Hardcover binding for longevity, sized conveniently for academic reference

• Legacy Value: A foundational and enduring text in the study of Indian regional languages