How is Urdu distinct from other Indian languages and how has it evolved over time?
Urdu is distinct from other Indian languages as it is a blend of Persian, Arabic, Turkish and Sanskrit vocabulary. It developed as the lingua franca in India during the Mughal Empire period. Over time, Urdu has evolved through various stages such as Classical Urdu (16th to 18th centuries), Modern Urdu (19th century onwards) and Contemporary Urdu (20th-21st centuries). The language has adopted words from English, Hindi, and other Indian languages due to its contact with diverse cultures.