History of Translation in India [Medieval India]
Translation in Medieval India: History, Growth, and Role
• Historical and Cultural Background
Medieval India was marked by intense cultural interaction. This period witnessed the rise of Islamic rule, the spread of Persian and Arabic culture, and the growth of Bhakti and Sufi movements. Society became more linguistically diverse with the increasing use of Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, and emerging regional languages.
In this context, translation became a powerful cultural bridge. It was used not only to communicate ideas but also to bring different religious and cultural communities into dialogue.
• Nature of Translation in Medieval India
The nature of translation in Medieval India continued the Indian tradition of sense-based and adaptive translation, but with a more systematic and institutional character.
Main characteristics:
-Focus on meaning rather than literal accuracy
-Strong influence of religion and devotion
-Translation as interpretation and recreation
-Use of translation for cultural integration and governance
Translation during this period often involved rewriting texts to suit the beliefs and understanding of new audiences.
• Languages Involved in Medieval Translation
Translation activity expanded due to contact between Indian and Islamic cultures.
Major languages:
• Sanskrit – classical religious and philosophical texts
• Persian – language of administration and court culture
• Arabic – religious and scholarly works
• Regional languages – Awadhi, Braj, Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi, etc.
This multilingual environment made translation essential for communication across communities.
• Bhakti Movement and Translation
The Bhakti movement played a major role in the growth of translation in Medieval India. Bhakti saints believed that devotion should be accessible to everyone, not limited to Sanskrit-knowing elites.
Key features:
-Translation of Sanskrit scriptures into regional languages
-Use of simple language and poetic forms
-Emphasis on emotional and personal devotion
Important figures:
•Tulsidas – Ramcharitmanas (Sanskrit Ramayana → Awadhi)
•Surdas – devotional poetry in Braj
•Mirabai – bhajans in regional dialects
•Kabir – blended Hindu and Islamic ideas in vernacular language
These works were not literal translations but creative reinterpretations meant for the masses.
• Sufi Tradition and Translation
Alongside Bhakti, the Sufi movement also contributed to translation.
Key aspects:
-Translation of Islamic ideas into local idioms
-Use of Persian and Hindavi (early Urdu)
-Emphasis on love, tolerance, and spirituality
Sufi poets made complex Islamic concepts understandable to Indian audiences through translation and adaptation.
• Mughal Translation Projects
Translation reached a new level of institutional importance during the Mughal period, especially under Emperor Akbar.
Maktab Khana (House of Translation)
•Established to promote cultural understanding
•Sanskrit texts translated into Persian
Major translated works:
•Mahabharata → Razmnama
•Ramayana
•Upanishads
•Bhagavata Purana
These translations helped create a shared intellectual space between Hindu and Muslim elites.
• Growth of Translation in Medieval India
Translation in this period grew due to:
-Religious movements (Bhakti and Sufi)
-Court patronage under the Mughals
-Rise of regional languages and literatures
-Need for communication between rulers and subjects
The process moved from individual devotional efforts to organized state-sponsored translation.
• Role of Translation in Medieval India
Translation played several important roles:
-Democratization of religion by making texts accessible
-Cultural synthesis between Hindu and Islamic traditions
-Development of regional literatures
-Promotion of social harmony and dialogue
-Preservation and reinterpretation of classical texts
-Translation helped reduce cultural distance and encouraged mutual understanding.
• Example
• Conclusion
In Medieval India, translation became a dynamic cultural force. It connected religions, languages, and communities at a time of political and social change. Whether through Bhakti poetry, Sufi teachings, or Mughal court projects, translation functioned as a tool of communication, devotion, and integration. The medieval period thus strengthened India’s long-standing tradition of adaptive and meaning-based translation, preparing the ground for modern translation practices.
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Some information in this blog has been adapted from publicly available online sources such as blogs, Quora, and Google search results.
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