Understanding 'Hindavi' - Identifying the Correct Term

The question asks us to identify what 'Hindavi' refers to from the given options. Let's analyze the historical context and the term itself.

'Hindavi' is a historical term used to refer to a language. It was one of the names given to the language that was developing in North India during the medieval period. This language later evolved into what we now know as Hindi-Urdu or Hindustani.

Notable figures, such as the famous poet Amir Khusrau in the 13th century, used the term 'Hindavi' to describe the vernacular language spoken by the people of Delhi and the surrounding regions.

Let's examine the options provided:

• (a) A mother Goddess of ancient India: There is no significant historical or religious text that identifies 'Hindavi' as a mother goddess.
• (b) A book of Alvar Saints: Alvar Saints were Vaishnavite saints from South India (primarily Tamil Nadu) who composed devotional hymns in Tamil. 'Hindavi' is not associated with their literature or traditions.
• (c) A travelogue written by Al-Biruni: Al-Biruni was a Persian scholar who traveled to the Indian subcontinent in the 11th century and wrote extensively about its culture, science, and geography in his work, famously known as 'Kitab fi Tahqiq ma li'l-Hind'. While Al-Biruni discussed Indian languages, 'Hindavi' is not the title of his travelogue or a term he prominently used in that specific way.
• (d) A language: As discussed, 'Hindavi' was a recognized term for a language spoken in North India during the medieval era.

Based on historical evidence and linguistic studies, 'Hindavi' correctly identifies a language.

Statement-wise Analysis of 'Hindavi' Options

• Option (a) is incorrect. 'Hindavi' is not a deity.
• Option (b) is incorrect. 'Hindavi' is not a book by Alvar Saints, who wrote in Tamil.
• Option (c) is incorrect. 'Hindavi' is not the title of Al-Biruni's travelogue.
• Option (d) is correct. 'Hindavi' is a historical name for a language.

Revision Table: What was 'Hindavi'?

Additional Information on 'Hindavi' Language

'Hindavi' is considered a precursor to modern Hindi and Urdu. It was also known by various other names in different periods and regions, such as Hindawi, Dehlavi, and Rekhta (especially when Persian influence became significant). It served as a widely understood language in the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire periods, facilitating communication across different communities in North India. The poetry of figures like Amir Khusrau provides early examples of this language.