Question

A new language that developed in India during the medieval age was
A) Persian
B) Hindi
C) Urdu
D) Pali

Answer 1

Hint: The emergence of modern Indian languages indicates the change from the old to the middle ages in our Indian History. They became the means of literature and the instruments of ancient thought. It is correct that Sanskrit remained to be developed, but with the downfall of Hindu countries and the drying up of the causes of support, its style rapidly decreased.

Complete answer:
The conquerors of India introduced several languages from overseas. They were Arabic, Turkish, and Persian. Arabic was known as the language of religion and law and was developed by the learned. Turkish might be spoken within the internal walls, but it did not maintain any significant literature. Its impact was little. Persian was known to be the language of the court. It was used as an authentic language for all state purposes and was the medium of social intercourse. Encouragement of learning was observed in those times as an essential function of Government, and the centers of state authority drew numerous candidates to royal favor. Poetry writers from Persia, and Indian authors who were born in the country, demonstrated their skill at the courts of princes to gain their favor.
While it may be tough to evaluate the contribution of India to Arabic literature, with the help of the anthologies (tazkiras), it becomes an easy job. But indeed the Persian literature of India has been managed by the standards which were established by the Persians; and although in style, language, and content the Persian literature of India carries the impress of its land of origin and its high quality, it cannot be declared that this literature is reminiscent of the native soil, or that it appropriately cherishes the wisdom and spirit of the Indians. In the Medieval period, we witnessed a lot of cultural interaction between communities like the Hindus and Muslims. One of the outcomes of this is the development of the Urdu language. It is considered to be a blend of Persian and Hindi. It persisted in being the language of standard religious literature and philosophy, and treaties were formed in it on ancient science, but the days of its fame were over. The growth of these languages is a profoundly interesting study, not only from the view of History but for the knowledge of some problems which trouble us in our times and for the solution of which our tomorrow largely depends.
So, the correct answer is Option C.

Note: For the knowledge of the medieval Indian mind, it is required to study the languages which used to be the living media of expression. Amongst them, Braja, Hindustani, and Avadhi may be taken, for instance. All the three are related, but the first two are known to be the daughters of the same mother.