Hindoo

Cla name for the Indian branch of the Aryan family of languages, derived, according to some, from “Hapta Hendu,” “Seven Rivers,” old name for the Punjaub. Hindostani or Urdu . The vernacular tongue of the Indian Moslemim, or Mu ulmen; first originated by the Muhammadan invaders, circa A.D. 1004. It is a compound of Arabic and Persian with Sanskrit , called Urdu-zaban , or “camp lingo,” and written in a cursive character, called Taghlik, derived from Arabic; also in uncial letters formed from Sanskrit. N.B.—Hindu-stan means the “land of the Hindoos.” Forbes: “Dicty. H. and Eng.,” 1859; “Grammar,” 1849.