The Santhali language, originating from the Santhal tribal community of India, bears a rich history and a significant evolution in its script and usage over the years. During the British colonial era in India, the Santhali language was transcribed using the Roman script. However, in contemporary times, the Devanagari script has become the predominant script for writing Santhali.
The linguistic affinity between Santhali and Bengali is notable, leading to a preference among educated Santhali writers to utilize Bengali for their literary works. This preference is largely due to the phonetic similarities shared between the two languages. Despite this inclination towards Bengali, it is important to recognize that Santhali is believed to be older than the Indo-Aryan languages, underscoring its historical significance within the linguistic landscape of India.
The absence of a standardized script specific to the Santhali language prompted the emergence of the 'Ol Chiki' script, pioneered by the esteemed thinker Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925. Revered as Guru Gomke among the Santhal people, Pandit Raghunath Murmu played a pivotal role in advocating for the development of a distinct script for the Santhali language. His efforts were propelled by the recognition that existing scripts failed to adequately capture the nuances of Santhali communication.
Pandit Raghunath Murmu's legacy extends beyond script development, as he made substantial contributions to Santhali literature and cultural enrichment. With over 150 books to his credit, covering a diverse array of subjects, Pandit Raghunath Murmu's literary prowess left an indelible mark on the Santhal tribal community.
In contemporary times, despite a relative decline in the usage of the Santhali language, it remains a vital component of the cultural heritage of the Santhal people and also counted among the prominent tribal languages in India. While its prevalence may have diminished, there persists a cadre of educated individuals within the Santhal community who continue to champion the language through literary endeavors and scholarly pursuits. These individuals play a crucial role in preserving the linguistic heritage and ensuring the continued vitality of the Santhali language.
In conclusion, the history and evolution of the Santhali
language reflect a journey marked by resilience, adaptation, and cultural
significance. From its humble beginnings transcribed in the Roman script to the
development of the 'Ol Chiki' script under the guidance of Pandit Raghunath
Murmu, the trajectory of the Santhali language is emblematic of the enduring
spirit of the Santhal people. While challenges persist in maintaining its
prominence, the intrinsic value of the Santhali language as a repository of
cultural identity and heritage remains steadfast.
