The Development of Arabic Lexicography in the 20th Century Indian Subcontinent

In the 20th century Indian subcontinent the Arabic Lexicography is developed significantly due to the practice of Al-Qur’an, Al-Hadees, Al-Fiqh and all kinds of Arabic language and literature. In this century many non- Arab scholars and linguists wrote different types of dictionaries of Arabic language. They wrote dictionaries in various categories like Arabic-Urdu, Urdu-Arabic, Arabic-Bangla, Arabic-English etc. In the same manner many of them also prepared dictionaries and glossaries of the Holy Qur’an. As a result, it has become very easy for the non-Arabs of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan to practice all kinds of Arabic language and literature. Abul Fazol Abdul Hafiz Baliyavi, Kazi Joynul Abedin Sajjad Mirati, Maolana Ohiduzzman Qasemi Al-Kiranavi, Dr. Abdullah Abbas Nadvi, Dr. Muhammad Fazlur Rahman, Maolana Abu Taher Mesbah and Ahmad Karim Siddiq are particularly notable among the lexicographers of the Arabic language in the 20th century Indian Subcontinent. Overall, the 20th century witnessed a dynamic period in Arabic lexicography in the Indian subcontinent, characterized by the interplay of traditional and modern approaches, the influence of nationalist movements, and the emergence of specialized dictionaries to meet diverse needs.