Vidyankur

Author(s): Raja Shivprasad
Publisher: Raja Shivprasad

Page 7

In the absence of a good standard vernacular dio tionary, it is rather difficult to explain the principle on which the words have been selected. However, a few examples may not be out of place here, to show that nothing has been done heedlessly, and that the utmost care has been bestowed upon the subject:
1. Ustád for Guru.-The former is used by Hindus and Muhammadans both, but the latter can be used only by Hindus.
2. Madrasa for Pathsala r Maktab.--The former has now become a household word through Up per India, whereas the first of the latter two cannot be used by Muhammadans, nor the second by the Pandits.
3. Shagird for Chelá, Sishya or Vidyartht.The former is used by Hindus and Muhammadans both, but the latter three can be used only by Hin· dus; moreover, the first and the second of them generally convey the sense of a spiritual disciple of some Gosáín, and the second and third are difficult to spell and pronounce, besides that the word Chelá is used for a slave also. On the whole, Ustad and Shágird sound more respectable than Guru and Chela.
4. Vaghairah for Ityadi or Adi.-The former is no doubt a difficult and not much known word, yet it is used by Hindus when required as well as by Muhammadans, whereas the latter two are less known, and will never be used or understood by Muhammadans in Persian characters. I do not know any other word for it, and it cannot be dispensed with.