فرہنگ ِ آصفیہ: ایک اجمالی جائزہ

Abstract

Farhang-e-Asifiya is the first comprehensive and authoritative Urdu dictionary, compiled by Molvi Syed Ahmad Dehlvi in 1878. A milestone in Urdu lexicography, it blends traditional linguistic methods with emerging 19th-century principles. Initially serialized under titles like Armughan-e-Dehli, it was consolidated into four volumes (1892–1901).

Despite challenges, including manuscript loss in 1912, it was revived under the Nizam of Hyderabad. Later editions were published by the Urdu Science Board (1977), National Bureau of Urdu (1987), Wasi Khokhar (2015), followed by a digital (2017) and online edition (2022).

The dictionary traces word origins, morphology, pronunciation, idioms, and proverbs, drawing from Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, and Hindustani. It reflects both Eastern and Western lexicographic influences.

While some criticize it for omissions and colloquial inclusions, Farhang-e-Asifiya remains a foundational work in Urdu linguistics, shaping modern lexicography and guiding future research.