Suniti Kumar Chatterji

Bengali linguist

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July 17, 2026

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Suniti Kumar Chatterji was a prominent Bengali linguist known for his significant contributions to the study of the Bengali language. He, along with Sukumar Sen, proposed that Bengali originated in the 10th century CE from Magahi Prakrit. Chatterji's research also explored the vocabulary of Bengali, attributing a substantial portion to native words, Sanskrit, and foreign influences, particularly Persian. His work is foundational in understanding the historical development and linguistic characteristics of Bengali.1

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Bengali language
History
The Bengali linguists Suniti Kumar Chatterji and Sukumar Sen suggested that Bengali had its origin in the 10th century ce, deriving from Magahi Prakrit (a spoken language) through Magahi Apabhramsha (its written counterpart). The Bengali scholar Muhammad Shahidullah and his followers offered a competing theory, suggesting that the…
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The Bengali linguists Suniti Kumar Chatterji and Sukumar Sen suggested that Bengali had its origin in the 10th century ce, deriving from Magahi Prakrit (a spoken language) through Magahi Apabhramsha (its written counterpart). The Bengali scholar Muhammad Shahidullah and his followers offered a competing theory, suggesting that the…
Read More