70 English words you didn't know were of Indian origin

A list of 70 Indian-origin words that have found their way into mainstream English lexicon were unveiled by the British Council at the launch of its '70 Years in India' celebrations in the city. All the words already feature in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and were finalised after consulting with language experts from the Oxford University Press.

While about 900 words of Indian origin are part of the OED, these 70 words underline the influence India has had on the English language.

"From Cashmere and pyjamas to bangles, shampoo, and jungle, many words have influenced people around the world. We thank the people of India who have contributed to the language for over 400 years," said Alan Gemmell, Director, British Council India.

Atoll, avatar, bandana, bangle, bhelpuri, blighty, bungalow, calico, cashmere, catamaran, cheetah, cheroot, chintz, chit, choky, churidar, chutney, coir, cot, cowrie, cummerbund, cushy, curry, dal, dinghy, dharma, doolally, dungarees, godown, gymkhana, gunny, guru, jodhpurs, jungle, jute, karma, kedgeree, khaki, lacquer, langur, lilac, loot, mandarin, mantra, mogul, mongoose, mulligatawny, myna, nirvana, palanquin, pashmina, patchouli, polo, pukka, punch, pundit, purdah, pyjamas, raita, roti, shawl, shampoo, swami, tank, teak, tiffin, thug, veranda, yaar, and yoga are the 70 words that were selected from 120 words shortlisted from over 900 words of Indian origin in the OED.

As part of the celebrations, an exhibition will be held at CSMVS and a music week will be organised. "We will also be providing scholarships to 70 women this year for studies in the UK across the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Last year, we spent Rs 18 crore to provide scholarships to 104 Indian women," added Gemmel.

This year marks 70 years of the British Council's presence in India. The organisation serves as as the cultural relations body for the UK.