Yadukuha

Yadukuha is an archaic term for a language and, by extension, the people who spoke it. It is generally understood to refer to a language spoken in a region encompassing parts of present-day Chitral, Pakistan, and potentially adjacent areas of Afghanistan. The term itself is of uncertain origin and its precise linguistic affiliation remains debated among scholars.

While some researchers have linked Yadukuha to Indo-Aryan languages, others propose a connection to Dardic or even other, now extinct, linguistic families. The limited textual evidence and the passage of time make definitive classification challenging. Available sources consist primarily of word lists and brief grammatical notes collected by explorers and linguists during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These fragmented records have proven difficult to interpret comprehensively.

The term "Yadukuha" is rarely used in contemporary linguistic discussions. More specific and geographically grounded terms are preferred when referring to languages currently spoken in the region, such as Kalasha, Khowar, or Nuristani languages. The historical usage of "Yadukuha" serves as a reminder of the linguistic diversity of the Hindu Kush region and the complexities involved in reconstructing its linguistic history. The people who may have identified with the term "Yadukuha" are now likely represented by various ethno-linguistic groups residing in the area.