home milestones sources gallery word parts word parts comparisons Interaction between English and the many languages of the Indian subcontinent began in 1600, when the East India Company was formed to promote trade between England and India. Ultimately India became part of the British Empire. India gained independence in 1947 but English remains the country's first official language.

Here are some words of Indian origin now in common English usage:
  • khaki
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  • calico
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  • jungle
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  • cashmere
  • pariah
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  • polo
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  • verandah
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  • thug
  • seersucker
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  • pundit
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  • bungalow
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  • mango