British Anglican missionary Henry Martyn arrived in India in 1806, translating Bible into Urdu (completed 1812) and Persian (completed 1815). Martyn studied Arabic, Persian, and Urdu at Cambridge before departure, demonstrating exceptional linguistic preparation. He worked in Seharanpur and later travelled to Persia where he died in 1815 at age 34. Martyn's translations became standard Urdu and Persian Christian texts, influencing Muslim-Christian literary exchange. His linguistic approach emphasized respect for Islamic literary traditions while presenting Christian texts.

Martyn's Urdu Bible translation established standardized Christian Urdu literary language, influencing Urdu poetical expression including Ghazal traditions. His Persian translation enabled Christian literature in Persian-speaking regions, influencing Persian religious poetry. Martyn's work inspired missionary linguists to translate into Islamic languages, creating Urdu and Persian Christian poetic traditions that engaged with Islamic literary forms while presenting Christian themes.