Cheetahs were recently re-introduced to India from Africa. From which language is the name 'Cheetah' derived?

The name 'Cheetah' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Chitraka', which translates to 'spotted' or 'variegated'. This etymological root reflects the animal's distinctive coat pattern. While the cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952, it has a long historical presence in Indian culture and nobility [3]. The recent reintroduction efforts under 'Project Cheetah' saw the arrival of African cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh [2]. Although the current population consists of the Southeast African subspecies (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus), the name itself remains rooted in ancient Indian linguistic traditions rather than African languages like Swahili or Afrikaans [3]. The term evolved through Prakrit and Hindi ('Chita') before entering the English language in the 18th century.

Sources

1. [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_cheetah_translocation_to_India
2. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > Cheetah reintroduction plan > p. 242
3. [2] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2202894