Lexicography deals with the evolutionary process of a particular language, especially historical lexicography, which is the core part of modern applied linguistics. In Urdu, lexicography was in practice since 18th century but the rules that scientifically govern historical lexicography have not been widely discussed among scholars and linguists. That’s why Urdu’s early dictionaries did not follow modern patterns. It also carries a debate on modern lexicography among scholars. This article carefully traces down some issues pertaining to lexicography with a historical perspective.