Language Diversity in Bihar: Bihar boasts a remarkable linguistic diversity that reflects its vibrant cultural landscape. Various regions of Bihar are home to an astonishing array of languages, including Magahi, Bhojpuri, Maithili, Angika, Bajjika, Surajpuri, and a mix of Urdu-Hindi.
Hindi and Urdu hold the distinction of being the official languages of Bihar. These two languages predominantly find use in reading, communication, programs, and offices. English usage is largely confined to English-medium schools.
As per the 2011 census, the linguistic distribution in Bihar is as follows: Hindi – 26,590,625 speakers, Bhojpuri – 25,881,691 speakers, Maithili – 13,063,042 speakers, Magahi – 11,316,313 speakers, Urdu – 8,770,002 speakers, Surajpuri – 1,857,930 speakers, and Bengali – 810,771 speakers.
It’s worth noting that there was no separate language code for Bajjika and Angika in the census. Speakers of these languages have been advocating for separate language codes for years.
Explore the linguistic mosaic of Bihar, where languages intertwine to create a cultural tapestry that is as diverse as it is intriguing. Learn about the pivotal role of Hindi and Urdu as well as the unique languages that add to Bihar’s linguistic heritage.
Language Diversity in Bihar:
| Language | Script |
| Hindi | Devanagari |
| Bhojpuri | Devanagari |
| Magahi | Devanagari |
| Maithili | Mithilakshar |
| Urdu | Perso-Arabic |
| Bengali | Bengali script |
| Santali | Ol Chiki |
| Telugu | Telugu |
| Punjabi | Gurmukhi |
| Tamil | Tamil |
| Nepali | Devanagari |
Magahi Language: History, Development, and Importance
Magahi is an Indo-Aryan language that belongs to the Eastern group of languages and is primarily spoken in Eastern India. The modern form of Magahi is derived from the language spoken in the Magadha region, once the language of the ancient Magadha empire, serving as its official and national language, as well as a means of communication.
Historical Significance of Magahi
The history of the Magahi language dates back to around 600 BCE. Magahi has retained its significance as a vehicle for the civilization and culture of Magadha.
In ancient times, Magahi was the predominant language of the Magadh Mahajanapada and continues to be spoken in the Magadh region today. Initially written in the Kaithi script, Magahi is now written in the Devanagari script.
The development of Magahi language is linked to the term “Magadhi.” Sunithi Kumar Chatterjee has proposed that the evolution of Bihar’s Bihari languages, including Magahi, originated from Western Magadhi Apabhramsha. Comparative analysis of the language in Dohas and Magahi suggests its connection with Siddha languages. Magahi is characterized by its unique linguistic elements.
According to Grierson’s “Linguistic Survey of India,” Magahi is classified alongside Maithili and Bhojpuri as a Bihari language. He acknowledged two forms of Magahi:
- Eastern Magahi
- Pure Magahi
Linguistic Landscape and Present Status
Magahi is primarily spoken in various parts of Bihar, such as Patna, Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, and Arwal. It is also spoken in certain areas of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
According to the 2011 census, Magahi serves as the mother tongue for 1,27,06,825 people in India, 1,13,16,313 in Bihar, and 13,67,337 in Jharkhand. In Bihar, specific district statistics include:
Gaya: 18,16,894 speakers
Nawada: 12,32,267 speakers
Aurangabad: 17,70,059 speakers
Jehanabad: 7,42,724 speakers
Arwal: 6,06,459 speakers
Patna: 27,05,883 speakers
Nalanda: 16,19,113 speakers
Sheikhpura: 2,42,869 speakers
Lakhisarai: 4,70,050 speakers
Future Prospects and Cultural Value
While Magahi has yet to achieve recognition as a separate language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, efforts to include it have been ongoing for years. A Magahi Academy was established during the tenure of former Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra in 1981, and today, the Magahi Academy’s headquarters is located in Shastri Nagar, Patna.
Magahi language continues to thrive, symbolizing the linguistic and cultural diversity of Bihar, Jharkhand, and beyond. Its historical legacy, developmental trajectory, and enduring significance make it an essential part of India’s linguistic tapestry.
Bhojpuri Language: History, Significance, and Global Presence
Bhojpuri, an Indo-Aryan language, belongs to the Eastern subgroup and is spoken in the plains of Northern India, along the Ganges, as well as in the Terai region of Nepal. The language’s origin is closely linked to the Bhojpur region in Bihar.
Tracing the Evolution of Bhojpuri
Bhojpuri shares common lineage and structural similarities with other languages of Bihar, such as Magahi, Angika, Bajjika, and Maithili. Perhaps due to this shared background, Grierson categorized all these languages under the umbrella term ‘Bihari’ and identified Bhojpuri as being more similar to Bengali than Hindi.
According to author Uday Narayan Tiwari in his book “The Origin and Development of Bhojpuri,” “Bhojpuri derives its name from Bhoj, who migrated to the Bhojpur region from Ujjain.”
Unlike some languages, Bhojpuri does not have a distinct script of its own. Over time, various scripts like Kaithi, Mahajani, and Nastaliq have been used to write Bhojpuri. Presently, Bhojpuri is commonly written in the Devanagari script.
However, despite its historical significance and widespread use, Bhojpuri has not been included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It is considered a dialect within Hindi for the purpose of census. The decision to include a language in the Eighth Schedule lies with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Efforts to include Bhojpuri in the Eighth Schedule have been ongoing since 1960. Private members have introduced bills in the Parliament 18 times for this purpose. In 2012, former Home Minister P. Chidambaram assured that the sentiments of Bhojpuri speakers were understood, emphasizing the need for necessary steps.
Cultural and Linguistic Prominence
In Bihar, the Bhojpuri language and literature found recognition through the establishment of the Bhojpuri Academy during the tenure of Chief Minister Kedar Pandey. In Uttar Pradesh, former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav established the Uttar Pradesh Bhojpuri Academy in 2014.
In Delhi, the Maithili-Bhojpuri Academy was established in 2008 during the tenure of Sheila Dikshit’s government. This autonomous institution aims to promote the development of Maithili and Bhojpuri languages, along with their associated literature and culture.
Bhojpuri Across the World
Beyond India, Bhojpuri is spoken in more than 15 countries, including Mauritius, Suriname, Fiji, British Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago, Holland, Nepal, and several islands in South America.
In India, Bhojpuri speakers are primarily found in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Western Bihar, North-Eastern Jharkhand, Northern Chhattisgarh, parts of Madhya Pradesh, and the lower regions of Southern Nepal. According to the 2011 census, Bhojpuri serves as the mother tongue for:
5,05,79,447 individuals across India
2,58,81,691 individuals in Bihar
2,18,44,783 individuals in Uttar Pradesh
7,56,726 individuals in Jharkhand
In Bihar, Bhojpuri is primarily spoken in districts such as Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, East Champaran, and West Champaran.
Maithili Language: History, Significance, and Recognition
Maithili is one of the 22 languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The effective 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 2004 added Maithili to the Eighth Schedule, giving it official recognition. Prior to this, Maithili speakers were categorized under Hindi.
Tracing the Evolution of Maithili
The Maithili language is connected to the Eastern Bihari branch of the Indo-Aryan language group and is considered close to languages like Magahi and Bhojpuri. It is believed to have evolved from the Magadhi Prakrit.
In its early stages, Maithili was written in the Tirhuta script (Mithilakshar), and now it is predominantly written in the Devanagari script. The Tirhuta script is an ancient writing system.
Grierson, in his “Linguistic Survey of India,” initially referred to the languages spoken in Bihar as Bihari, considering Maithili a part of this category. He later wrote, “In his famous essay on the Sanskrit and Prakrit languages in 1801, Colebrooke first referred to Maithili as a distinct language and connected it with the Bengali language.”
Maithili: Region and Population
Maithili is mainly spoken in the regions of Bihar, Jharkhand, and the Terai areas of Nepal.
As per the 2011 Census of India, 1.12% of India’s total population, which amounts to 1,35,83,464 individuals, consider Maithili as their mother tongue. Of these, 96.17% are in Bihar, 1.02% in Jharkhand, 0.91% in Delhi, 0.40% in Uttarakhand, and the rest reside in other states.
The majority of Maithili speakers are concentrated in Bihar. In Madhubani district alone, 37,72,386 individuals speak Maithili, followed by 17,01,065 in Supaul, 28,64,405 in Darbhanga, 13,08,935 in Saharsa, 7,69,211 in Madhepura, 13,12,322 in Samastipur, 5,78,391 in Araria, and 3,49,875 in Purnia.
The Bihar government operates the Maithili Academy to promote and safeguard the language in the state.
Promotion and Protection of Maithili: Committee Formation
In 2018, the Ministry of Human Resource Development established a committee for the promotion and protection of the Maithili language and its scripts.
In February 2019, the Ministry decided to take immediate action to implement the following recommendations of the committee:
- Establish a script and manuscript center for Maithili at a university in Darbhanga, potentially at Kameshwar Singh Sanskrit University or Lalit Narayan Mithila University.
- Complete the work related to Mithilakshar Unicode script by the Technology Development for Indian Languages (TDIL).
- Develop visual and auditory teaching materials for reading Mithilakshar scripts.
In summary, the Maithili language’s journey from historical roots to constitutional recognition showcases its cultural significance and regional importance. Ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance its status underscore its role in India’s linguistic heritage.
Angika Language: Origin, Significance, and Advocacy
Angika is a language spoken in the ‘Ang’ region (Ang Pradesh) of Bihar. Also known as ‘Aangi’, ‘Angbhasha’, or ‘Chika Chiki Boli’, it belongs to the Eastern Indo-Aryan language group. While predominantly spoken in Bihar, Angika is also found in some districts of Jharkhand and Terai regions of Nepal. Initially written in the Kaithi script, it is now written in the Devanagari script.
In Bihar, Angika is primarily spoken in districts such as Bhagalpur, Jamui, Munger, Khagaria, Begusarai, and Banka. Bhagalpur district, known as ‘Ang Desh’ or ‘Champa Desh,’ is considered the cultural hub of the Angika region.
Grierson included Angika as a sub-dialect of Maithili in his “Linguistic Survey of India.” Based on this, some Angika speakers consider it a sub-dialect of Maithili, while others view it as a distinct language.
Angika’s Pursuit for Constitutional Recognition
Angika is not included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The demand for its inclusion has been persistent over the years. In the census, Angika lacks a language code, so those who speak it are categorized under the “Other” sub-dialect of Hindi.
Researchers Kushboo Kumari and Ramanjaney Kumar Upadhyay, in their paper “Socio-Cultural Aspects of Angika,” highlight, “It can be safely said that Angika, despite not receiving the recognition as an ‘independent language,’ vividly presents its unique socio-cultural conditions that set it apart from other established indigenous languages. Among the many Indian languages that have not been extensively studied, Angika is one.”
Angika’s Campaign for Inclusion
Former Member of Parliament Subodh Roy urged for the inclusion of Angika in the Eighth Schedule on February 18, 2003. He stated, “Angika language is the mother tongue of the rural areas of Bhagalpur, Munger, Banka, Khagaria, Jamui, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Purnia, Gopalganj, Sahibganj, Deoghar, Madhepura, Supaul, Begusarai, and Katihar districts of Bihar. It is widely spoken among the population of approximately 3 crore. This language is ancient and rich, with its unique pronouns. Songs and poetry are integral to its identity. It has four main sub-dialects: 1. Champangari, 2. Mungeriya, 3. Dharampuria, and 4. Khoha. The language is spoken in an area of about 58 thousand square kilometers. The ancient Vikramshila University used this language, and Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University has now established a separate department for its study.”
Angika speakers advocate for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule to pave the way for its proper recognition and development. The Bihar government has established the Angika Academy to promote and safeguard the language within the state.
In conclusion, the Angika language’s historical significance, linguistic distinctiveness, and ongoing advocacy efforts highlight its importance and the need for its constitutional recognition.
Bajjika Language: Origins, Distribution, and Advocacy
Bajjika is a language belonging to the Indo-Aryan family and is part of the Bihari group. It is predominantly spoken in the North-West regions of Bihar and in Nepal. The geographical area in Bihar where Bajjika is primarily spoken is known as Bajjikanchal.
Originally, Bajjika was written in the Kaithi script, but now it is written in the Devanagari script.
In Bihar, Bajjika is primarily spoken in districts like Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, and Siwan. Some areas in Samastipur, East Champaran, and Darbhanga districts are also home to Bajjika speakers.
Linguist Grierson classified Bajjika as a sub-dialect of Maithili, naming it ‘Pashchimi Maithili’ in his “Linguistic Survey of India.” He noted Bajjika’s influence from Bhojpuri and Maithili languages.
Bajjika’s Diverging Perspectives
There is a difference of opinion regarding Bajjika’s classification. While Grierson considers it a sub-dialect of Maithili, some scholars regard Bajjika as a distinct language.
Renowned Bajjika poet Dr. Avadheshwar Arun divides the language into four sub-dialects:
- Pure Bajjika
- Bajjika with Maithili influence
- Bajjika with Magahi influence
- Bajjika with Bhojpuri influence
According to Abhishek Kumar Kashyap’s research paper “The Bajjika Language and Speech Community,” “Illiterate individuals, especially those from so-called lower castes, are monolingual in Bajjika. This means they use Bajjika for all daily purposes, and they deserve credit for preserving this language. Bajjika thrives in the speech of these lower castes, although they have limited knowledge about the language they speak.”
Bajjika’s Quest for Official Recognition
Bajjika lacks official recognition in India. The 2011 Indian Census counted 56 mother tongues under Hindi, but Bajjika was not included. It was categorized under “Other languages” within the realm of Hindi.
Due to the absence of separate enumeration for Bajjika speakers in the census, there is no official count. However, Abhishek Kumar Kashyap estimates that at least 1.1 crore (11 million) people in Bajjikanchal region speak Bajjika as their mother tongue.
After years of advocacy, in September 2022, the Bihar government took a significant step by establishing the “Bajjika Academy” to promote and safeguard the Bajjika language’s growth and preservation.
In conclusion, Bajjika’s historical roots, diverse perspectives, and endeavors for recognition and conservation underline its cultural significance and the ongoing efforts to ensure its rightful place in language diversity.
Surjapuri Language: A Linguistic Treasure from Bihar and West Bengal
Surjapuri is a lesser-known language of India, spoken primarily in the eastern part of Bihar and in and around North Dinajpur district of West Bengal. Classified as an Eastern Indo-Aryan language, Surjapuri resides within the fold of Hindi. It shares linguistic traits and lexical resources with neighboring languages like Maithili, Bhojpuri, Bengali, and Assamese. This language traces its roots back to Magadhi Prakrit and was traditionally written in the Kaithi script, which has now transitioned to Devanagari.
In Bihar, Surjapuri finds its prominent presence in four districts of Seemanchal: Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia, and Katihar. Speakers of Surjapuri are also well-versed in Hindi and Urdu.
Linguistic Perspectives on Surjapuri
Grierson’s “Linguistic Survey of India” categorizes Surjapuri as ‘Siripuria’ or ‘Kishanganjiya’ language. Although Grierson associates Surjapuri with Bengali as a sub-dialect, he writes, “Surjapuri is written in the Kaithi script, which is used for Hindi.”
In the 1903 edition of the “Linguistic Survey of India,” it was reported that around 603,623 people spoke Surjapuri at that time.
The 2011 Census categorized Surjapuri within various mother tongues under Hindi. As per the Census, there are a total of 2,256,228 Surjapuri speakers in India. The majority of Surjapuri speakers, around 1,857,930, reside in Bihar. Additionally, there are 395,686 speakers in West Bengal.
Counting Surjapuri Speakers in Bihar’s Districts
The distribution of Surjapuri speakers across Bihar’s four districts is as follows: Katihar (794,052), Kishanganj (720,239), Purnia (284,989), and Araria (53,693).
In 1956, North Dinajpur district was carved out of the then-Purnia district in Bihar and currently falls within West Bengal’s territory. The language continues to thrive in the Islampur subdivision of North Dinajpur, with 388,728 Surjapuri speakers out of 393,421 speakers in the subdivision as of the 2011 Census.
Recently, the Bihar government announced the establishment of the “Surjapuri Academy” to foster the growth and preservation of the Surjapuri language, emphasizing its linguistic and cultural importance.
In conclusion, Surjapuri language’s historical lineage, cultural diversity, and language advocacy efforts reflect its unique significance and enduring presence in the linguistic landscape of Bihar and West Bengal.
