Languages of Rajasthan

The world of Rajasthani languages is variegated and colorful. Though Hindi is the predominant dialect, local tongues like Shekhawati, Marwari, Harauti, Bagri, Malvi, Wagri or Bhili, Mewati, Dhatki, Gade Lohar, Gujari also thrive. English, the language of the Empire, is also widely spoken in this part of India.

The rich linguistic diversity of Rajasthan becomes evident with the prevalence of different dialects in different districts. Inhabitants residing around Jodhpur, speak Marwari, one of the oft-spoken dialects of the state. The tongue is also prevalent in Barmer, Jalore, Pali, Ajmer, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Sirohi, certain portions of the district of Nagaur, Bikaner, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Ganganagar. You will come across a huge cross section of Mewari speaking community in and around Mewar, that consists of Udaipur, Chittorgarh and Bhilwara. Mewari is known by the name of Thali in Western Barmer, Jaisalmer, Parkar and Thar. Dhatak, Bikaneri and Bagri are some of the other variants of the dialect.

Dhundhari is also among the widely spoken Rajasthani dialects, spanning across Tonk, Jaipur, Kota, Bundi, Kishangarh, Jhalawar and Ajmer. Mewati, a dialect of Mewat, becomes Braja Bhasha in the district of Bharatpur. Dang, a derivative of Braja Bhasha is spoken in Karauli and Sawai Madhopur. While Bundeli is the dialect of Jhalawar and Southern Kota Kishangarhi and Ajmeri are prevalent in Kishangarh and Ajmer, respectively.

Bhili, yet another Rajasthani dialect is prevalent in Southern Merwara and Udaipur. Bagria, a variant of Bhili, the tongue of the Bhils, is the oft-spoken dialect of Banswara and Dungarpur.

Malvi, the tongue of Malwa, located in Madhya Pradesh, is the dialect of the districts of Kota and Jhalawar. The dialect of Bundi and Kota is Harauti is the local tongue of the inhabitants of Jhalwar and Tonk.

The enriching repository of Rajasthani languages finds reflection in the vibrant world of Rajasthani literature, especially the engaging khayals.


Last Updated on : 01 December 2011