A vast and diverse country, India has a multitude of languages that enrich its cultural heritage. In this article we ask – What are the languages spoken in India? And as there are over 700, we focus on the official languages, of which Hindi and English are the most widely spoken.
Most of them belong to the two major language families. They are the Indo-Aryan languages spoken by 78.05% of Indians and the Dravidian languages spoken by 19.64% of Indians. The official Indian languages, along with several others, contribute to the nation’s linguistic diversity and reflect the varied ethnicities and regions present within India.
The Indian constitution recognises 22 Indian languages as official, which include the most widely spoken Hindi, plus Bengali, Maithili, Nepalese, Sanskrit, and Tamil. In addition to the official languages, there are over 700 regional and minority languages spoken throughout the country. So, India is not only a melting pot of cultures but also a hub of linguistic diversity, making it a fascinating country for language enthusiasts to explore.
- Key Takeaways
- India’s linguistic diversity is vast, with multiple language families represented across the nation.
- The Indian constitution recognises 22 languages as official plus over 700 spoken in all. Thus, reflecting the country’s varied regions and ethnicities.
Official Languages Spoken in India
The two most widely spoken languages in India are Hindi and English. Both are extensively used in government affairs, education, and business as a legacy of British colonial rule. The Indian Constitution lists 22 languages (excluding English) as holding official status at state level and representing the linguistic preferences of each state.
These languages belong to, the Indo-Aryan and Dravidian language families, which constitute a substantial part of India’s population.
- Assamese
- Bengali
- Gujarati
- Hindi
- Kannada
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Malayalam
- Manipuri (also known as Meitei)
- Marathi
- Nepali
- Oriya (also known as Odia)
- Punjabi
- Sanskrit
- Sindhi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Urdu
- Bodo
- Santhali
- Maithili
- Dogri
More than 780 languages are spoken
In addition to the officially recognised languages, India is home to several hundred languages, and if you consider dialects and regional variations, the number is even higher. The People’s Linguistic Survey of India (PLSI), identified over 780 languages spoken in the country. Some of these languages and dialects are spoken by only a few thousand or even a few hundred people.
Sanskrit
It is interesting to note that Sanskrit, one of the official languages, is the oldest language in India, with a rich history of classical literature and religious texts. Many of the other official languages draw their vocabulary and grammar from Sanskrit, which has influenced the development of several Indian languages.
English – Associate Official Language
English is not one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which lists the country’s officially recognised languages. However, alongside Hindi in the Devanagari script, it holds a special status in India’s linguistic landscape.
Furthermore, English is widely used in business, education, and various professional fields in the country. It is also the medium of instruction in many schools and universities. Given its pervasive use and importance, English can be considered an – associate official language – of India.Top of Form
Central Government’s Official Language
According to the Constitution of India, Hindi in the Devanagari script is the official language of the central government. But English is also used for legislative, administrative, and judicial purposes. The use of English for official purposes was originally set to expire 15 years after the Constitution came into effect in 1950, but due to the linguistic diversity and practical considerations, the use of English was extended and has continued to this day.
While the Constitution designates Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the central government, individual states in India have their own official languages. They are based on the predominant language spoken in that region. Many states that do not have Hindi as their primary language use English as an associate official language for communication with the central government and other states.
Takeaway
India’s linguistic landscape is diverse and dynamic, with multiple official languages recognised by the Constitution of India, and a plethora of regional dialects spoken across the country. Hindi and English serve as the most common languages for official communication, while regional languages cater to local preferences and promote linguistic diversity.
Languages of Northern Indian
Northern India has a diverse array of languages, with the Indo-Aryan languages being predominant in this region. Hindi, Punjabi, Kashmiri, and Urdu are major languages spoken in North India.
Hindi
Belonging to the Indo-Aryan language’s family, Hindi is the third most spoken language globally and the most widespread language in North India. Spoken by the vast majority in India’s north, Hindi has a significant presence across Central India as well. With 350 million plus speakers worldwide, Hindi is an essential language for communication and cultural exchange in India.
Punjabi
Another significant language in the region, Punjabi is primarily spoken in the state of Punjab. It is the third most spoken Indo-Aryan language after Hindi and Bengali. The Punjabi culture is well-known for lively music, vibrant celebrations, and strong sense of community.
Kashmiri
The primary language spoken in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmiri is one of the 22 official languages in the Indian constitution. And it is part of the Dardic subgroup of the Indo-Aryan languages. Despite sociopolitical issues, Kashmiri has a rich literary heritage and a unique linguistic identity.
Urdu
A critical language spoken in India, Urdu is primarily in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Urdu is the official language of the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir, National Capital Territory of Delhi, and the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is often considered interchangeable with Hindi, as they share a common grammar and core vocabulary. However, they differ in their script, with Urdu being written in the Perso-Arabic script, while Hindi uses the Devanagari script.
The Hindi belt, encompasses the states of:
- Uttar Pradesh,
- Bihar,
- Madhya
- Pradesh,
- Rajasthan,
- Haryana, and
- parts of other neighbouring states.
It serves as a hub for the various dialects and sub-languages of Hindi. These dialects include:
- Braj,
- Awadhi,
- Bhojpuri, and
- Maithili.
Each region displays its own linguistic identity and cultural nuances.
Takeaway
Northern India is a melting pot of diverse languages, with Hindi, Punjabi, Kashmiri, and Urdu being the major ones. The linguistic and cultural diversity of this region contributes significantly to the unique identity of North India.
Languages of Eastern Indian
The eastern region of India is home to a number of languages spoken by millions of people. These are the three most prominent.
Bengali
The predominant language spoken in the state of West Bengal is also prevalent in Bihar. It is the second most spoken and understood language in India after Hindi, with a large number of speakers in the eastern and northeastern regions. Bengali has a rich literary and cultural heritage, which includes the works of renowned poets and writers such as Rabindranath Tagore.
Odia
The primary language of the eastern coastal state of Odisha, Odia has a long literary tradition. Some of its earliest texts date back to the 11th century. The language is known for its distinctive script and phonetic characteristics, which set it apart from other Indo-Aryan languages.
Assamese
Spoken in the north-eastern state of Assam, Assamese is the state’s official language. It shares similarities with Bengali, as both languages belong to the same Indo-Aryan language family. Assamese has a rich cultural and literary history, with classical literature, devotional songs, and modern works contributing to its diverse heritage.
In addition to the 3 major languages, Bhili is another notable language spoken in parts of Bihar. This language belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family and is primarily spoken by the Bhil tribal community. Even though it is not as well-known as the region’s 3 main languages, Bhili is important to understand the linguistic diversity of eastern India.
Takeaway
The eastern region of India showcases an array of languages that reflect the country’s rich linguistic diversity. With languages such as Bengali, Odia, Assamese, and Bhili spoken across the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Assam, the eastern part of India displays a harmonious blend of linguistic and cultural traditions.
Languages of Southern Indian
Southern India is home to a variety of languages, belonging to the Dravidian family. These languages are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, with their roots tracing back to the Proto-Dravidian languages spoken in the 4th millennium BCE.
Tamil
Tamil is predominantly spoken in the state of Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Puducherry. It is one of the oldest Dravidian languages and has a rich literary history. It is a classical language of India and is present in countries such as Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Telugu
Another major Dravidian language, Teluga is spoken primarily in the state of Andhra Pradesh and the newly formed state of Telangana. It has a thriving literary culture, with works dating back to the 11th century. The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana state governments have taken measures to promote the language and its culture.
Malayalam
The principal language of the state of Kerala, Malaylam shares some similarities with Tamil, contributing to a rich literary tradition. Malayalam has a unique script, which evolved from the ancient Brahmi script. And the language boasts a diverse vocabulary influenced by Sanskrit, Portuguese, and Arabic.
Kannada
Primarily spoken in the State of Karnataka, Kannada has a rich history and literary tradition, with inscriptions going back to the 5th century. Kannada has been influenced by other languages, including Sanskrit and Prakrit. This has led to the development of a unique vocabulary and grammar structure.
Other Languages
In addition to the major languages, there are several smaller Dravidian languages spoken in Southern India. Gondi, Malto, and Kurukh are three. These languages reflect linguistic diversity and add to the country’s cultural heritage.
Western Indian Languages
The western region of India is a linguistic hub, comprising languages that hold cultural and historical significance. These four are some of the most prominent.
Gujarati
The Indo-Aryan language Gujarati is spoken in Gujarat state. It is the state’s native language with over 50 million speakers and is a crucial linguistic bridge. It not only connects people in India but also in the global Gujarati diaspora. The Gujarati script is derived from Devanagari and has historical ties to business and trade.
Konkani
An Indo-Aryan language, Konkani is spoken in the coastal regions of Goa and parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. It has a unique blend of influences from linguistic groups such as Dravidian, Marathi, and Portuguese. Konkani is written using multiple scripts which include Devanagari, Roman, and even Kannada script.
Marathi
A major language, Marathi is spoken in the state of Maharashtra by approximately 83 million people. Like Gujarati and Konkani, Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language which has a rich literary and cultural history. It is written in a variant of the Devanagari script called Modi, which highlights the language’s ancient roots.
Sindhi
Sindhi is another Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily in the Sindh province of Pakistan and by Sindhi communities in India. It is predominantly spoken in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. And it has a rich literary history, with its script derived from both Arabic and Devanagari.
These western Indian languages not only showcase the diverse linguistic heritage of the region but also form an essential part of the cultural fabric of India. Each language has its own unique history, script, and evolution – from ancient times to the present day.
Scheduled Languages and Dialects
The Constitution of India recognises 22 widely spoken languages under Schedule VIII, as official. Among these scheduled languages, some have their own unique characteristics.
Bodo
A Sino-Tibetan language, Bodo is spoken in the north-eastern Indian states of Assam and Meghalaya. It is the official language of the Bodoland Territorial Region and is written in the Devanagari script.
Dogri
An Indo-Aryan language, Dogri is primarily spoken in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, of which control is shared by India and Pakistan. It is also spoken in the Pakistani region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Dogri has a rich literary history and is also written in the Devanagari script.
Meitei
Also known as Manipuri, Meitei is a Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur. It has a long literary tradition dating back to ancient times and uses the unique Meitei Mayek script.
Santali
Santali belongs to the Munda family and is spoken by the Santal people in eastern India, in the states of:
- Jharkhand,
- West Bengal,
- Bihar, and
- Odisha.
The language is unique because it uses the Ol Chiki script, which was specifically invented for Santali by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925.
Takeaway
The scheduled languages and dialects of India reflect the rich cultural heritage of the nation. The diverse linguistic landscape is a testament to India’s unique history and the coexistence of numerous linguistic communities.
Minority and Regional Languages
India is known for its linguistic diversity where people speak several minority and regional languages. Most Indians speak languages belonging to the Indo-Aryan and Dravidian families, but there are also Austroasiatic and Sino-Tibetan languages spoken by smaller populations.
Khasi
One minority language, belonging to the Austroasiatic family is Khasi. It is primarily spoken in the north-eastern state of Meghalaya and is the official language of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
Nepali
Another regional language, Nepali is spoken in the north-eastern region of India, especially in the state of Sikkim where it is the state’s official language, as well as in parts of West Bengal, Assam, and other north-eastern states.
Kurukh
Kurukh is a Dravidian language spoken by the Oraon and Kisan tribal communities in the regions of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. It is recognised by the Indian government under the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution, providing it with official status.
Takeaway
Regional languages are often the mother tongue of the communities that speak them. They are the first language a child learns, and they have important cultural, social, and emotional significance for speakers later in life. India is a linguistically diverse nation, and the government’s efforts to include more minority languages is to be lauded. It helps preserve and promote languages. Maintaining cultural heritage and fostering a sense of community among speakers is vital.
Historical and Classical Languages
India’s rich linguistic history and diverse range of historical and classical languages come from the language families. The languages most widely spoken in India belong to the Indo-Aryan and Dravidian language families. They are spoken by 78% and 20% of the population, respectively.
Sanskrit
The ancient language, dating back to the 2nd millennium BC evolved from an older form, known as Vedic Sanskrit. Sanskrit played a significant role in ancient Indian literature, religious texts, and philosophy. It became the standard language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and has influenced many modern Indian languages.
Pali
Another ancient language of India, closely related to Sanskrit is Pali. It was the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, used primarily in the Tripitaka, a collection of Buddhist scriptures. Pali’s use in religious texts ensured its preservation and widespread influence across India and Southeast Asia. It was also the administrative language of the powerful Maurya Empire in ancient India.
Persian
Although not native to India, Persian held great importance in the historical context due to its association with ruling dynasties like the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. Persian became the court language and heavily influenced the development of regional languages such as Urdu, a combination of Persian and local Indian languages.
The 6 Classical Languages
In 2004, the Indian government defined the criteria for recognising a language as classical. Classical languages must have at least 1,000 years of existence. Six languages have been granted the status of classical languages:
- Sanskrit,
- Tamil,
- Telugu,
- Kannada,
- Malayalam, and
- Odia.
These historical and classical languages, each with their unique heritage and influences, contribute significantly to the linguistic landscape of India. They have shaped the many regional languages spoken today through their literature, religious texts, and the conceptual frameworks they embody, leaving an indelible mark on India’s cultural and linguistic legacy.
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