Language of Bihar: Know the Names of Languages Spoken in Bihar

The official language of Bihar is Hindi. It is used for all official purposes, including administration, education, and communication. Hindi is spoken

Bihar, a state rich in cultural heritage, hosts a diverse linguistic landscape. The languages spoken here reflect the region's historical and cultural tapestry. Primary languages include Hindi, Bhojpuri, Magahi, Maithili, Urdu, Bengali, Santali, Telugu, Punjabi, Tamil, and Nepali. Each language is distinct, with its own script, such as Devanagari for Hindi, Bhojpuri, and Magahi, Mithilakshar for Maithili, Perso-Arabic for Urdu, Bengali script for Bengali, Ol Chiki for Santali, and others. This linguistic diversity underscores Bihar's cultural richness and deep-rooted traditions.

Languages Spoken in Bihar and their Script

Bihar, being a culturally diverse state, boasts several languages, each with its own unique script. Here’s a list of languages spoken in Bihar along with their respective scripts:

1. Hindi: Devanagari script
2. Bhojpuri: Devanagari script
3. Magahi: Devanagari script
4. Maithili: Mithilakshar script
5. Urdu: Perso-Arabic script
6. Bengali: Bengali script
7. Santali: Ol Chiki script
8. Telugu: Telugu script
9. Punjabi: Gurmukhi script
10. Tamil: Tamil script
11. Nepali: Devanagari script

Each of these languages not only enriches the linguistic diversity of Bihar but also contributes to its vibrant cultural tapestry

Official Language of Bihar

The official language of Bihar is Hindi. It is used for all official purposes, including administration, education, and communication. Hindi is spoken by the majority of the population and is integral to the state's cultural and social fabric. Additionally, Maithili is recognized as a second official language in Bihar, reflecting its significant cultural and historical importance in the region​

Language of Bihar: Know the Names of Languages Spoken in Bihar

Bihar, a state in eastern India, boasts a rich linguistic diversity that reflects its vibrant cultural heritage. Here is an expanded overview of the languages spoken in Bihar:

1. Hindi

Hindi is the official language of Bihar and is spoken by approximately 77.5% of the population. It serves as the primary language for administration, education, and day-to-day communication. Hindi in Bihar is often spoken with a distinctive regional accent and includes several dialects​.

2. Maithili

Maithili is predominantly spoken in the northern part of Bihar, particularly in the Mithila region which includes districts like Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Samastipur. With around 12.55% of the population speaking Maithili, it holds significant cultural importance and is the second official language of the state. Maithili literature is renowned for its rich tradition of poetry and prose, with a distinct script called Mithilakshar​.

Urdu is widely spoken among the Muslim communities in Bihar, especially in urban areas. It accounts for about 8.42% of the state's population. Urdu has a rich literary heritage in Bihar, contributing significantly to poetry, ghazals, and prose. The language is written in the Perso-Arabic script and is also used in education and media​.

4. Bhojpuri

Bhojpuri is an important language in Bihar, spoken by around 40 million people in the state as well as in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. It has several dialects, including Southern Bhojpuri, Northern Bhojpuri, Western Bhojpuri, and Nagpuria Bhojpuri. Bhojpuri culture is vibrant, with a rich tradition of folk songs, cinema, and literature​.

5. Magahi

Magahi, also known as Magadhi, is spoken by approximately 13 million people, primarily in the districts of Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, Nawada, Jehanabad, and Aurangabad. Magahi is derived from the ancient Magadhi Prakrit, the language of the Buddha, and has a significant place in the cultural and historical landscape of Bihar.

6. Angika

Angika is spoken in the eastern part of Bihar, especially in the Anga region which includes districts like Bhagalpur, Munger, and Banka. With around 15 million speakers, Angika is closely related to Maithili and has its own rich folklore and literary traditions.

7. Bajjika

Bajjika, spoken in the north-central region of Bihar, includes districts like Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, and Samastipur. It is considered a dialect of Maithili and is spoken by approximately 15 million people. Bajjika has a distinct identity and cultural heritage, contributing to the linguistic diversity of the state​.

8. Santali

Santali is an Austroasiatic language spoken by the Santal tribal community in Bihar and Jharkhand. It has a rich tradition of folk songs, stories, and dances. Santali is officially recognized in the Santal Parganas region of Jharkhand and is an important part of India's tribal literature​.

9. Bengali

Bengali is spoken by a smaller percentage of the population, primarily by communities that have migrated from West Bengal. It accounts for around 0.78% of the population. Bengali speakers are mostly found in the urban areas and have contributed to the cultural and economic life of Bihar.

10. Other Languages

Other languages spoken in Bihar include Kurukh, Malto, Punjabi, Gujarati, Nepali, Odia, Sindhi, Assamese, and Sanskrit. These languages are spoken by smaller communities and contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the state​.

Conclusion

Bihar’s linguistic diversity is a reflection of its deep cultural roots and historical significance. From the widespread use of Hindi to the rich traditions of Maithili, Urdu, Bhojpuri, and other regional languages, each language adds to the state’s vibrant cultural landscape. Understanding this diversity is essential for appreciating the cultural heritage of Bihar.