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Dialects of Rajasthan

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Dialects of Rajasthan

Dialects of Rajasthan

In 1912, George Abraham Grierson wrote the book "Linguistic Survey of India," which provides a significant description of the Rajasthani language . Grierson classified the language into five main parts: Western Rajasthani (Marwari), Southern Rajasthani (Nimadi, Bagdi), North-Eastern Rajasthani (Ahirwati, Mewati), Mahal Eastern Rajasthani (Dhundhari), and South-Eastern Rajasthani (Malvi and its subdialects) .

General Classification of Dialects

1. Marwari

This is the dialect of the Marwar region, primarily spoken in Western Rajasthan, including areas like Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali, Bikaner, Barmer, Balotra, Jalore, and Sanchore . Much of Rajasthan's Jain and Charan literature, including works by Meera Bai, "Dhola Maru Ra Duha," and "Veli Kisan Rukmini Ri," were composed in Marwari .

Major Sub-dialects of Marwari:

  • Mewari: Spoken in the Mewar region (Udaipur, Salumber, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara). The dramas of Maharana Kumbha and the writings of Lakshmi Kumari Chundawat are in this dialect .
  • Shekhawati: Spoken in Churu, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Neem Ka Thana, showing a strong influence of Dhundhari .
  • Bagadi: Spoken in the Bangar Pradesh region (Hanumangarh, Anupgarh, Sriganganagar, Churu) .
  • Thali: Spoken in Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Churu .
  • Godwadi: Spoken in Pali and Jalore. The famous literary work "Bisaldev Raso" is written in this dialect .
  • Khairadi: Spoken in Shahpura and parts of Bundi, it is a mixture of Mewari, Hadoti, and Dhundhari .
  • Deorawati: Spoken in Sirohi .
  • Dhati/Dhatki: Spoken in the Barmer region bordering Pakistan .

2. Dhundhari

This dialect is spoken in Jaipur, Jaipur Rural, Tonk, Dausa, Kishangarh, and the Lava Thikana. The literature of the Dadu community is primarily in this language, and Christian missionaries translated the Bible into Dhundhari .

Major Sub-dialects of Dhundhari:

  • Hadoti: Spoken in Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, and Baran. The works of the renowned poet Suryamal Meesan are in this dialect .
  • Torawati: Spoken in Jhunjhunu, Neem Ka Thana, Sikar, and northern Jaipur areas .
  • Nagarchol: Spoken in the Sawai Madhopur and Tonk regions .
  • Kathedi: Spoken in the southern region of Jaipur .
  • Chaurasi: Spoken in Shahpura (Jaipur) and Tonk .
  • Rajawati: Spoken in some areas of East Jaipur .

3. Malvi

Spoken in Pratapgarh, Kota, Jhalawar, and the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. It is essentially a mix of Marwari and Mewari .

Sub-dialects of Malvi:

  • Nimadi: Spoken in the Nimad region of Madhya Pradesh, it is also referred to as Southern Rajasthani .
  • Rangdi: Spoken by the Rajputs of the Malwa region .

4. Vagdi

Primarily spoken in Dungarpur and Banswara, this dialect shows a strong Gujarati influence. George Grierson also referred to it as 'Bhili'. The compositions of Saint Mavji are in this dialect .

5. Mewati

Spoken in Alwar, Bharatpur, and Deeg, it is influenced by the Brajbhasha. The literature of the Charandasi and Laldasi sects is composed in Mewati .

6. Ahirwati

Spoken in the Kotputali-Behror region, which is also known as Rath, giving the language its name. Jodhraj's "Hammir Raso" and Shankar Rao's "Bhim Vilas" are written in this dialect, as are the famous Ali-Bakshi khyals .

Other Notable Dialects

  • Jagrauti: Spoken in the Karauli region .
  • Dhavadi: Spoken in the Udaipur region .
  • Sondhwadi: Spoken in the Jhalawar region .

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