India boasts unparalleled linguistic diversity, with hundreds of languages and dialects spoken across its vast expanse. The Constitution of India recognises 22 official languages under the Eighth Schedule, but the actual number of languages spoken in the country is much higher.
The Census of India 2011 reports that the population speaks over 121 languages and 1,369 dialects. The People’s Linguistic Survey of India (PLSI) estimates more than 780 languages, with some scholars estimating that the total number of languages, including dialects, could be around 1,600. This vast linguistic landscape makes India one of the most linguistically rich countries in the world.
Prominent languages in India
India's languages belong to two main linguistic families:
Indo-Aryan Languages : These languages, spoken by about 75% of the population, are primarily located in the northern and central regions of India.
Dravidian Languages : Approximately 20% of the population speaks these languages, primarily in the southern states of India.
Here are some of the most prominent languages spoken in India:
Hindi
Hindi, spoken by 43.63% of the population, is the official language of the central government and is widely spoken in northern and central India. It is part of the Indo-Aryan language group and has a rich literary and cultural history.
Bengali
8.03% of the population speaks Bengali, primarily in West Bengal and parts of the northeast. It is the second-most spoken language in India.
Marathi
6.86% of the population speaks Marathi, which is the primary language of Maharashtra and has a rich literary tradition.
Telugu
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are home to 6.70% of the population who speak Telugu. It is one of the Dravidian languages and is known for its classical literature.
Tamil
5.70% of the population speaks Tamil, making it one of the oldest living languages. Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka speak it, and it boasts a rich cultural and literary history.
Gujarati
Spoken by 4.58% of the population, Gujarati is the language of Gujarat and has a long history of literature and culture.
Urdu
Urdu, spoken by 4.19% of the population, is widely spoken in Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. It has a deep connection with Persian culture and Mughal history.
Kannada
3.61% of the population speaks Kannada, which is the official language of Karnataka. It is part of the Dravidian language family and boasts a rich literary tradition.
Odia
Spoken by 3.10% of the population, Odia is the official language of Odisha and has a long and storied cultural heritage.
Malayalam
Malayalam 2.88% of the population speaks Malayalam, which is Kerala's official languages known for its rich literary tradition.
Punjabi
Large diaspora communities around the world and Punjab, home to 2.74% of the population, speak Punjabi.
Assamese, Maithi, Santhali, Manipuri, Bodo, Konkani, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Sanskrit, Dogri, and Nepali are among the other recognised languages.
Languages with regional or cultural significance
English
Most Indians use English for official communication, education, and business, despite it not being their native tongue. It serves as an associate official language alongside Hindi and is often a link language between regions with different mother tongues.
Sanskrit
Sanskrit is the root of many Indian languages and holds immense cultural and historical significance. Despite its limited usage, people revere it for its significant role in the development of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain scriptures.
Tulu, Kodava, and Bhojpuri
While not included in the Eighth Schedule, languages like Tulu, Kodava, and Bhojpuri are important regional languages spoken by millions of people, especially in southern India and Bihar.
Endangered Languages
India is home to around 197 endangered languages, according to UNESCO, as many communities are shifting toward dominant regional or national languages. Efforts are ongoing to document and preserve these endangered languages, but they remain at risk of disappearing.
In India, several languages have designated days to honour their cultural significance, literature, and historical impact. These days celebrate the linguistic diversity of India and promote awareness about the importance of preserving these languages.
Hindi Diwas (September 14)
We celebrate Hindi Diwas to commemorate the adoption of Hindi as one of India's official languages. On this day, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India recognised Hindi as the official language of the country. People celebrate this day with cultural programs, discussions, and speeches to encourage the use of Hindi throughout the country.
Marathi Bhasha Diwas (February 27)
We celebrate Marathi Bhasha Diwas to commemorate the birth anniversary of the renowned Marathi literary figure, Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar. This day honours Marathi as a language and its rich literary heritage.
Telugu Diwas (August 29)
To commemorate the formation of the state of Andhra Pradesh in 1956, people celebrate Telugu Diwas. Telugu, one of the most prominent languages in India, especially in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, celebrates this day.
Bengali Language Day (February 21)
Though it is primarily a celebration in Bangladesh, this day also holds significance in India, especially in West Bengal. The day honours the Bengal language and its literature, commemorating the Language Movement in Bangladesh.
Tamil Language Day (January 15)
The Tamil Language Day celebrates the classical language Tamil, known for its ancient literature and rich cultural heritage. This day is particularly important in Tamil Nadu and for Tamils worldwide.
Punjabi Diwas (March 14)
We celebrate Punjabi Diwas to honour the Punjabi language and its role in shaping Punjab's cultural identity. It is a day of pride for the speakers of Punjabi in Punjab and the diaspora around the world.
Assamese Language Day (May 24)
Assam celebrates this day to honour the Assamese language and its literary history. It marks the day of the historic Assamese language movement.
Odia Bhasha Diwas (February 19)
The Odia Bhasha Diwas celebrates the recognition of Odia as a classical language. The day marks the cultural and historical significance of the Odia language in the state of Odisha.
Kashmiri Language Day (November 15)
In Jammu and Kashmir, people celebrate this day to honour the Kashmiri language and its cultural heritage.
India's linguistic landscape is a vibrant tapestry of languages, each with its own distinct identity and rich cultural significance. With 22 officially recognised languages and hundreds of others spoken across the country, it is crucial to celebrate them and preserve their heritage. The various language-related days are a testament to the pride that Indians take in their mother tongues, helping to ensure that future generations continue to value and promote their linguistic diversity. The multilingualism in India, where most people are bilingual or even trilingual, enriches the nation's cultural heritage and contributes to its global identity.
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