Bhojpuri Language

What language is Bhojpuri?

Bhojpuri is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in northeastern India, and in some regions of Nepal and Mauritius, with about 50 million speakers worldwide. It is mostly spoken in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh in India. As a result, Bhojpuri is acknowledged as a regional language and a member of the Bihari linguistic family.

Read more about Bhojpuri Alphabet and Bhojpuri Numbers

History of Bhojpuri Language

The history of the Bhojpuri language is rich and has evolved over centuries. Bhojpuri is an Indo-Aryan language, and its history can be divided into several key periods:

Early Origins (700–1100 A.D.)

The earliest version of Bhojpuri can be found in the 8th century A.D. in Siddha Sahitya and Charyapada. This is referred to as the Siddha period.

Folklore and Cultural Flourish (1100–1400 A.D.)

Bhojpuri folklore, including Lorikayan, Sorathi Birjabh, Vijaymal, Gopichand, and Raja Bharthariar, evolved during the 11th and 14th centuries A.D.

Saints and Linguistic Influences (1400–1700 A.D.)

Folk songs were written during this period. Saints such as Kabir, Dharni Das, Kina Ram, and Dariya Saheb communicated in Bhojpuri. Arabic and Persian terms began to appear in Bhojpuri.

Early Research Period (1700–1900 A.D.)

The first academic study of Bhojpuri was performed by British experts. As laborers from the region were transported to British colonies, Bhojpuri became an international language.

British Scholars and Academic Recognition (19th Century)

Bhojpuri was thoroughly examined by scholars such as Buchanan, Beames, and George Abraham Grierson. The Linguistic Survey of India was carried out by Grierson. In 1868, Beames published the Bhojpuri grammar, and in 1884, Grierson collated and published folk melodies.

Present Period (1900–Present)

Notable works such as Devakshara Charita and Badmash Darpan were published in the nineteenth century. In the twentieth century, Bhikhari Thakur made significant contributions to Bhojpuri literature and drama. “Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo,” the first Bhojpuri film, was released in 1962, kicking off the Bhojpuri film industry.

Interesting Facts about Bhojpuri Language

Bhojpuri is more than a language; it is a living cultural entity with a distinct history and significance in India and beyond. Here are numbers of interesting facts and characteristics:

• Dialectical Variation: Bhojpuri has unique varieties of dialects based on regions like Southern Standard Bhojpuri, Northern Bhojpuri, Western Bhojpuri, and Nagpuria Bhojpuri.
• Geographical Distribution: Bhojpuri is mostly spoken in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh in India. It is also well-represented in portions of Nepal.
• Numerous Speakers: Bhojpuri has a large number of speakers. Over 50 million individuals in India are estimated to speak Bhojpuri as their first language. 
• Cultural Importance: Bhojpuri is more than just a language; it is also an important aspect of the Bhojpuri-speaking community’s cultural identity. It is deeply rooted in folk songs, dances, and ceremonies.
• Film Industry (Bhojiwood): Bhojpuri has grown in popularity in the entertainment business, particularly in the form of Bhojpuri movies. A committed fanbase exists for Bhojpuri cinema, music, and cultural activities.
• Bhojpuri Music: Bhojpuri music, notably Bhojpuri folk songs and Bhojpuri pop songs, is popular not just in Bhojpuri-speaking regions but also throughout India. These songs frequently address issues of love, culture, and daily life.
• Bhojpuri Scripts: Historically, Bhojpuri was written in the Kaithi alphabet, but it later adopted the Devanagari script, which is used to write Hindi and other Indian languages. During the British colonial period, the transition from Kaithi to Devanagari occurred.
• Recognition: The Indian government has given Bhojpuri official status. It is one among the languages listed in the Indian Constitution’s Eighth Schedule, indicating its importance and position as a regional language.
• Linguistic Resilience: Bhojpuri has remained resilient despite the influence of other languages and cultures. It is still spoken, and attempts are being made to conserve and promote it, notably in educational settings.
• Community Bonding: Bhojpuri has helped its speakers develop a sense of community and identity. The language unites Bhojpuri-speaking people, instilling a sense of connection and cultural pride.

Bhojpuri Speaking Countries

Bhojpuri Speaking Countries	Number of Speakers (Approx.)
India	31,367,000
Nepal	1,833,000
Mauritius	67,000

Different dialects of the Bhojpuri language

Bhojpuri Dialect	Region	Characteristics
Eastern Bhojpuri	Eastern states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal	The most widely spoken dialect of Bhojpuri. It is characterized by its soft pronunciation and simple grammar.
Western Bhojpuri	Western states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan	Also known as Awadhi. It is characterized by its more complex pronunciation and grammar.
Chattisgarhi Bhojpuri	State of Chhattisgarh	A mix of Bhojpuri and Chhattisgarhi. It is characterized by its use of Chhattisgarhi words and phrases.
Magahi Bhojpuri	State of Bihar	A mix of Bhojpuri and Magahi. It is characterized by its use of Magahi words and phrases.
Kumauni Bhojpuri	Garhwal region of Uttarakhand	A mix of Bhojpuri and Kumauni. It is characterized by its use of Kumauni words and phrases.
Nepali Bhojpuri	Nepal	A mix of Nepali and Bhojpuri. It is characterized by its use of Nepali words and phrases.
Angika Bhojpuri	State of Bihar	A mix of Bhojpuri and Maithili. It is characterized by its use of Maithili words and phrases.

How to Learn Bhojpuri Fast?

To learn Bhojpuri quickly, practice with the fundamental Bhojpuri vocabulary available on our ToolsNepal blogs. You can begin by learning the Bhojpuri alphabet, numbers, and important words. Then move on to common phrases, create sentences, and improve your written and spoken skills. Once you’ve got the basics, you can use our Bhojpuri translation tool, Bhojpuri typing tool, and Bhojpuri Keyboard for extra practice.