Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages in India, but it is not the mother tongue of every Indian. In a country as linguistically diverse as India, each state has its own predominant language. However, Hindi serves as the mother tongue in several states, primarily in the northern and central parts of the country. This article explores the states where Hindi is the mother tongue, its variations, and its significance in India’s linguistic landscape.
Hindi as a Mother Tongue: Definition and Context
A mother tongue is the language that a person learns from birth and primarily uses for communication at home. While Hindi is one of India’s official languages, it is the native language of specific regions. According to the 2011 Census, around 44% of India’s population speaks Hindi as their first language. However, this includes several dialects and regional variations. The states where Hindi is the mother tongue include Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
States Where Hindi Is the Mother Tongue
1. Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh (UP) is the most populous state in India and the heartland of Hindi. The language evolved in this region, particularly in the areas around Varanasi and Allahabad. Bhojpuri, Awadhi, and Braj Bhasha are major dialects spoken here. Despite regional linguistic variations, Standard Hindi is widely understood and used for official communication.
2. Bihar
Hindi is the official language of Bihar, though several regional dialects like Maithili, Magahi, and Bhojpuri are spoken. The influence of these dialects gives Bihari Hindi a distinct flavor. Hindi serves as the common language among people from different linguistic backgrounds in the state.
3. Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, predominantly speaks Hindi. Variants like Malvi, Bundeli, and Bagheli exist, but they are all considered forms of Hindi. The state’s geographical location contributes to its strong Hindi-speaking identity.
4. Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, Hindi is the primary language, though Rajasthani dialects like Marwari, Mewari, and Dhundhari are spoken in different regions. These dialects are sometimes considered distinct languages, but they have a strong connection to Hindi.
5. Chhattisgarh
Hindi is widely spoken in Chhattisgarh, though Chhattisgarhi, a regional variant, is dominant in rural areas. The language is officially recognized as a dialect of Hindi and is closely related to it.
6. Jharkhand
Jharkhand’s linguistic landscape is diverse, with tribal languages like Santhali and Ho being prominent. However, Hindi is the most commonly spoken language in urban and administrative contexts, making it the state’s dominant mother tongue.
7. Haryana
Haryana predominantly speaks Hindi, with the Haryanvi dialect being widely used. While Haryanvi has unique phonetic and grammatical characteristics, it is still classified under the Hindi language family.
8. Uttarakhand
Hindi is the main language of Uttarakhand, although Garhwali and Kumaoni are widely spoken in different regions. These languages are closely related to Hindi and use the Devanagari script.
9. Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh, Hindi is the official and most commonly spoken language. Pahari languages like Kangri and Mandeali are also prevalent, but they are often considered dialects of Hindi.
States Where Hindi Is Widely Spoken But Not the Mother Tongue
Though Hindi is not the mother tongue in every Indian state, it is still spoken widely across the country due to its status as an official language. Some states where Hindi is used extensively but is not the primary language include:
Delhi: Hindi is the dominant language in Delhi, though it is not a state but a Union Territory. People from different linguistic backgrounds use Hindi as a common language.
Punjab: Punjabi is the mother tongue, but many people are fluent in Hindi due to its widespread use in education and administration.
Maharashtra: Marathi is the primary language, but Mumbai’s diverse population makes Hindi a commonly spoken language.
West Bengal: Bengali is the state language, but a large number of people speak Hindi, especially in urban areas.
Gujarat: Gujarati is dominant, but Hindi is widely understood and used for communication.
Whats About Odisha's Hindi Speakers
According to the 2011 Census of India, Odia is the primary language for 82.7% of Odisha's population, which was approximately 41.97 million at the time. This means around 17.3% of the population (roughly 7.26 million people) speak other languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Urdu, Bengali, and various tribal languages.
Hindi is widely understood and spoken in Odisha, especially in urban centers like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, as well as among migrant communities from Hindi-speaking states. While it is not the native language for most Odias many learn it as a second or third language due to its national status, its presence in education and media (such as Bollywood), and interactions with non-Odia speakers. Estimates indicate that a significant portion of Odisha's population can comprehend or speak Hindi to some degree.
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Variations and Dialects of Hindi
Hindi is not a single, uniform language. It has many dialects, some of which are considered separate languages by linguists. Major Hindi dialects include:
Bhojpuri: Spoken in eastern UP, Bihar, and parts of Jharkhand.
Awadhi: Primarily used in central UP.
Marwari: Spoken in Rajasthan, often considered a separate language.
Haryanvi: Spoken in Haryana, with distinct phonetics.
Bundeli & Bagheli: Variants spoken in Madhya Pradesh.
Despite these differences, Standard Hindi (based on Khari Boli) is used for education, administration, and media across Hindi-speaking states.
The Role of Hindi in India’s Linguistic Identity
1. Hindi as an Official Language
Hindi, along with English, is one of India’s official languages. While it is widely spoken, it is not the national language, as India does not have one. The Constitution recognizes 22 scheduled languages, including Hindi.
2. Hindi in Education and Media
Hindi is a major medium of instruction in schools across Hindi-speaking states. It is also dominant in Bollywood, television, and print media, making it influential beyond its native states.
3. Hindi as a Link Language
In many parts of India, Hindi serves as a second language that allows people from different linguistic backgrounds to communicate. Migrants from non-Hindi-speaking states often learn Hindi for work and social interactions.
Challenges and Linguistic Debates
While Hindi is widely spoken, its promotion as a unifying language has faced resistance in non-Hindi-speaking states. South Indian states, particularly Tamil Nadu, have opposed the imposition of Hindi, emphasizing the importance of regional languages.
Similarly, some dialects classified under Hindi seek independent recognition. Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, and Maithili speakers argue that their languages should not be subsumed under Hindi. Maithili has already been granted official recognition as a separate language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
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Conclusion
Hindi is the mother tongue of several states in northern and central India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. While Hindi is widely spoken across India, it coexists with numerous regional languages and dialects. Its role as an official language, a link language, and a medium of communication makes it significant in India’s linguistic landscape. However, linguistic diversity remains a defining feature of the country, and Hindi’s dominance continues to be a subject of cultural and political discussions.
