Powari is an Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily in Madhya Pradesh and Eastern Maharashtra. It belongs to the Hindi subgroup.

Powari
Native toIndia
RegionMadhya Pradesh
Native speakers
325,772 (2011 census)[1]
Census results conflate some speakers with Hindi
Devanagari script
Language codes
ISO 639-3pwr
Glottologpowa1246  Powari
Linguasphere59-AAF-rc

Classification edit

Powari has variously been classified as a variety of (or possibly a regional name for) the Bundeli language,[2] or as a separate language belonging to either the Eastern Hindi or the Western Hindi subgroups. As per recent Census data , now Powari is sub group of HINDI language .

Geographical distribution edit

Powari is spoken in the Balaghat district and Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh and Bhandara district and Gondia district of Maharashtra.[3] by Powar Community migrated from Western Malwa. This language is noted in the first Linguistic Survey of India done by George Abraham Grierson. Powari seems to be mixture of Bundeli, Bagheli, Marathi, Gondi, Malvi and Bhili. A large impact of Bagheli and Bundeli can be seen on Powari dialect as the Powars of Malwa migrated to this area through Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand. As the Powars are residing since 300 years in Central province after their migration, impact of local language and marathi is there. This Dialect became unique as it was developed through addition & mixing of other dialects. It is now very much mixed Gondi, Marathi and Bagheli that gives it a unique touch.

References edit

  1. ^ "Statement 1: Abstract of speakers' strength of languages and mother tongues - 2011". www.censusindia.gov.in. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 2018-07-07.
  2. ^ Masica, Colin (1993). The Indo-Aryan Languages. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-29944-2.
  3. ^ "Accessions List, India - Volume 18 - Page 403". 1980.