Languages of Bihar

 Bihari Languages: From the Era of Ashoka to Modern Bihar

The linguistic heritage of Bihar is as rich and diverse as its cultural and historical legacy. The languages spoken in this region have evolved over centuries, shaped by the region's rulers, cultural exchanges, and socio-political transformations. This essay delves into the journey of Bihari languages, tracing their roots to the time of Emperor Ashoka and their development into the modern linguistic landscape of Bihar.

Ancient Linguistic Roots in Bihar

Bihar’s association with language and literature dates back to ancient times, playing a pivotal role in the cultural and intellectual history of India.

1. Language in the Mauryan Empire
• During the reign of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE), Magadhi Prakrit was the predominant language of Bihar. It was the spoken language of the region and one of the earliest forms of Prakrit, the Middle Indo-Aryan languages that evolved from Vedic Sanskrit.
• Ashoka's Rock Edicts and Pillar Inscriptions, found in Bihar and across his empire, were primarily written in Magadhi Prakrit using the Brahmi script. These inscriptions aimed to communicate Ashoka's policies and Buddhist teachings to the common people, signifying the practical and accessible nature of Magadhi Prakrit.
2. Role of Pali
• Pali, closely related to Magadhi Prakrit, gained prominence in Bihar during the Buddhist era. It was used to compile the Tripitaka, the sacred texts of Theravāda Buddhism, and served as a medium for spreading Buddhist teachings across India and beyond.
3. Sanskrit Influence
• Alongside Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit flourished as the language of the elite, scholars, and religious texts. Institutions like Nalanda University (established in the 5th century CE) became centers for the study of Sanskrit, Pali, and other ancient languages.

Medieval Period and Linguistic Evolution

The medieval era witnessed the gradual transformation of Prakrit into Apabhramsha, a precursor to the modern languages of Bihar. This period saw the diversification of regional dialects and the emergence of early forms of today’s Bihari languages.

1. Emergence of Bihari Dialects
• By the late medieval period (11th–13th centuries), distinct linguistic forms such as Magahi, Bhojpuri, and Maithili began to take shape. These languages were influenced by Apabhramsha while retaining their roots in Magadhi Prakrit.
• Maithili: Maithili, with its rich literary tradition, gained prominence in the Mithila region. Poets like Vidyapati (14th century) composed Maithili works that reflected the language's lyrical beauty and cultural significance.
• Bhojpuri and Magahi: Bhojpuri and Magahi, spoken in western and central Bihar respectively, remained primarily oral languages during this period, serving as the mediums of everyday communication.
2. Persian Influence
• The arrival of Islamic rulers introduced Persian as the language of administration and courtly culture. While Persian had limited influence on the local languages, it contributed vocabulary and stylistic elements, particularly in urban centers.

Colonial Era and the Modernization of Bihari Languages

The British colonial period (18th–20th centuries) brought significant changes to the linguistic landscape of Bihar.

1. Standardization and Script Development
• The introduction of modern printing technology and education led to efforts to standardize languages like Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi.
• Maithili Renaissance: The 19th century saw a revival of Maithili literature, with figures like George Abraham Grierson documenting its grammar and distinct identity. The language adopted the Tirhuta script and later the Devanagari script for wider accessibility.
2. Colonial Policies and Language Marginalization
• English and Hindi became dominant in administration and education, leading to the marginalization of Bihari languages. Despite their widespread use among the masses, Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Maithili were considered “dialects” rather than full-fledged languages.
3. Bhojpuri and the Diaspora
• Bhojpuri speakers, particularly during the 19th-century indentured labor migrations, carried their language to countries like Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, and the Caribbean, establishing Bhojpuri as a global language.

Modern Bihar and Its Languages

Today, Bihar is home to a diverse linguistic landscape, with its people speaking a variety of languages and dialects.

1. Major Bihari Languages
• Bhojpuri: Spoken in western Bihar and neighboring Uttar Pradesh, Bhojpuri has a robust oral tradition and growing recognition in popular media, including Bhojpuri cinema.
• Magahi: Primarily spoken in central Bihar, Magahi remains less prominent in written literature but thrives as a spoken language.
• Maithili: Recognized as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, Maithili enjoys literary and cultural prestige.
2. Hindi as a Lingua Franca
• Hindi serves as the primary language of education, administration, and inter-regional communication in Bihar. While it unites the state, it has also contributed to the declining use of native languages in formal settings.
3. Other Languages
• Bihar’s linguistic diversity includes languages like Urdu (spoken by a significant Muslim population) and tribal languages such as Santhali in certain regions.
4. Challenges
• Preservation and Promotion: Bihari languages face challenges due to the dominance of Hindi and English in education and administration.
• Lack of Standardization: Bhojpuri and Magahi still lack standardized scripts and institutional support, which hinders their growth.

Revival and Cultural Pride

Efforts are underway to revive and promote the rich linguistic heritage of Bihar:

• Bhojpuri and Maithili in Media: Bhojpuri cinema and Maithili literature are gaining traction, bringing these languages into the cultural mainstream.
• Government Initiatives: Recognition of Maithili as a scheduled language and the inclusion of Bihari languages in cultural festivals reflect growing institutional support.
• Diaspora Contributions: The Bhojpuri-speaking diaspora continues to celebrate and preserve their linguistic heritage through festivals, literature, and music. 

Legacy of Bihari Languages

From the time of Ashoka, when Magadhi Prakrit was used to communicate a message of peace and morality, to the present day, Bihari languages have been a testament to the region’s vibrant cultural identity. They represent the voices of millions, embodying their history, traditions, and aspirations.

As Bihar continues to modernize, the preservation and celebration of its linguistic diversity will remain crucial in honoring its past and enriching its future.

Conclusion

Bihari languages have journeyed through the corridors of history, adapting and thriving amidst changing times. They stand as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern expression, connecting the legacy of Ashoka's edicts to the dynamic cultural fabric of contemporary Bihar. By embracing and promoting this linguistic heritage, Bihar not only preserves its identity but also contributes to the rich mosaic of India’s linguistic diversity.