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PISPL Team | March 13, 2025 | 31
India is a land of rich linguistic diversity, home to hundreds of languages spoken across different regions. With 22 official languages recognized under the Constitution and over 19,500 dialects, India stands as one of the most linguistically diverse nations in the world. However, certain languages dominate in terms of the number of speakers. Let’s explore the top 10 spoken languages in India According to the 2011 Census and their significance.
Hindi is the most spoken language in India, with over 57% of Indians understanding it. It is the primary language in northern and central states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. Hindi is also one of the two official languages of the central government alongside English.
With over 97 million speakers, Bengali is India’s second most spoken language. Predominantly spoken in West Bengal, Tripura, and parts of Assam, it is also the official language of West Bengal. Bengali has a rich literary heritage, with Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore being one of its most famous contributors.
Marathi ranks third, with approximately 83 million speakers. It is the official language of Maharashtra and is widely spoken in Goa and parts of Karnataka. Marathi has a strong literary tradition and is an integral part of India’s cultural fabric.
Telugu, spoken by over 81 million people, is the most spoken Dravidian language in India. It is primarily spoken in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Telugu has a significant presence in literature, cinema, and arts.
Tamil, with 75 million speakers, is one of the world’s oldest languages still in use today. It is the official language of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and is widely spoken in Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Tamil literature has a history dating back more than 2,000 years.
Gujarati is spoken by around 55 million people, mainly in Gujarat, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu. It is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, with many leading Indian industrialists being native Gujarati speakers.
Urdu has approximately 50 million speakers in India. It is widely spoken in Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Jammu & Kashmir. Urdu is famous for its poetic tradition, with legendary poets like Mirza Ghalib and Faiz Ahmed Faiz contributing to its rich literature.
With over 44 million speakers, Kannada is the official language of Karnataka. It has a thriving literary scene and is home to several Jnanpith Award-winning authors. Kannada inscriptions date back to the 5th century, highlighting its historical importance.
Odia, spoken by 38 million people, is the official language of Odisha. It holds the status of a Classical Language of India, recognized for its 2,500-year-old literary tradition. The language has a rich history of poetry, drama, and religious scriptures, with famous works like Sarala Mahabharata and contributions from revered poets such as Jayadeva, the composer of Gita Govinda. Odia is also widely spoken in parts of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
Punjabi has 37 million speakers, mainly in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. It is written in the Gurmukhi script in India and holds a strong cultural presence in music, poetry, and folklore. Punjabi is renowned for its Sufi poetry, the Bhangra music tradition, and its influence on Bollywood lyrics. The language has a deep historical connection with Sikhism, as the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, is written in Gurmukhi. It is also widely spoken in Canada, the UK, and the USA, making it one of the most recognized Indian languages globally.
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