Understanding Maithili: A Distinct Language from Bihar Many people, especially in South India and even in some parts of North India, assume that all Bihari people speak Bhojpuri. However, Bihar is home to multiple languages, and Maithili is one of its most prominent and historically rich languages. What is Maithili? Maithili is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by over 35 million people in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Nepal. Unlike Bhojpuri and Magahi, Maithili has its own script called Tirhuta and a well-documented literary heritage. It was officially recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003, giving it the status of one of India’s scheduled languages. How is Maithili Different from Bhojpuri? 1. Linguistic Identity: While both Bhojpuri and Maithili belong to the Indo-Aryan family, they are structurally different. Maithili has a distinct grammatical structure, phonetics, and vocabulary, making it closer to Bengali and Assamese than Bhojpuri. 2. Literary Tradition: Maithili has a deep literary heritage, with texts dating back to the 14th century. The famous poet Vidyapati is regarded as the father of Maithili literature. 3. Geographical Spread: Maithili is spoken primarily in North Bihar (Mithila region) and Nepal, whereas Bhojpuri is more common in Western Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Jharkhand. Misconception Among Non-Biharis Due to a lack of awareness, many people outside Bihar think that Bhojpuri is the only language spoken in Bihar. This misconception is reinforced by Bollywood and mainstream media, which portray Bihari characters speaking only Bhojpuri. However, Bihar is linguistically diverse, with Maithili, Magahi, Bhojpuri, Angika, and other languages coexisting. Why Should You Know About Maithili? • It is one of India’s recognized languages with a rich history and cultural significance. • Maithili is a literary and administrative language in Nepal. • It has a distinct identity separate from Bhojpuri and deserves proper recognition. If you ever meet a person from Bihar, instead of assuming they speak Bhojpuri, ask them about their mother tongue. You might discover a beautiful language like Maithili, which has contributed immensely to India’s linguistic and cultural heritage. #knowyourlanguages #maithilinotbhojpuri #linguisticdiversity