Maithili language

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Maithili

Region	Bihar, Jharkhand, Terai
Ethnicity	Maithil people
Speakers	34 million
Language family	Indo-European
This language related article is a stub.

Maithili (मैथिली) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand and in the Terai region of Nepal. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and the second most spoken language in Nepal. Maithili is part of the Eastern Indo-Aryan subgroup.

History

Maithili has a rich literary history dating back to the 14th century. The earliest known work in Maithili is the Varna Ratnakara by Jyotirishwar Thakur. The language flourished under the patronage of the Mithila kings and saw significant contributions from poets like Vidyapati.

Geographic Distribution

Maithili is predominantly spoken in the Mithila region, which comprises the northern part of Bihar and the eastern part of Terai in Nepal. Major cities where Maithili is spoken include Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, and Janakpur.

Dialects

Maithili has several dialects, including Central Maithili, Western Maithili, and Eastern Maithili. These dialects vary slightly in terms of phonology and vocabulary but are mutually intelligible.

Script

Maithili was traditionally written in the Tirhuta script, but the Devanagari script is now more commonly used. Efforts are being made to revive the use of the Tirhuta script.

Phonology

Maithili has a rich phonological system with a variety of vowels and consonants. It includes nasalized vowels and retroflex consonants, which are characteristic of many Indo-Aryan languages.

Grammar

Maithili grammar is similar to other Indo-Aryan languages. It follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order and has a complex system of verb conjugation and noun declension.

Literature

Maithili literature boasts a wide range of poetry, prose, and drama. The works of Vidyapati are particularly notable for their lyrical beauty and devotional themes. Modern Maithili literature has also seen contributions from writers like Harimohan Jha and Baba Nagarjun.

Cultural Significance

Maithili is not just a language but a significant cultural marker for the Maithil people. It is used in various cultural and religious ceremonies, including the famous Madhushravani festival.

Recognition and Preservation

Maithili was recognized as a scheduled language of India in 2003. Various organizations and institutions are working towards the preservation and promotion of Maithili, including the Maithili Academy and the Nepal Maithili Parishad.

See also

• Indo-Aryan languages
• Mithila
• Vidyapati
• Tirhuta script