Bihar, the third most populous state in India, boasts a vibrant linguistic landscape that reflects its cultural and historical richness. The majority of languages spoken in Bihar belong to the Bihari subgroup of the Indo-Aryan family, each contributing to the state's linguistic diversity. The key languages include Bhojpuri in the west, Maithili in the north, and Magahi in the central region around the capital city, Patna.

Official and Recognized Languages:

Modern Standard Hindi serves as the official language of Bihar, with Standard Urdu holding the status of a second official language in 15 districts. However, the exact speaker numbers for the primary Bihari languages are challenging to determine due to varied reporting practices, particularly in rural areas and among the urban poor.

In addition to the major Bihari languages, Bihar is home to a variety of Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, and Austroasiatic languages, showcasing the state's linguistic tapestry.

Historical Perspective:

The history of language in Bihar is marked by the dominance struggle between Hindi and Urdu, both standards of the Hindustani language. In 1881, Modern Standard Hindi successfully displaced Standard Urdu as the sole official medium in Bihar. After independence, Hindi regained sole official status through the Bihar Official Language Act of 1950, with Urdu becoming the second official language in 1989.

Official Languages:

1. Hindi: The official language of the state.
2. Urdu: The second official language of Bihar.

Recognized Languages:

1. Maithili: Widely spoken in Bihar and recognized as a regional language in India under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution since 2003. Maithili is also spoken in Nepal.

2. Angika: Spoken in the Anga area, including Munger, Bhagalpur, Banka districts of Bihar, and the Santhal Pargana division of Jharkhand.

3. Bajjika: Also known as Western Maithili, spoken in north-western Bihar and recognized as a dialect of Maithili.

4. Bhojpuri: With several dialects, Bhojpuri is prevalent in various regions of Bihar and neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.

5. Magahi: Spoken in the Magadh region in southern Bihar, including districts like Patna, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Gaya, Nawada, and Sheikhpura.

6. Khortha: Spoken in far-southern Bihar adjoining Jharkhand, on the Chota Nagpur plateau.

7. Santali: A Munda language spoken by the Santhal Adivasis in Santhal Parganas in northeastern Jharkhand and parts of Bihar.

8. Surjapuri: Spoken in Purnia division and adjoining areas of West Bengal, closely related to Assamese and Bengali.

Classical Languages:

1. Pali
2. Sanskrit

Writing Systems:

The languages of Bihar are written in various scripts, including Devanagari, Tirhuta, and Kaithi.

Conclusion:

The linguistic diversity of Bihar is a testament to its rich cultural heritage. As these languages continue to evolve and contribute to the state's social fabric, recognizing and preserving this linguistic heritage is crucial for promoting inclusivity and understanding among the people of Bihar.