G. N. Devy is the chief editor of the PLSI series. He taught at the Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, till 1996 before leaving to set up the Bhasha Research Centre in Baroda and the Adivasi Akademi at Tejgadh, where he worked towards conserving and promoting the languages and culture of indigenous and nomadic communities. Apart from being awarded the Padma Shree, he has received many awards for his work in literature and language conservation.

Ramnika Gupta, Head of Ramnika Foundation, has an MA from Punjab University and a Bed from Central Institute of Education. She was MLA and former member of the Legislative Assembly of Bihar. A litterateur dedicated to the development of Dalits, adivasis and women, she has been honoured for her literary as well as her social work.

Prabhatkumar Singh, PhD (Anthropology), is a professor in the Department of Anthropology, Ranchi University. He is well-known for his extensive work on the Kurmali language spoken in Jharkhand. He is a renowned scholar and has published three books and thirty-five research papers. Singh has also participated and presented papers in numerous national and international seminars.

Table of Contents

The People’s Linguistic Survey of India
The National Editorial Collective
List of Volumes
Acknowledgements
Foreword
A Nation Proud of Its Language Diversity: Chief Editor’s Introduction
Editorial
Contributors to the Volume
An Appeal to Readers
List of Languages Covered in this Volume

PART I: SCHEDULED LANGUAGE
1. Santhali

PART II: NON-SCHEDULED LANGUAGES
2. Angika
3. Asuri
4. Bhumij
5. Birajiya
6. Birhor
7. Gondi
8. Ho
9. Khadiya
10. Khortha
11. Korwa
12. Kudukh
13. Kurmali
14. Mal Paharia
15. Mundari
16. Nagpuri
17. Panchpargania
18. Shabar

Index
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES
Table I: Distribution of Indian Scheduled Languages
Figure II: Speakers of Santhali in India
Figure III: Speakers of Scheduled Languages in Jharkhand
Figure IV: Political Map of Jharkhand
Figure V: Language Map of Jharkhand