The People’s Linguistics Survey of India tries to give an idea of the extant and dying languages of India. It is the outcome of a nationwide survey of languages that has been documented by linguists, writers, social activists, and members of different speech communities.

Maharashtra is India’s third largest state and also its most industrialised. This volume informs the reader about the variety of languages that are prevalent and in use in the state. One of its interesting features is that it discusses the varieties of Marathi in use, and also different tribal languages. Apart from this, it also details the languages of nomadic communities and also has a chapter on the code language of the nomads.

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.

Arun Jakhade, the editor of this volume, is a well-known Marathi writer and also a columnist. He writes both fiction and non-fiction and has received several awards for his work. He established Padmagandha Prakashan, which is one of the leading publishing houses in Maharashtra.

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
Introduction to the Volume
Contributors to the Volume
Scripts in Use
List of Languages Covered in this Volume

PART I: MARATHI AND ITS REGIONAL VARIETIES URDU AND SINDHI
1. Marathi
2. Aagari
3. Ahirani
4. Chandgadi
5. Jhadi
6. Khandeshi Leva
7. Kohali
8. Malwani
9. Povari
10. Samvedi
11. Sangameshwari
12. Tavdi
13. Varhadi
14. Wadavali
15. Sindhi
16. Urdu

PART II: TRIBAL LANGUAGES
17. Bhili/Bhillori/Dehwali
18. Dhorkoli
19. Gondi
20. Gondi Madia
21. Gondi Thatya
22. Halbi
23. Katkari
24. Kolami
25. Konkana
26. Korku
27. Malhar Koli
28. Maangeli
29. Mathwadi
30. Mavchi
31. Nihali
32. Nimadi
33. Pardhani
34. Pavri
35. Rathya(Barela)
36. Thakaree
37. Thakur Ka
38. Thakur Ma
39. Warli  

PART III: LANGUAGES OF NOMADIC COMMUNITIES
40. Code Languages of the Nomads  
41. Beldar  
42. Chhapparband
43. Chitodiya
44. Dombari
45. Ghisadi
46. Golla
47. Gormati
48. Gosavi
49. Kaikadi
50. Kolhati
51. Kunchikorva
52. Nandiwale
53. Paradhi
54. Parushi Maang
55. Parushi Maang Garudi
56. Parushi Nathpanthi Davri
57. Vaidu
58. Wadari

PART IV: OTHER LANGUAGES
59. Dakkhani
60. Naw Ling

Bibliography
Index