Garhwali Language

This central Pahadi language is spoken not only by people from the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand but also by people from Himachal Pradesh. The roots of this language can be traced to Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, and Indo-Aryan languages, along with other intermediate divisions. Over time, different districts have modified the pronunciations of some words, but the root remains the same. For example, the languages of Pauri and Srinagar are very similar. Garhwali is widely spoken in local villages as well as in cities and towns, with people from these villages migrating to nearby towns. Almost everyone who speaks Garhwali can also speak and understand Hindi (the most commonly spoken language in India). According to research, for Hindi speakers, Garhwali is only about 50% understandable.

History of Garhwali Language

The earliest form of Garhwali can be traced back to the 10th century, during the middle of the development of Indo-Aryan languages in India, when there were many Prakrits (closely related literary languages). One such Prakrit, “Khasas,” evolved into Garhwali (or Gadwahi). Various seals, inscriptions, copper plates, and temple stones with royal orders and grants in Garhwali language have been found. For instance, the temple grant inscriptions by King Jagatpal in Devprayag, dated to 1335 AD, are among the earliest records. Until the 17th century, the Garhwal region was a sovereign kingdom ruled by Garhwali kings who made Garhwali the official language of their kingdom.

Why Garhwali is not the Official Language of Uttarakhand?

The history of this issue goes back to when Uttarakhand was still part of Uttar Pradesh. In 1998, the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (a revolutionary party of Uttarakhand) began an agitation demanding separate statehood for Uttarakhand. Two years later, the Indian Parliament passed the bill named the “Uttar Pradesh Reorganization Act,” and on November 9, 2000, the 27th state of India, Uttarakhand, was formed. However, after its formation, no consideration was given to changing the official languages from Hindi and Sanskrit to Garhwali and Kumaoni. One of the main reasons is that Garhwali is not considered a dialect but a distinct language that evolved from Hindi. Other contributing factors include the negligence and ignorance of political leaders and parties.

An Endangered Dialect According to UNESCO

According to UNESCO’s recent report from the Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger, Garhwali is classified as an “unsafe” language, rapidly becoming extinct. There are several reasons for this, with one of the prime factors being that over 2.5 million migrants from Uttarakhand now live in nearby cities. Over time, people in the hills have started speaking Hindi more frequently, as it is the most common way of communicating, pushing Garhwali to the brink of extinction. The language is looked down upon by people in more developed regions, and the younger generations have lost touch with their roots. Worse still, no active efforts are being made by the people or political leaders to conserve this nearly extinct language.

Issues Regarding Garhwali Language:

• Large-scale migration of the population to cities and towns due to lack of opportunities.
• Minimal use of Garhwali for communication, both social and official.
• Hindi being used for everyday conversation within families.
• Lack of support from the government.
• Rapidly shrinking interest from the people themselves.

There have been calls for Garhwali to be made the official language of Uttarakhand, so that it can be taught in schools and universities, which would help preserve it.

How Garhwali Can be Conserved

• The native children, especially the younger generation, have lost touch with their linguistic roots. In this context, technology can play a major role in its conservation. Garhwali can be taught through podcasts, e-books, and other digital platforms.
• The language can also be promoted through music, literature, cinema, and TV shows, helping to preserve it for future generations.
• Large-scale regional fairs and cultural functions should be organized to showcase Garhwali traditions and values. These events can include songs, debates, and storytelling. State-level competitions could be held where locals display traditional jewelry, food, and attire.
• The younger generation can be taught Garhwali through fun-themed parties and public promotional activities on large cultural platforms.
• Famous personalities can also be approached to lend a helping hand in protecting and preserving the dialect in a more effective manner.