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Varhadi Dialect: Exploring Vidarbha’s Unique Marathi Language
- thenewsdirt
- Apr 18
- 4 min read
The Varhadi dialect, also known as Varhadi-Nagpuri, traces its origins to the Marathi spoken hundreds of years ago in the Vidarbha region. It preserves words and phrases that have faded from standard Marathi, offering a glimpse into the language’s historical evolution.
The term "abe" replaces the standard "are" in addressing someone directly, a marker of older Marathi vocabulary. Similarly, "aga" appears in specific contexts, a word absent from modern standard usage.
These linguistic relics suggest that Varhadi has evolved more slowly than its counterparts, holding onto forms that other dialects have shed.
Sanskrit’s influence runs deep in Varhadi, setting it apart from many Indo-Aryan dialects that simplify classical terms. In eastern Vidarbha, the word "sarpa" is used for snake, a direct borrowing from Sanskrit, while standard Marathi opts for the modified "sāp."
This retention of tatsama words, those lifted unchanged from Sanskrit, highlights Varhadi’s connection to ancient linguistic traditions.
The dialect’s vocabulary reflects a blend of historical Marathi and classical roots, shaped by the region’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
The geographical context of Vidarbha, bordered by Hindi-speaking regions like Madhya Pradesh, has also left its mark.
Over centuries, Varhadi absorbed elements from neighbouring languages, particularly Hindi, while maintaining its Marathi core. This interplay of influences has crafted a dialect that feels both rooted in its Marathi origins and enriched by its regional setting, a testament to Vidarbha’s role as a cultural crossroads.
A Distinct Voice
Varhadi’s uniqueness lies in its phonological, grammatical, and lexical features, which distinguish it from standard Marathi while remaining mutually intelligible. Pronunciation varies across Vidarbha, particularly in areas closer to Madhya Pradesh, where Central Indo-Aryan influences are stronger.
The sound in words like "pāch" (five) may shift to the Hindi "pānch." This subtle shift in sound reflects the dialect’s adaptation to its linguistic surroundings, creating a distinct auditory identity.
Grammatically, Varhadi diverges in notable ways. It replaces the standard Marathi dative case endings "lā" and "nā" with "le." For example, "malā" (to me) becomes "male," and "tyānnā" (to them) becomes "tyāle."
This feature aligns Varhadi with the neighbouring Khandeshi language, pointing to shared regional patterns.
The dialect also adopts Hindi-like structures in certain expressions. The phrase "Mī jā’un rāhilō" (I am going) contrasts with standard Marathi’s "Mī zātōy," showing a grammatical affinity with Hindi’s verb forms.
In the past continuous tense, Varhadi might use "Tho bahut abhyās kare" (He studied a lot) instead of the standard "To khūp abhyās karāychā."
Lexically, Varhadi incorporates Hindi words that differ from standard Marathi. The word for "straight" is "sīdhā" or "sarkā," unlike the Marathi "saraḷ." Similarly, "bahut" or "lay" replaces "khūp" for "a lot."
These borrowings reflect Vidarbha’s proximity to Hindi-speaking areas, where linguistic exchange has shaped the dialect’s vocabulary.
Varhadi also employs emphatic suffixes like "zo" for singular and "zā" for plural, as in "Māhyā porīchyā lagnāle ye zā" (Come to my daughter’s wedding), adding a distinctive tone to its speech.
Regional and social variations further enrich Varhadi. In areas near Madhya Pradesh, phrases like "zāna padte" replace the standard "zā lāgte," reflecting stronger Hindi influence.
Different castes and communities within Vidarbha may also use slightly varied forms, adding layers of diversity to the dialect. These variations underscore Varhadi’s adaptability, shaped by both geography and social context.
Cultural Significance
Varhadi is a cultural cornerstone for the people of Vidarbha. Spoken in homes, fields, and markets, it carries the region’s identity, expressed through folk songs, local literature, and everyday conversations. The dialect’s distinct vocabulary and grammar lend a unique flavour to these cultural forms, preserving traditions that define Vidarbha’s heritage.
The dialect is written in Devanagari, the script used for Marathi, and occasionally in the historical Modi script, which was once common in Maharashtra.
Its ISO 639-3 code, "vah," and Glottolog code, "varh1239," identify it in linguistic databases, ensuring its recognition in academic and preservation efforts.
Varhadi’s presence in written and oral forms underscores its role as a living language, embedded in the daily lives of its speakers.
With an estimated 7 million speakers as of 1995, Varhadi remains widely used across rural and urban areas of Vidarbha.
Some sources suggest a higher figure, closer to 10 million, though recent data is limited. The dialect’s vitality is evident in its continued use by Marathi-speaking communities in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana, where Vidarbha’s cultural influence extends.
Despite its widespread use, Varhadi faces challenges, as noted by UNESCO’s classification of the dialect as vulnerable, indicating potential risks to its long-term survival.
Today, Varhadi thrives in the voices of Vidarbha’s people, from farmers discussing crops to families celebrating festivals. Its speakers span generations, though younger ones may encounter the dialect primarily at home, as schools and media favour standard Marathi or Hindi.
The dialect’s vulnerability, as flagged by UNESCO, stems from these shifts, with urbanisation and migration influencing language use. Yet Varhadi persists, carried forward by those who value its distinctiveness.
The dialect’s presence in literature and oral traditions continues to anchor it in Vidarbha’s culture.
Folk songs sung during festivals and stories shared in village gatherings keep Varhadi alive, reflecting the region’s history and values.
As Vidarbha navigates the modern world, Varhadi stands as a bridge between past and present, its words echoing the region’s journey through time.
Its speakers, scattered across villages and cities, carry forward a linguistic tradition that is uniquely their own, a sound that defines the heart of Vidarbha.
References
Ethnologue. (n.d.). Varhadi-Nagpuri. https://www.ethnologue.com/language/vah
UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger. (n.d.). Varhadi-Nagpuri. https://en.wal.unesco.org/languages/varhadi-nagpuri
Wikipedia. (2023). Varhadi dialect. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varhadi_dialect
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