Languages in Himachal

Despite Hindi being the state language of Himachal Pradesh, the natives of the land mostly converse in 'Pahari' that has various dialects or sub-languages.

These dialects of Pahari widely spoken all around the region are Mandiali (in Mandi), Kulavi (in Kulu), Kehluri (in Bilaspur), Hinduri (in Nalagarh), Chameali (in Chamba), Sirmauri (in Sirmur), Miahasvi (in Mahasu region) and Pangwali (in Pangi).

Apart from the above mentioned dialects, Kinnauri, Lahauli and the Spitian of the Bohts are also widely used by the people of this state. Despite their wide differences, it is noteworthy that all the dialects of Pahari are of Sanskritic origin.

Despite being written differently in diverse times, their roots yet lie in Sanskrit. Written earlier in 'Tankri' or 'Thahau', these dialects came to be written in Persian script during Muslim rule followed by Devanagiri.