Santali belongs to the Munda branch of the Austroasiatic language family. Its presence is an important reminder that not all languages spoken in Bihar are Indo-Aryan.
Santali is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Constitutional recognition, however, does not by itself describe how the language is used or sustained in Bihar’s different communities.
Communities across eastern Bihar
Santali is spoken by Santhal communities in districts including Jamui, Banka, Munger and Bhagalpur. Communities are also present farther east in Araria, Purnia, Katihar and Kishanganj, shaped in part by histories of agricultural labour and migration.
Language, people and continuity
A responsible Santali page must be built with Santhal voices at its centre. It should document oral traditions, music, community institutions, writing and education without reducing an Adivasi language to a demographic category. Regional differences and connections with Jharkhand also deserve careful attention.
Listen and watch
Hear Santali
Hear Santali in conversation, storytelling and public life.
Starting references