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Gujari language

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Gujari" redirects here. For the raga, see Gujari Raga.

Gujari
  • Gurjari
  • Gojri
  • Gujjari
  • گُجری
  • गुर्जरी
Gurjari written in Takri, Perso-Arabic script (middle) and Devanagari (bottom)
Native toIndia, Pakistan, Afghanistan
Region
  • India
Jammu and Kashmir,

Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh

  • Pakistan
Azad Kashmir,

Gilgit-Baltistan,[1][2] Hazara, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa[3]

Native speakers
20 million (2018-2022 estimates)[4][5][6]
Standard forms
Dialects
Takri, Perso-Arabic script, Devanagari
Language codes
ISO 639-3gju
Glottologguja1253

Gujari (English: /ɡʌjæri/ GUU-JAH-REE; گُوجَری) also spelt Gurjari, Gojri, Gujri, or Gojari, is a Central Indo-Aryan language belonging to the Indo-Iranian subdivision of the Indo-European languages[9] spoken by most of the Gurjars in the northern parts of India and Pakistan, as well as in Afghanistan.[10] Gujari in Jammu and Kashmir is the third most widely spoken language, after Kashmiri and Dogri.[11]: 109  It is widely spoken in several Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. It is also prevalent in Northern Pakistani areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Hazara, and Azad Kashmir, and extends into some parts of Afghanistan.[12]: 68-69  Gujari shares a strong linguistic kinship with Rajasthani, Punjabi, Haryanvi, Gujarati, Dogri, and Pahari, exhibiting similarities in phonology and morphology that highlight its close ties to these Indo-Aryan languages.[11]: 112 

It is spoken as the mother tongue by 19% of Muslim Gujjars in Azad Kashmir and by 9.5% in Jammu and Kashmir.[13] Gujari is primarily written in the Perso-Arabic script in Pakistan, while in India, both the Perso-Arabic script and Devanagari are used.

It is spoken by 16.3 million people (as of 2011) in various North Indian states, with ethnic Gujjars elsewhere having shifted to the regional languages instead.

In 1999 the government of the erstwhile Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir had recognized Gujari by including it in the sixth schedule of the state constitution.[14][15][16] In March 2025, the Government of Azad Kashmir issued an official notification for the inclusion of the Gujari language as an optional subject in the curriculum for students of grades 6 and 8.[17][18]

On 27 October 2025, the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa unanimously approved Gujari as part of its rules, promoting the province's diverse culture and languages. Consequently, Gujari has become the sixth language officially recognized in the provincial assembly.[19][20]

Origin and history

[edit]

Origin

[edit]

Some scholars have linked the Gujari language's origins and characteristics to the Gurjar Apabhraṃśa, a language form described by ancient Sanskrit grammarians.[21]

In the Indian subcontinent, the language known as "Indik" eventually evolved into Sanskrit and became the language of the elite. As Sanskrit spread, it branched out into various regional languages, known as Prakrit or Indo-Aryan languages. Some researchers believe Gujari is one of these Prakrit, while others argue it's even older than Sanskrit, suggesting Gurjars spoke it when they arrived in India with the Aryans. This view posits that Gujari, with its regional variations, diverged slightly from Sanskrit.[12]: 67 

Rita Kothari noted that Gurjar Apabhramsa was used as a literary language by the 12th century, with references in poet Bhoja's work (1014 AD). Ancient Indian philosopher Patanjali's classification described Apabhramsa as languages spoken in northern India. However as per Shapiro & Michael, the term Apabhramsa is broadly applied in Indology, making it unlikely that Gujari was specifically known as Apabhramsa or directly descended from Gurjar Apabhramsa.[22]

History

[edit]

Gujari language holds a distinguished place among India's ancient languages. Evidence suggests Gujari existed before the time of Jesus Christ.[11]: 109 

Notable advancements have been made in standardizing Gujari's written form. Key milestones include the publication of "Gojri Grammar" by Graham Bailey in 1905 and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages' (JKAACL) release of a comprehensive six-volume of Gujari dictionary in 1992, which was compiled over a period of ten years.[11]: 109 

The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages also released two notable publications, Sheeraza and Awaz-e-Gurjar Journals, which feature Gujari literature.[11]: 109 

In 1992 Hallberg and O'Leary conducted a comprehensive study of Gujari dialects spoken by Gujjars in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, identifying Eastern and Western dialect groups based on lexical similarities and intelligibility.[23]

In 1997 Hugoniot and Polster also surveyed the Eastern Gujari dialect spoken by Dodhi Gujjars in Indian states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.[23]

In 2006, Gujari was officially recognized as a mother tongue, with the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) acknowledging its status.[11]: 109 

According to Bukhari's 2007 observation, Gujari has been significantly influenced by other Indo-Aryan languages, including Urdu, Hindko and Pahari.[24]: 1 

In March 2023, Gujjar Qaumi Movement (GQM), a Gujjar organization based in the Lower Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, filed a petition in the Peshawar High Court, demanding for the inclusion of Gujari language in the list of 2023 census forum. The high court ordered the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government to include the Gujari language, but the remains unimplemented.[25]

In March 2025, the Government of Azad Kashmir issued an official notification for the inclusion of the Gujari language as an optional subject in the curriculum for students of grades 6 and 8.[17][26]

In May 2025, Peshawar's Gandhara Hindko Academy published two Gujari-language books by Professor Muhammad Naseer Miskeen: "Gojri Afsaaney", a collection of 16 short stories featuring an Urdu glossary, and "Sheesho," a volume of humorous poetry.[27]

On 27 October 2025, the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took a landmark decision unanimously incorporating Gujari into its operational framework to foster the KPK's diverse cultural and linguistic heritage. With this move, Gujari has gained official recognition as the Sixth language in the provincial legislative body.[19][20]

Literary traditions

[edit]

Gujari folklore is very large, including songs, ballads and folktales, known as Dastans. Hundreds of folk songs have been recorded and published, including "Nooro", "Tajo", "Nura Beguma", "Shupiya", "Kunjhdi", "Mariyan".[28]

Taukeer Alam narrating a folklore in Van Gujjari

A modern tradition of creative writing encompasses poets such as Sain Qadar Bakhsh, Noon Poonchi, and others. Others such as Mian Nizam ud Din, Khuda Bakhsh Zar, Zabih Rajourvi, Shams ud Din Mehjoor Poonchi, Mian Bashir Ahmed, Javaid Rahi, Rafiq Anjum, Milki Ram Kushan, Sarwari Kassana, Naseem Poonchi have also made remarkable contributions to Gujari through poetry, prose and criticism.[29]

Dialects

[edit]

The Gujari language have two major dialects Eastern Gujari and Western Gujari.[29][30] Both of these two dialects spoken in Pakistan:[31] in the areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir. These two dialects share approximately 64% to 94% lexical similarities.[30]

Western Gujari

[edit]

Western Gujari is mainly spoken by the Gurjars in the Hazara region and other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[30][32] These districts include Battagram, Swat, Dir, Haripur, Mansehra, and Black Mountain. It is also spoken in many areas of eastern Afghanistan.[33] Western Gujari is easily understand for the speaker of eastern Gujari.[30]

Eastern Gujari

[edit]

Eastern Gujari is mostly spoken in the Shinkari area of eastern Mansehra and also in Nagaki, Kakul, and Sarban union councils located near Abottabad district of Hazara region.[33] It is also mixed with northern Hindko and Pahari languages.[30][34]

Other dialects

[edit]

Van Gujari

[edit]
Taukeer Alam introducing himself in Van Gujjari

Van Gujjari is a variety of the Gujari language spoken by the Van Gujjars of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Bakarwali

[edit]

Bakarwali Gujari is mainly spoken by the Bakarwal Gujjars in Indian adminsntrated Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.[35]

Banihari

[edit]

Banihari Gujari is mainly spoken by the Dhodhi or Banihara Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir. It is closely related to Dogri, Kashmiri and Gujari spoken in various villages of Kashmir.[36]

Regional dialects

[edit]
  • Kunar Gujari: Kunar or Kunari Gujari is mainly spoken by the Gujjars of Kunar province in Afghanistan.[37]
  • Chitral Gujari: Chitrali Gujari is mainly Gujari spoken in the Chitral valley and Ashriki area of Chitral.[37]
  • Swat Gujari: It is spoken by the Gujjars of Peshmal and Raguhu valleys of Swat district.[37]
  • Gilgit Gujari: It is spoken in Naltar valley and Bala in Gilgit-Baltistan.[37]
  • Kaghan Gujari: It is poken mainly in Mittikot village in Kaghan valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[37]
  • Poonch Gujari: Mainly spoken in Mendhar and Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.[37]
  • Gujaranwala Gujari: It is mainly spoken by the Gujjars migrated from Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, India.[37]
  • Dir Gujari: Mainly spoken in Sheringal area in Dir district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.[37]
  • Southern Hazara Gujari: It is spoken in Tarchatti in the Hazara region of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.[37]
  • Central Azad Kashmir Gujari: Mainly spoken in Trarkheli area of Azad Kashmir.[37]
  • Southern Azad Kashmir Gujari: Mainly spoken in the Kotli district of Azad Kashmir.[37]

Classification

[edit]

Scholars have differing opinions on the precise classification of the Gujari language. Walter Roper Lawrence referred to the Gujari language as Parimu or Hindki (Hindko). However, scholars have disputed this claim after conducting research.[21]

Colin Paul Masica and Sir George Abraham Grierson noted that Gujari language is closely related to the Marwari of Rajasthani languages.[38][39] However, Ethnologue lists Gujari as unclassified within the Marwari branch of Rajasthani languages, with three distinct Gujari dialects: Western Gujari, Eastern Gujari and Dhed Gujari. Khandeshi (or Dedh Gujari) is mainly spoken in some parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat.[40]

Additionally, In the linguistics Survey of India, George Abraham Grierson classified Gujari as part of the Western Pahari language group.[41]

Jagdish Chandra Sharma (J.C. Sharma) noted that the psychological aspects of the Gujari language show similarities with the Punjabi language.[33]

Before the partition of India the Gujari language was categorized in census reports as a dialect of (Marwari) Rajasthani by the state Government of Rajasthan.[21] Some scholars have note that Gujari is closely related to the Marwari language.[21]

In 1875 Frederick Drew noted that Gujari is a type of Pahari language but his conclusion was disputed by the 1911 Indian Census. The 1941 Indian Census notes that while Gujari has been classified as Pahari language since Drew's account, this classification may not be more accurate than its earlier categorization as Rajasthani.[21][11]: 112 

Wanye E. Losey disagreed with the classification of Indo-Aryan languages and argued that there is no meaning in observation of Gujari language on the basis of Phonological and Morphological and arguing its relationship with Rajasthani (Marwari) or Punjabi language.[33]

Writing system

[edit]

The Nastaliq and Devanagari both scripts used to write Gujari language. In Indian states of Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand Devanagari is preferred but in Indian-administrated Kashmir Nastaliq script. In Pakistani areas of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Hazara and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Nastaliq script used.[29][15]

Geographical distribution

[edit]

Jammu and Kashmir

[edit]

Gujari speaking Gujjars and Bakarwals are concentrated in all districts of Jammu and Kashmir and also in Kargil district of Ladakh. As per 2011 census in Jammu and Kashmir there were 11,35,196 Gujari speakers and 34,858 were Khandeshi Gujari speaking individuals.[42]

There are approximately 2 to 3 million Gujari speakers in Jammu and Kashmir.[43]

Population

[edit]

Districts wise Gujari speakers per 2011 census in Jammu and Kashmir.

2011 census[44][45]
Districts Gujari Percentage
Rajouri 2,21,553 35.17%
Kishtwar 33,127 14.36%
Kupwara 80,163 9.21%
Baramulla 34,750 3.45%
Pulwama 22,189 3.96%
Shupiyan 23,425 8.8%
Anantnag 1,23,606 11.46%
Kulgam 26,827 6.32%
Bandipore 34,586 8.82%
Badgam 23,912 3.01%
Srinagar 8,935 1%
Udhampur 28,770 5.18%
Jammu 59,048 3.86%
Samba 13,766 4.32%
Ganderbal 61,070 20.21%
Poonch 1,86,658 40.39%
Doda 30,200 7.53%
Ramban 30,654 12.18%
Reasi 77,674 25.6%
Kathua 21.599 3.5%

Historical population

[edit]
Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1941283,741—    
1961209,327−1.51%
1971695,375+12.76%
1981428,106−4.74%
2001747,850+2.83%
20111,135,196+4.26%
source: Indian census 1941[46] _ 1961[46] _ 1971[46] _ 1981[47] _ 2001[48] _ 2011[48]

The Gujari speaking population in Jammu and Kashmir was 7,47,850 with an increase of +2.83% according to the 2001 Indian census.[48]

The 2011 Indian census showed a +4.26% increase in the Gujari speaking population, reaching 11,35,196 in the Jammu and Kashmir region.[48]

Himachal Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh

[edit]

In 1961 census in Himachal Pradesh Gujari speaking Muslim Gujars were recorded as 4,927[49] and in Uttar Pradesh were recorded as 1,448.[49]

Madhya Pradesh

[edit]

In Madhya Pradesh's 1961 census Gujari speaking were recorded as 453 Hindu Gujjars.[49]

Azad Kashmir

[edit]

In Azad Kashmir Gujari speaking Gujjars estimated as 7,00,000 to 8,00,000.[50][51] Gujari speakers found in all ten districts of Azad Kashmir, while non Gujari speaking Gujjars are not included. Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Jhelum (Hattian Bala) and Haveli are major districts where 35-30% Gujari is spoken as mother tongue.

Population

[edit]

Gujar speaking population share in districts of Azad Kashmir.

2020 census statistics[52]
Districts Gujari %
Muzaffarabad 35%[52]
Kotli 35%[52]
Jehlum 35%[52]
Haveli 30%
Mirpur 10%
Neelum 10%
Poonch 6%
Bhimber 5%
Bagh 3%
Sudhanoti 1 or 2%

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

[edit]

There is no official record for Gujari speakers is available in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Gujari is not included in any census reports for KPK province. As per estimation there were 2,910 in 1969 for Chitral and 20,000 in 1987 for Swat Kohistan.[53] Although they are found throughout northern areas of Pakistan especially in Hazara region.[53]

Afghanistan

[edit]

The population of Gujari (Gojri) speakers in Afghanistan is scattered in the eastern parts of Afghanistan and numbers at 18,580 (according to a 2015 estimate).[54][55] However, other estimates from local tribesmen estimate upwards of 50,000.

Typological features

[edit]

The Gujari language exhibit linguistic similarities with neighboring Indo-Aryan languages, including Urdu, Hindi, Mewati, Punjabi, Pahadi, and Hindko, in terms of its typological characteristics.[12]: 70 

Orthography

[edit]

The origins of Gujari's writing system before Islam remain unclear. As Gujjar tribes migrated to the Himalayan valleys, Gujari's written form merged around 1900 AD. The Muslim Gujjars, Hindu Gujjar and Sikh Gujjar contributed to its literary development, drawing from multiple scripts. Gojri adopted a mix of Persian, Urdu, Devanagari, and Gurmukhi orthographies. While its alphabet shares many similarities with Urdu, it also includes distinct sounds.[12]: 70 

Phonology

[edit]

Gujari's phonology resembles that of other Indo-Aryan languages, featuring a complex array of constants, Vowels, and distinctive sounds like nassals, voices, voiceless stops, and retroflex constant characteristics of this language family.[24]: 2 

Consonants[56]
Labial Dental/
Alveolar 		Retroflex Post-alv/
Palatal 		Velar Glottal
Plosive/
Affricate 		voiceless p t ʈ t͡ɕ k
aspirated pʰ tʰ ʈʰ t͡ɕʰ kʰ
voiced b d ɖ d͡ʑ ɡ
breathy bʱ dʱ ɖʱ d͡ʑʱ ɡʱ
implosive ɓ ɗ
Fricative s h
Nasal m n ɳ ŋ
Flap voiced ɾ ɽ
breathy ɾʱ ɽʱ
Lateral voiced l ɭ
breathy lʱ ɭʱ
Continuant j w
  • Gujari exhibits a fossilised system of vowel harmony as other Indo-Aryan languages of the same areas including Dogri, Rajasthani, Punjabi, Pahadi, and Kangri.[56]
Vowels[56]
Front Central Back
Close i u
ɪ ʊ
Mid e ə o
ɛ ɔ
Open ä
  • Nasalization: Gujari language has vowel nasalization /~/.
  • Tones: Gujari has a high tone/´/.[56]

Institutions and media

[edit]

All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra run various Gujari programmes. Radio Kashmir Jammu, Srinagar, Poonch in India and seven radio stations of Pakistan and PTV air Gujari programmes and news bulletins accepted across Jammu and Kashmir. Books have been published in Gujari, including encyclopedias, poetry, fiction and non-fiction, on topics including dictionaries, grammars, nature, folklore, art and architecture, agriculture, sociology and research.[57]

The National Academy of Letters, Sahitya Akademi, recognized Gujari as one of the major Indian languages for its National Award, Bhasha Samman, and other programmes. The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Arts, Culture and Languages established a Gujari Department in its Central Office in the 1970s and published in Gujari. They organized seminars, conferences, etc. for the development of the Gujari Language. Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education made curriculum in Gujari up to Middle Standard for teaching Gujari in schools. The University of Jammu Council approved the opening of Gojri Research Centre in Jammu University and University of Kashmir that have been awarded doctorate degrees on completing research projects on the language. In Pakistan administered Kashmir, the Gujari Academy has been established and postgraduate studies departments were set up in various universities and regional research centers.

In some areas of Afghanistan and Kunar Province local radio stations air programs in Gujari, Nuristani and other languages.[58]

Resemblance

[edit]

Gujari shows resemblance with Urdu and Marwari (Rajasthani) due to their shared Indo-Aryan roots. This is evident in their script and vocabulary, with Gujari borrowing words like "Zubaan" (language) from Urdu, as seen in the phrase "Gujari Mahri Zubaan".[11]: 111  Gujari also bears resemblance to other Indo-Aryan languages, such as Punjabi, Urdu/Hindi, Pahari, Hindko, and Kangri.

Words comparison[59]
English Sanskrit Gujari Urdu|Hindi Punjabi Kangri Rajasthani
Work Karma Kamm Kaam Kamm Kamm Kaam
Ear Karna Kann Kaan Kann Kann Kaan
Forehead Masta Mattho Maathaa Mathha Mattha Matho
Hot Tapta Tatto Taataa Tatta Tatta TaatoZ
Sweet misTha miTTho miiThaa miTTha miTTha miiTo
Eye aksi akhhā ākh ãkkh akkhã ãkhy
Seven Sapta satt saat satt satt Saat
Words comparison[60]
English Gujari Hindko Pahari
Father baːp peː peoː
Daughter tiji tiji ti
Tree buːʈoː buːʈa buːʈa
Mountain paːɽ ʈaka ʈakiː / ʈaka
Tongue dʑiːb dʑiːb dʑiːw
Twenty biː biːs viː

Revival

[edit]

In lower or plain areas of Pakistan, Gujjars have a major concentration in districts like Islamabad, Attock, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Lahore and Layyah. However, due to the revolution of time, the majority of them have forgotten or stopped speaking Gujrai. Gojri Bahali Programme (Gojri Revival Programme) has been launched in these areas to encourage Gujjars to restart speaking Gujari. Though this programme has a particular focus on these areas, it extends to the whole of Pakistan. Under this programme, Gujjars are being persuaded to readopt Gujari as their mother language. They are also being asked to mention it in the mother language column of various forms at educational institutions; when applying for computerised national identity card; and while filling out their particulars when seeking employment. Under this programme, the federal government will be asked to add Gujari in the mother language column of the population census. Similarly, the University of Gujrat will be asked to set up Gojri Department. The programme is the initiative of Muhammad Afsar Khan, a Kunduana Gujjar from Chak Dina village in Gujrat district. Kunduanas are a branch of Khatana Gujjars and trace their descent from Kandu, a famous Gujjar who lived during the reign of Mughal King Akbar or immediately before him in Gujrat district. His grave survives to date in Makiana village in Gujrat tehsil.[61]

A gathering of Gujjars in Lower Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on 25 December 2022 demanded the inclusion of Gujari language in school slaybus. Sardar Shajehan Yousef, the chief guest, delivered an address at the event, which was organized by Tehreek Haquq-i-Gujjar Pakistan. Notable figures, including Haji Zarin Khan, Bakht Zada Gujjar, and Imran Yousaf Gujjar, also spoke at the conference, which drew attendees from Punjab and Azad Kashmir. The speakers highlighted the Gujjars' historical bravery, noting their fierce resistance against British aggression during the 1857 independence struggle.[62]

See also

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]

Dictionaries

[edit]
  • Gojri Dictionary (six volumes)
  • Concise Gojri Dictionary
  • Hindi- Gojri Dictionary
  • Folk-Lore Dictionary (two volumes)
  • Hindi- Gojri Dictionary
  • Gojri English Dictionary

Books

[edit]
  • Gojri Lok Geet (2018)
  • Gujjar Tribe of Jammu and Kashmir (2015)
  • The Gujjars vol 1 to 6 (2013–16)
  • Qadeem Gojri Lughat (2013)
  • The Gujjar Tribe of J&K (2012)
  • Gojri Grammer (2012)
  • Tagore di Chunam Shairi (2011)
  • Jammu Kashmir de Qabaila-te-uhna diya boliyaa (2010)
  • Gujjar Tarekh (2009)
  • Anjum Shanasi Biography (2007)
  • Sajra Phull (Hakeem) (2007)
  • Peehng (Mukhlis) (2007)
  • Gujjar Shanakhat Ka Safar (in Urdu, 2005)
  • Akhan Gojri Quotations (2004)
  • Gojri Kahawat Kosh Gojri Quotations (2004)
  • Gujjar ate Gojri (2004)
  • Encyclopedia of Himalayan Gujjars (encyclopaedia in multiple volumes, 2000)[63]
  • Gojri Books
  • Sajar Boot (book series)
  • Gujari: Gwjry Syrt Alnby Ṣly Allh ʿlyh Wslm(lškār Mḥmd) Mṣnf Mfty Mḥmd Adrys Wly Hswāl Gwjr
  • The Gujjars Tribe of Jammu and Kashmir[64]
  • Lok-Virso (1999)

Journals

[edit]
  • Sheeraza Gojri-Bi-Monthly[65][66]
  • Maharo Adab Gojri
  • Shingran Ka Geet
  • Gojri Ka Lal
  • Qadawar
  • Paneeri
  • Gojri Look Geet
  • Gojri Look Kahani
  • Gujjar Aur Gojri
  • Gojri Zaban-o-Adab

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "GEOGRAPHY & DEMOGRAPHY OF GILGIT BALTISTAN: Languages :: Gojri". Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, Government of Pakistan. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  2. ^ "Treading the Sacred Linguistic Landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan". PAMIR TIMES. 23 December 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  3. ^ "Languages of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa". kp.gov.pk. Archived from the original on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  4. ^ Subramanian, V.M.; Sundarabalu, S.; Vijayan, N. (2022). "Working Papers on Linguistics and Literature". UGC - CARE Listed Journal. XVI. Department of Linguistics Bharathiar University Coimbatore - 641 046, India: 112. ISSN 2349-8420. The mother tongue of Gujjars is Gojri (Bashir, 2016; Bhat & Khan, 2020) and it is spoken globally by 20 million people.
  5. ^ Anjum, Rafique (2018). Gojri Linguistics: An Overview. Jammu and Kashmir: Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Rajouri-JK (India). Gojri is one of the ancient Indian Languages belonging to Central group of the Indo-Aryan Languages, spoken by over 20 million people in Central and nor-west India, northern Pakistan and eastern provinces of Afghanistan.
  6. ^ "Gojri language". Tribal Research And Cultural Foundation. Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2025. According to a current analysis the Gojri language is the first language of 20 million people in South Asia and nearly eight million people in India, majority of them in Jammu and Kashmir.
  7. ^ Losey, Wayne (1 January 2002). "Writing Gojri: Linguistic and sociolinguistic constraints on a standardized orthography for the Gujars of South Asia". Work Papers of the Summer Institute of Linguistics, University of North Dakota Session. 46 (1). doi:10.31356/silwp.vol46.03. ISSN 0361-4700.
  8. ^ Pushp, P. N.; K., Warikoo. "Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh - Linguistic Predicament". koshur.org (Kashmiri language). Himalayan Research and Cultural Foundation: Har-Anand Publications. Retrieved 9 October 2025. The scholars trace the historical roots and affinity of the Gujari language from the Gurjara Apabhramsa of the Sanskrit grammarians.
  9. ^ Rensch, Calvin Ross (1992). Hindko and Gujari. National Institute of Pakistan Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University. p. 91. The Gujar people are spread from northwestern and central India, across northern Pakistan, and into northeastern Afghanistan. Their language, Gujari, belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European family.
  10. ^ R.P. Khatana. "Gujari Language and Identity in Jammu and Kashmir". Kashmir News Network: Language Section (koshur.org). Retrieved 31 May 2007.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h Zahoor Ahmad, Bhat; Mahmood Ahmad, Khan (2021). "Exploring the Indigenous Language of Gujjar and Bakerwal Communities". The Journal of Indian Arts History Congress. 26 (2). Department of Education, University of Kashmir. ISSN 0975-7945. SSRN 3915778 – via papers.ssrn.
  12. ^ a b c d Badar, Zaman (April 2019). "Gojri Language and Its Linguistic Features". European Academic Research. VII (1). School of Foreign Languages Shanghai University.
  13. ^
  14. ^ "Gojri Language needs to be introduced in educational institutions". Statetimes. 1 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  15. ^ a b "Gojri language". Tribal Research And Cultural Foundation. Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  16. ^ "Writers in J&K; seek constitutional safeguards for Gojri". Merinews.com. 29 January 2008. Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  17. ^ a b Ahmed, Khawaja Kabir (14 March 2025). "Congratulating the Inclusion of the Gojri Language in the Curriculum and Expressing Hope for the Pahari Language". KiNews HD. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  18. ^ "Including Gujari Language As An Elective Subject In The Curriculum Is A Highly Commendable Step: Riaz Kohmrawi - Daily Parliament Times". 17 March 2025. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
  19. ^ a b "KP assembly approves inclusion of Gojri language in official Assembly rules". Associated Press Of Pakistan. 27 October 2025. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
  20. ^ a b "Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Adds Gojri as Sixth Official Language in Assembly Rules". Daily Qudrat English. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
  21. ^ a b c d e Pushp, P. N.; K., Warikoo. "Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh - Linguistic Predicament". koshur.org (Kashmiri language). Himalayan Research and Cultural Foundation: Har-Anand Publications. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  22. ^ Farooq Ahmad, Mir; Azhar, Nasir (2023). "Grammatical Gender In Gojri of Jammu and kashmir". Interdisciplinary Journal of Linguistics. 16 (1). Department Of Linguistic, University of Kashmir: 172–173 – via linguistics.uok.edu.in.
  23. ^ a b Wayne, Losey (2002). "Writing Gojri: Linguistic and sociolinguistic constraints on a standardized orthography for the Gujars of south Asia". sil.org. p. 10.
  24. ^ a b Khalid, Nabeela; Shafi, Sehrish; Rahim, Ambreen (31 December 2024). "An Analysis of Syllable Patterns in Gojri Monosyllabic Words". Balochistan Journal of Linguistics. 12: 13. ISSN 2312-5454.
  25. ^ "Inclusion of Gujjari language in census form lauded". Dawn. 23 March 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  26. ^ ڈیسک, ویب (24 March 2025). "کشمیر کی ثقافتی زبان گوجری کو آزاد کشمیر حکومت نے نصاب میں شامل کر لیا". ARY News Urdu (in Urdu). Retrieved 27 October 2025.
  27. ^ Riffatullah (24 May 2025). "Hindko Academy publishes Gojri language books". The News. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  28. ^ Rahi, Javaid. "The Gujjars - Vol: 01 a Book on History and Culture of Gujjar Tribe : Ed Javaid Rahi".
  29. ^ a b c Frawley, William (May 2003). International Encyclopedia of Linguistics: 4-Volume Set. Oxford University Press, USA. p. 292. ISBN 978-0-19-513977-8.
  30. ^ a b c d e Joan L. G, Baart (2001). Bibliography Of Languages Of Northern Pakistan. National Institute Of Pakistan Studies, Pakistan. p. 44. Gujari (Gujuri, Gujuri Rajasthani, Gujer, Gojri, Gogri, Kashmir Gujuri, Gojari, Gujjari) Dialects: WESTERN GUJARI, EASTERN GUJARI. 64% to 94% lexical similarity among dialects. Eastern Gujari appears closer to Northern Hindko or Pahari-Potwari. Western Gujari speakers appear to understand the Eastern dialect better than vice versa.
  31. ^ Wayne, Losey (2002). "Writing Gojri: Linguistic and sociolinguistic constraints on a standardized orthography for the Gujars of south Asia". sil.org. This study presents descriptions of the phonology and morphology of the two major dialects of Gojri spoken in Pakistan, and compares the analysis of these dialects with the analysis of the Gojri spoken in Punch District of Indian-administered Kashmir (Sharma 1979, 1982).
  32. ^ "Western Gujari". glottolog.org. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  33. ^ a b c d Losey, Wayne (2002). Writing Gojri: Linguistic and sociolinguistic constraints on a standardized orthography for the Gujars of south Asia (PDF). pp. 2 & 3.
  34. ^ "Eastern Gujari". glottolog.org. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  35. ^ "Bakarwali". glottolog.org. Retrieved 29 May 2025.
  36. ^ Sharma, Jagdish Chander (1982). Gojri Grammar. Central Institute of Indian Languages. p. 6. And because of contacts with various languages in different regions all Gujars in Jammu and Kashmir may not be speaking the same variety of Gojri rather there are regional variations within the Gojri of Jammu and Kashmir. Banihari boli the language of (Dodhi Gujars) has more influence of Dogri and Gojri spoken in Kashmir villages must have the influence of Kashmiri.
  37. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Rensch, Calvin Ross (1992). Sociolinguistic Survey of Northern Pakistan: Hindko and Gujari. Vol. 03. National Institute of Pakistan Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University. p. 105.
  38. ^ Rahi, Javaid. The Gujjars. Gojri Language Number. Vol. 3. Jammu and Kashmir Acacademy of Art, Culture, and Languages. p. 580.
  39. ^ Sharma, J. C. (April 2002). "Gojri and Its Relationship with Rajasthani, Etc". Language in India. 2 (2). Retrieved 4 March 2025.
  40. ^ Farooq Ahmad, Mir; Azhar, Nasir (2023). "Grammatical Gender in Gojri of Jammu and Kashmir". Interdisciplinary Journal of Linguistics. 16 (1). Department of Linguistic, University of Kashmir: 172–173 – via linguistics.uok.edu.in. George Abraham Grierson classified Gojri as an Indo-Aryan language and grouped it under Rajasthani group of languages with a resemblance to Mewari dialect (see, (Rahi, 2012; Sharma, 1979). However, Ethnologue records the language as unclassified after Marwari group of Indo-Aryan decedents with three dialectal variations, viz., Dhed Gujari, Eastern Gujari, and western Gujari. It is worth mentioning that Dhed Gujari is an alternate name given to a lesser-known indigenous language called Khandesi which is orally used in North-West parts of Maharashtra, and in South-eastern parts of Gujrat.
  41. ^ "Gojri (Gujari)". Ministry of Education, Government of India.
  42. ^ Numbers as Political Allies The Census in Jammu and Kashmir By Vikas Kumar · 2024 p.183
  43. ^ "From margins to mainstream: The push for Gojri's constitutional recognition in India - JK MONITOR". jkmonitor.org. Retrieved 25 July 2025. Gojri Speaking constitute more than 15 million in India having 2 to 3 million population in J&K. Being an oldest and significant language of India, it deserves recognition at National level since long.
  44. ^ C-16 Population by Mother Tongue – Jammu & Kashmir (Report). Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  45. ^ Kumar, Vikas (4 January 2024). Numbers as Political Allies: The Census in Jammu and Kashmir. Cambridge University Press. p. 180. ISBN 978-1-009-31722-1.
  46. ^ a b c "Kashmir History and Politics". ikashmir.net. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  47. ^ Magray, Mohammed Bashir (2003). "Tribal geography of India - Jammu and Kashmir". OBEROI BOOK SERVICE Jammu. p. 58.
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  49. ^ a b c Jagdish Chander Sharma. Gojri Grammar. p. 2. According to the 1961 census, the languages given as Gujjari and Gujari which are spoken by the Gujjar nomads in Himachal Pradesh (Gujjari 4927), Uttar Pradesh (Gujari 1448) and Madhya Pradesh (Gujari 453) may be the same as Gojri or as dialects of Gojri.
  50. ^ Baart, Jaan L.G.; Baart-Bremer, Esther L. (2001). Bibliography Of Languages Of Northern Pakistan. National Institute Of Pakistan Studies, Pakistan. p. 44.
  51. ^ ""With Friends Like These...": Human Rights Violations in Azad Kashmir: II. Background". hrw.org. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  52. ^ a b c d Government, of Azad Kashmir. Statistical Year Book 2020 (PDF). Muzaffarabad: AJ&K Bureau Of Statistics. p. 140. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  53. ^ a b Joan L. G., Baart; Baart-Bremer, Esther L. (2001). Bibliography of languages of northern Pakistan. Vol. NIPS - SIL Working Paper Series. Pakistan: National Institute of Pakistan Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University and Summer Institute of Linguistics. p. 44.
  54. ^ "Afghanistan". dbs.org. Bible Society. Retrieved 11 October 2025. Language: Gujari = 18,580
  55. ^ Gujari at Ethnologue (26th ed., 2023) Closed access icon
  56. ^ a b c d Thirumalai, M. S. (2 April 2002). "GOJRI AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH RAJASTHANI, ETC". languageinindia.com. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  57. ^ "Give more airtime to Gojri programmes, urge Gujjars".
  58. ^ Meyerle, Gerald; Katt, Megan; Gavrilis, Jim (2012). On the Ground in Afghanistan: Counterinsurgency in Practice. Government Printing Office. p. 66. ISBN 978-0-16-090258-1.
  59. ^ "Language in India". Language in India. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
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  61. ^ "Gojri: The language that's spoken but rarely read". Hindustan Times. 21 July 2018.
  62. ^ "Call for including Gujri language in school syllabus". Dawn. 25 December 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2025.
  63. ^ "Life Story: Javaid Rahi, cultural activist, writer – The Dispatch". 1 April 2021. Archived from the original on 1 April 2021. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  64. ^ "Of a Gujjar Scholar and Social activist". Daily Excelsior. 18 October 2020.
  65. ^ "Gojri Books of Javaid Rahi published by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages". viaf.org.
  66. ^ "Why I Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust Jammu -Gojri Books by Dr Javaid Rahi". viaf.org.

Further reading

[edit]
  • 1992: Rensch, Calvin R., Hindko and Gujari - National Institute of Pakistani Studies, 305 pp. ISBN 969-8023-13-5.
  • 2012: Javaid Rahi, The Gujjar Tribe of Jammu & Kashmir -Gulshan Books, Srinagar J&K 190001, 305 pp. ISBN 81-8339-103-6.
[edit]
Gujari language test of Wikipedia at Wikimedia Incubator
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