Brahvi

Brahvi, sometimes spelled Brahui, refers to the Brahvi people and their language, primarily associated with the Balochistan region of Pakistan. The Brahvi are a distinct community within the broader Balochistan population, with smaller groups in Iran and Afghanistan. They inhabit rural areas as well as urban centers such as Quetta and surrounding districts.

The Brahvi language, Brahui, is a Dravidian language spoken by Brahvi people. It stands out as Dravidian in the western part of South Asia, far from the southern Indian Dravidian heartland. Brahui has several dialects and shows borrowings from neighboring languages such as Balochi, Sindhi, Persian, and Urdu. Most Brahvi speakers are bilingual, using Balochi or Urdu in daily life.

Demographically, the Brahvi are concentrated in southern and central Balochistan, with diaspora communities in Pakistani cities. Population estimates vary, but Brahvi speakers form a substantial minority within the region and contribute to the linguistic and cultural diversity of Balochistan.

Culturally, Brahvi practices include traditional music, poetry, dress, and crafts that reflect interactions with Balochi and wider Iranian-influenced cultures. The majority of Brahvi are Muslims, with Sunni and Shia communities represented. Regional variation exists in religious practices and social customs, shaped by local histories and affiliations.