Gorkhali

Gorkhali is a name historically used for the Nepali language, and in some contexts serves as an endonym for the standard form of the language that developed from the Khas language in the Gorkha region. In modern usage, Gorkhali is often equated with Nepali and can be used to refer to the language as spoken across Nepal and among Nepali-speaking communities.

Origins and classification: Gorkhali is an Indo-Aryan language that emerged from the Khas language, part of the broader Himalayan language area. It gained prominence with the expansion of the Gorkha kingdom and the Shah dynasty, from the 18th century onward, and became the basis for the standardized Nepali language. The language is typically written in the Devanagari script and serves as the main medium of education, government, media, and literature in Nepal.

Geographic distribution and status: Nepali, including forms labeled as Gorkhali, is the official language of Nepal and functions as a lingua franca among the country’s diverse ethnic groups. It is spoken by Nepali communities in neighboring regions and by diaspora worldwide, including parts of India and Bhutan. The language has multiple dialects and registers, reflecting regional and social variation.

Etymology and culture: The term Gorkhali reflects historical ties to the Gorkha kingdom and is tied to Nepalese national identity in some usages. It coexists with regional languages and varieties, and remains central to education, administration, and cultural expression in Nepal.