Marwari

Marwari refers to a group of Western Indo-Aryan languages and dialects spoken mainly in the Marwar region of Rajasthan, India. It is associated with the Marwari community and is often included in the broader Rajasthani language continuum. Linguists disagree about the exact status: some treat Marwari as a single language, others as a cluster of related dialects, including Marwari proper, Mewari and Shekhawati, with substantial regional variation.

Geographic distribution and status: Marwari varieties are spoken in western Rajasthan and in neighboring states, as well as by diaspora communities in major Indian cities and abroad. It is not an official language of India, and standardization varies by region. Written forms are increasingly based on Devanagari; historically, the Mahajani script was used for commercial records. There are ongoing efforts to develop literacy and literature in Marwari.

People and culture: The Marwari people constitute a prominent mercantile community in Rajasthan and across India, historically engaged in trade and business, and now widely dispersed in commerce, industry, and professional fields. The culture includes distinct customs, music, cuisine, and festivals, with Jain and Hindu communities sharing the language in many areas.

Other uses: The term Marwari also refers to a horse breed native to the Marwar region, known for the inward-curving ears; this breed is named after the same geographic area but is separate from the language and people.