थारु
Tharu
The languages of the Tharu, among the oldest peoples of the Terai, whose knowledge of forest, river and flood is written into their songs, festivals and farming calendars. Dangaura, Rana, Kathariya and Kochila Tharu are among its varieties.
Where it is spoken
A family of related Terai varieties
Spoken along almost the entire Terai belt, from Kanchanpur and Kailali in the far west through Bardiya, Banke and Dang to Chitwan, Saptari and Sunsari in the east.
Who else speaks it
- India: Tharu communities in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the Champaran area of Bihar
Our work in Tharu
Content in partnership with Tharu community organisations, and a candidate language for our first fieldwork pilot.
Speak Tharu, or know someone who does? We want to hear your stories.
ContributeSources: National Population and Housing Census 2021, Nepal (mother tongue); Census of India 2011. Figures for small and endangered languages are estimates.