मैथिली
Maithili
The language of Mithila, carrying a literary tradition reaching back to the fourteenth century and the poet Vidyapati, whose songs are still sung at festivals on both sides of the border. It is also the language of Mithila painting and a rich festival and ritual culture.
Where it is spoken
Nepal's second most spoken language
Concentrated in Madhesh Province, in Dhanusha, Mahottari, Siraha, Saptari and Sarlahi, and in the Terai districts of Koshi Province such as Morang and Sunsari.
Who else speaks it
- India: 13,583,464 speakers (2011 census), in the Mithila region of Bihar and parts of Jharkhand; one of India's 22 scheduled languages
- Diaspora: Mithila communities in Indian cities, the Gulf and beyond
Our work in Maithili
A dedicated Maithili editorial desk, and the most comprehensive archive of Maithili cultural life in Nepal.
Speak Maithili, 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.