Recollection of Myths and Linguistic Construction of the Marwari Identity

Marwari is one of the widely spoken languages in Rajasthan, with 45–50 million people speaking it in the Marwar region of western Rajasthan, India. Although historically linked with the Mahajani script, Marwari is usually written in the Devanagari script indicating the broader socio-cultural changes that take place within the society. They have developed their own socio-cultural identity, molded by both internal and external factors. The present study is carried out to examine how these changes, including dialectal differences, form and are affected by the linguistic construction of Marwari identity. The Marwaris of Rajasthan are seen to confront a variety of obstacles in terms of preservation, standardization, and recognition, particularly in the context of national and regional identity movements. So, this study addresses the research problem by examining how the linguistic practices, including dialectal variants, contribute to the development and reinforcement of Marwari identity, as well as how these practices have evolved over time in response to sociopolitical influences. The data gathered for this study are based on sociolinguistic approach, including qualitative interviews, participant observation, and textual analysis to explore the changing relation between language and identity. It also focuses on the mythological, historical, and sociopolitical settings of Marwari identity assertion movements, examining their impact on linguistic outcomes. Thus, this study reveals that in Marwari community, the dialectal variances are not only related to linguistic differences but they are intricately linked to socio-cultural identity, influencing how Marwari speakers see themselves and are regarded by others. It also emphasizes the need for deeper understanding of knowledge on how language and identity interact within the Marwari-speaking community, as well as insights into the larger dynamics of language preservation and cultural continuity.