Regional Linguistic Demographics in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore

Introduction

Understanding the linguistic demographics of major cities in India can provide valuable insights into the cultural and social dynamics of these regions. This article focuses on the linguistic compositions of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore, based on the Census of India 2011.

Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban District

Marathi Speakers

Total population: 12,442,363 Total Marathi speakers: 4,404,928 Marathi speakers' percentage: 35.40%

Other Languages in Mumbai

Gujarati: 18% Rajasthani/Marwari: 14% Sindhi: 10% Konkani: 8% Bihari: 5% Rest: 17%

Delhi NCT

Punjabi Speakers

Total population: 16,787,941 Total Punjabi speakers: 873,477 Punjabi speakers' percentage: 5.20%

Other Languages in Delhi

Haryanvi: 14% Pahari: 10% Bihari: 10% Upper Kinth: 10% Rajasthani/Marwadi: 8% Bengali: 6% Rest: 4%

Kolkata District (Core City)

Bengali Speakers

Total population: 4,496,694 Total Bengali speakers: 2,763,291 Bengali speakers' percentage: 61.45%

Other Languages in Kolkata

Rajasthani/Marwadi: 19% Bihari: 10% Upper Kinth: 7% Gujarati: 5% Oriya: 5% Nepali: 5% Rest: 5%

Bangalore District (Urban)

Kannada Speakers

Total population: 9,621,551 Total Kannada speakers: 4,278,646 Kannada speakers' percentage: 44.47%

Other Languages in Bangalore

Tamil: 25% Telugu: 14% Malayalam: 10% Rest: 10%

Note on Kannadigas in Bangalore

Interestingly, the Kannada-speaking population in Bangalore constitutes 44.47% of the total urban population, with other language groups forming significant proportions. However, it's important to note that Kannadigas are the largest linguistic group in Bangalore, surpassing most other language communities.

Summary and Conclusion

The linguistic demographics of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore reveal significant diversity, with each region having its own dominant language and linguistic influences. Marathi in Mumbai, Punjabi in Delhi, Bengali in Kolkata, and Kannada in Bangalore stand out as major linguistic groups, significantly impacting the cultural and social landscapes of these cities.