Awadhi people: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Ethnolinguistic group}}
{{short description|Ethnolinguistic group}}
{{For|Awadhi Muslims who settled in Pakistan|Muhajir people (disambiguation){{!}}Muhajir}}
{{Infobox ethnic group
{{Infobox ethnic group
| group = Awadhi people
| group           = Awadhi people
| caption =  
| caption         =  
| pop = 4,351,752<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf|title=Statement 1: Abstract of speakers' strength of languages and mother tongues – 2011|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=7 July 2018}}</ref>
| pop             = 4,715,182<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf|title=Statement 1: Abstract of speakers' strength of languages and mother tongues – 2011|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=7 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |date=2021 |title=National Population and Housing Census 2021, Caste/Ethnicity Report |author=National Statistics Office |work=Government of Nepal |url=https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/downloads/caste-ethnicity}}</ref>
<ref>http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/wphc/Nepal/Nepal-Census-2011-Vol1.pdf</ref>
| region1         =  
| region1 =  
| pop1             =  
| pop1 =  
| ref1             =  
| ref1 =  
| region2         =  
| region2 =  
| popplace         = [[India]] ([[Awadh]]) and [[Nepal]] ([[Terai]])
| popplace = [[India]] ([[Awadh]]) and [[Nepal]] ([[Terai]])
| rels             = '''Majority:'''<br />[[File:Om.svg|15px]] [[Hinduism]]<br />
| rels = '''Majority:'''<br>[[File:Om.svg|15px]] [[Hinduism]]<br>
'''Minority:'''<br />{{hlist
'''Minority:'''<br>{{hlist
|[[File:Star and Crescent.svg|18px]] [[Islam]]|[[File:Christian cross.svg|12px]] [[Christianity]]|[[File:Jain Prateek Chihna.svg|12px]] [[Jainism]]|[[File:Dharma Wheel.svg|18px]] [[Buddhism]]}}
|[[File:Star and Crescent.svg|18px]] [[Islam]]|[[File:Christian cross.svg|12px]] [[Christianity]]|[[File:Jain Prateek Chihna.svg|12px]] [[Jainism]]|[[File:Dharma Wheel.svg|18px]] [[Buddhism]]}}
| langs = [[Awadhi]], [[Hindi]], [[Urdu]]
| langs           = [[Awadhi language|Awadhi]]<br/><small>Additionally [[Hindi]]-[[Urdu]]</small>
| related-c = [[Indo-Aryan peoples]]
| related-c       = other [[Indo-Aryan peoples]]
| native_name =  
| native_name     = अवधी<br>𑂃𑂫𑂡𑂲<br/>{{Nastaliq|اودھی}}
| native_name_lang = awa
| native_name_lang = awa
| related_groups =  
| related_groups   =  
}}
}}


The '''Awadhi people'''  or '''Awadhis''' ([[Awadhi]]/[[Hindi]]: अवधी, [[Urdu]]: {{Nastaliq|اودھی}}) are an [[Indo-Aryan peoples|Indo-Aryan]] ethno-linguistic group who speak the [[Awadhi]] dialect and reside in the [[Awadh]] region of [[Uttar Pradesh]]. Many Awadhis also migrated to [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Gujarat]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Odisha]] in [[India]] and some adjoining regions of the [[Terai]] in [[Nepal]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.india9.com/i9show/Awadhis-48116.htm |title=Awadhis in India}}</ref> and in addition 1.9 per cent of [[Nepali people|Nepalis]] are Awadhi speakers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/nepal/ |title=CIA – The World Factbook – Nepal}}</ref> Awadhi people can be found throughout the world, most notably in the [[Caribbean]], [[Fiji]], [[Guyana]], [[Mauritius]], [[South Africa]], [[Suriname]], and [[Trinidad and Tobago]]. [[Bollywood]] actor and superstar [[Amitabh Bachchan]] is Awadhi from his father's ([[Harivansh Rai Bachchan]]) side. Historically, [[Indo-Aryans]] dominated the North Indian Gangetic Planes; thus, the [[Awadhi]] language continuously evolved over the centuries in the [[Awadh]] region of Uttar Pradesh.
The '''Awadhi people'''  or '''Awadhis''' ([[Devanagari]]: अवधी, [[Kaithi]]: 𑂃𑂫𑂡𑂲, [[Perso-Arabic script|Perso-Arabic]]: {{Nastaliq|اودھی}}) are an [[Indo-Aryan peoples|Indo-Aryan]] ethno-linguistic group who speak the [[Awadhi language|Awadhi]] language and reside in the [[Awadh]] region of [[Uttar Pradesh]]. Many Awadhis also migrated to [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Gujarat]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Odisha]] in [[India]] and some adjoining regions of the [[Terai]] in [[Nepal]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.india9.com/i9show/Awadhis-48116.htm |title=Awadhis in India}}</ref> and in addition 3 per cent of [[Nepalis]] are Awadhi speakers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/nepal/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260118110420/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/nepal/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 18, 2026 |title=CIA – The World Factbook – Nepal}}</ref> Awadhi people can be found throughout the world, most notably in [[Fiji]], [[Guyana]], [[Mauritius]], [[South Africa]], [[Suriname]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Australia]], and [[New Zealand]]. Historically, [[Indo-Aryans]] dominated the North Indian Gangetic Planes; thus, the [[Awadhi language|Awadhi]] language continuously evolved over the centuries in the [[Awadh]] region of Uttar Pradesh.


== Language ==
== Language ==
{{main|Awadhi language}}
{{main|Awadhi language}}


The Awadhi language is spoken by about 38 million people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.omniglot.com/writing/awadhi.htm|title=Awadhi language|website=www.omniglot.com|access-date=2019-04-14}}</ref> In India, native speakers are estimated to be 40 million,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language_MTs.html|title=Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=2019-04-14}}</ref> while in Nepal native speakers are estimated to be 500,000 persons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/wphc/Nepal/Nepal-Census-2011-Vol1.pdf|title=National Population and Housing Census 2011}}</ref>
The Awadhi language is spoken by about 55 million people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.omniglot.com/writing/awadhi.htm|title=Awadhi language|website=www.omniglot.com|access-date=2019-04-14}}</ref> In India, native speakers are estimated to be 65 million,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language_MTs.html|title=Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=2019-04-14}}</ref> while in Nepal native speakers are estimated to be 500,000 people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/wphc/Nepal/Nepal-Census-2011-Vol1.pdf|title=National Population and Housing Census 2011}}</ref>


Linguistically, Awadhi can be considered a distinct language with its own grammar. However, colloquially, Awadhi is considered a variety of [[Hindi]] speaking, and is not formally taught in any institution.{{source needed|date=June 2019}}
Linguistically, Awadhi is a distinct language with its own grammar. However, the Indian government considers Awadhi to be a mothertongue under [[Hindi]] language due to political reasons. Awadhi is not formally taught in any institution.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}


== Cuisine ==
== Cuisine ==
{{main|Awadhi cuisine}}
{{main|Awadhi cuisine}}


Consisting of both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes, Awadhi cuisine has influences that can be linked to the [[Mughal Empire]]. It is similar to cuisines from surrounding areas, such as Bhojpur, Kashmir, Central Asia, Punjab, and Hyderabad.{{cn|date=September 2020}} Awadhi cuisine is known for its use of aromatics and spices, such as [[cardamom]] and [[saffron]] , in a slow fire cooking process. There is also notable variety in ingredients that are cooked, such as [[paneer]] and [[mutton]]. One of the most notable and popular dishes is the [[kebab]], which comes in a variety of forms.{{source needed|date=June 2019}}
Consisting of both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes, Awadhi cuisine has influences that can be linked to the [[Mughal Empire]]. It is similar to much of North Indian cuisine and Pakistani cuisine. Awadhi cuisine is known for its use of aromatics and spices, such as [[cardamom]] and [[saffron]], in a slow fire cooking process. There is also notable variety in ingredients that are cooked, such as [[paneer]] and [[mutton]].


In addition, there are rice, curry, dessert, and [[chaat]] preparations that are specific to Awadhi cuisine.
In addition, there are rice, curry, dessert, and [[chaat]] preparations that are specific to Awadhi cuisine.


==Notable Awadhis==
==Notable Awadhis==
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2024}}
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Bharatpedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
{{div col}}
{{div col}}
*[[Ram Manohar Lohia]]
*[[Afroz Ahmad]]
*[[Afroz Ahmad]]
*[[Muzaffar Ali]]
*[[Muzaffar Ali]]
*[[Naushad|Nahshad Ali]]
*[[Naushad|Nahshad Ali]]
*[[Lal Pratap Singh]]
*[[Ramchandra Shukla]]
*[[Abhishek Bachchan]]
*[[Abhishek Bachchan]]
*[[Anand Satyanand]]
*[[Amitabh Bachchan]]
*[[Amitabh Bachchan]]
*[[Harivansh Rai Bachchan]]
*[[Harivansh Rai Bachchan]]
*[[Piaa Bajpai]]
*[[Piaa Bajpai]]
*[[Sarita Bhadauria]]
*[[Sarita Bhadauria]]
*[[Nivedita Bhattacharya]]
*[[Rudranath Capildeo]]
*[[Simbhoonath Capildeo]]
*[[Pali Chandra]]
*[[Pali Chandra]]
*[[Bajrang Bahadur Singh]]
*[[Abhishek Chaubey]]
*[[Abhishek Chaubey]]
*[[Rudrasen Chaudhary]]
*[[Narendra Deva]]
*[[Narendra Deva]]
*[[Shanta|Shanta Devi]]
*[[Babu Gulabrai]]
*[[Babu Gulabrai]]
*[[Ali Sardar Jafri]]
*[[Ali Sardar Jafri]]
*[[Cheddi Jagan]]
*[[Kailas Nath Kaul]]
*[[Imdad Khan]]
*[[Imdad Khan]]
*[[Wahid Khan]]
*[[Wahid Khan]]
*[[Kailas Nath Kaul]]
*[[Akhil Kumar]]
*[[Akhil Kumar]]
*[[Ram Manohar Lohia]]
*[[Amaresh Misra]]
*[[Satish Mishra]]
*[[Satish Mishra]]
*[[Amaresh Misra]]
*[[Rudrasen Chaudhary]]
*[[Shiva Naipaul]]
*[[V.S. Naipaul]]
*[[Gopaldas Neeraj]]
*[[Gopaldas Neeraj]]
*[[Anushka Sharma]]
*[[Rishyasringa|Shringi Rushi]]
*[[Babu Himmat Sah]]
*[[Ramchandra Shukla]]
*[[Lal Pratap Singh]]
*[[Babu Bhoop Singh]]
*[[Bajrang Bahadur Singh]]
*[[Nivedita Tiwari]]
*[[Nivedita Tiwari]]
*[[Bekal Utsahi]]
*[[Bekal Utsahi]]
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*[[Anand Sen Yadav]]
*[[Anand Sen Yadav]]
*[[Mitrasen Yadav]]
*[[Mitrasen Yadav]]
*[[Rishyasringa|Shringi Rushi]]
*[[Raju Srivastav]]
*[[Shanta|Shanta Devi]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{asia-ethno-group-stub}}
[[Category:Awadhi people]]
 
[[Category:Ethnic groups in India]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in India]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups divided by international borders]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups divided by international borders]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Nepal]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Nepal]]
{{asia-ethno-group-stub}}


[[hi:अवधी लोग]]
[[hi:अवधी लोग]]

Latest revision as of 07:05, 24 February 2026


Awadhi people
अवधी
𑂃𑂫𑂡𑂲
اودھی
Total population
4,715,182[1][2]
Regions with significant populations
India (Awadh) and Nepal (Terai)
Languages
Awadhi
Additionally Hindi-Urdu
Religion
Majority:
Hinduism
Minority:
Related ethnic groups
other Indo-Aryan peoples

The Awadhi people or Awadhis (Devanagari: अवधी, Kaithi: 𑂃𑂫𑂡𑂲, Perso-Arabic: اودھی) are an Indo-Aryan ethno-linguistic group who speak the Awadhi language and reside in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh. Many Awadhis also migrated to Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha in India and some adjoining regions of the Terai in Nepal,[3] and in addition 3 per cent of Nepalis are Awadhi speakers.[4] Awadhi people can be found throughout the world, most notably in Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand. Historically, Indo-Aryans dominated the North Indian Gangetic Planes; thus, the Awadhi language continuously evolved over the centuries in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh.

Language[edit | edit source]

Main article: Awadhi language

The Awadhi language is spoken by about 55 million people.[5] In India, native speakers are estimated to be 65 million,[6] while in Nepal native speakers are estimated to be 500,000 people.[7]

Linguistically, Awadhi is a distinct language with its own grammar. However, the Indian government considers Awadhi to be a mothertongue under Hindi language due to political reasons. Awadhi is not formally taught in any institution.[citation needed]

Cuisine[edit | edit source]

Main article: Awadhi cuisine

Consisting of both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes, Awadhi cuisine has influences that can be linked to the Mughal Empire. It is similar to much of North Indian cuisine and Pakistani cuisine. Awadhi cuisine is known for its use of aromatics and spices, such as cardamom and saffron, in a slow fire cooking process. There is also notable variety in ingredients that are cooked, such as paneer and mutton.

In addition, there are rice, curry, dessert, and chaat preparations that are specific to Awadhi cuisine.

Notable Awadhis[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Statement 1: Abstract of speakers' strength of languages and mother tongues – 2011" (PDF). www.censusindia.gov.in. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  2. ↑ National Statistics Office (2021). National Population and Housing Census 2021, Caste/Ethnicity Report. Government of Nepal (Report).
  3. ↑ "Awadhis in India".
  4. ↑ "CIA – The World Factbook – Nepal". Archived from the original on January 18, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Awadhi language". www.omniglot.com. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
  6. ↑ "Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India". www.censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
  7. ↑ "National Population and Housing Census 2011" (PDF).


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