H
.
07-01-248
248
MARH.
The Mar
h
spoken in the rest of the Central Provinces is usually
called Ngpur, from the head-quarter of the Marh kingdom
of Berar and the Central Provinces. It has already been stated that this form
of speech is identical with the dialect of Berar.
The district of Nagpur is situated in the very heart of the Ngpur
country, and 540,050 speakers have been returned. The numbers have been stated
to include speakers of the following dialects, (1) Varh
;
(2) Dakh
;
(3) K
ka;
(4) Dhangar;
(5) K
wa;
(6) Ksh;
(7) Kumbhr,
and (8) Mhr;
but in each case the number is reported to be extremely small, and not worth
counting. Dakh
is probably the Dekhan form of Marh;
Kka
may mean any dialect spoken by settlers from the Konkan; Kwa
is a mixed form of speech, based on Baghl
mixed with Marh.
The other dialects mentioned above are also reported from other parts of Berar
and the Central Provinces. It will be shown later on that none of them are proper
dialects, but only local forms of the Marh
current in the district in which they happen to be spoken.
Of the two Nagpur specimens which follow the first is a version of the Parable
of the Prodigal Son, and the second the statement of an accused person. They
will be found in all essential points to agree with the so-called Varh
illustrated in the preceding pages. Note the frequency with which long vowels
are shortened; thus, is, her; ghari, in the house; mi, I. The dative is always
formed in s in the specimens; thus, bps,
to the father. There is, however, no reason for distinguishing the dialect of
the specimens from that current in Berar.
[No. 58.]
INDO-ARYAN FAMILY.
SOUTHERN GROUP.
MARH.
NGPUR DIALECT.
(DISTRICT NAGPUR.) SPECIMEN I.