07-01-379

379

NHAR.

　The Nhars were enumerated in the following districts of the Central Provinces at the Census of 1891:-

　Their dialect Nhar has only been returned from Kanker, where the number of speakers has been estimated for the purposes of this Survey at 482.

　Specimens have since been received from Kanker, and they show that Nhar is closely related to Halb.

　The phonetical system is the same as in Halb, and the inflexion of nouns is almost identical. The dative is formed by adding one of the suffixes k, k, k, k, and l; thus, bp-k, to the father; bb-k, to the son. In the ablative we find the suffixes s and b corresponding to Halb s and l; thus, dhan-s, from the property; dhr-b, from far off. In the genitive the ordinary Halb suffixes are used; thus, nch-k, of dancing; d-k, of a country. Note also forms such as mn-ch, of a man; day-karl badl, return for compassion. In the plural we find Chhattsgah forms such as mitn-sag, with my friends.

　 'My' is m-ch, m-ch, and mr; 'this' is y and y, genitive ih-ch, etc.

　The verb substantive is inflected as in Halb; thus, s, he is; rahl, rahl, rahl, he was. Peculiar forms are sat, thou art; rahb, he was.

　The past tense of finite verbs is formed as in Halb; thus, chh, he wished; gail, he went; rl, I transgressed; karb, I did. Note forms such as hsd, he laughed; karind, I did; ilis, he came; dils, he gave, etc.

　 Instances of the future are jnd, I will go; sghnd, I will say; dhch, I will give. Note also forms such as khdl, let us eat; pl, let us drink.

　The general character of the dialect will be seen from the specimens which follow. They have been received from Kanker.

[No. 92.]

INDO-ARYAN FAMILY.

SOUTHERN GROUP.

HALB.

NHAR DIALECT.

(KANKER.)

SPECIMEN I.