09-03-174

174

BHL OR BHIL.

　The Bhl dialects just dealt with are little more than ordinary Khnd. Before dealing with that form of speech we will, however, have to mention some Bhl dialects of a slightly different kind.

　The Bhl of Nimar is now almost a Marh dialect. It differs from other Bhl dialects described in the preceding pages as links between Gujart-Bhl and the broken Marh dialects of Thana, in having, to a much greater extent, assumed the inner form of Marh, e.g., in using the Marh oblique form. On the other hand, it is easy to see that the base of the dialect is some form of Gujart Bhl.

　The Bhl dialects spoken in Berar are probably of the same kind as Panchl, dealt with above (pp. 138 and ff.). Some of the Bhls of Basim, however, speak a form of G. Specimens will be given in connexion with that form of speech.

　Lastly, there are four related dialects spoken outside the proper Bhl country, viz., Bor, Hab, Prdh and Siylgir. They have been somewhat influenced by other dialects. In most respects, however, they are of the same kind as the Bhl of Mahi- kantha and neighbourhood.

　The dialect of the Bhls of Nimar is a mixed form of speech. The base is some dialect related to the western forms of Bhl. Compare forms such as kht-bhtar, in the fields; chalyl, gone; karna, having done. It has, however, been so largely mixed with the Marh spoken in the Central Provinces that it might with equal justice be regarded as a Marh dialect. Compare forms such as dmy-la, to a man; w, a share; gl, he went; hl, he became; kahn, I will tell, etc.

　 It will be quite sufficient to give the first lines of the Parable of the Prodigal Son as an illustration of this mixed form of speech.

[No. 56.]

INDO-ARYAN FAMILY.

CENTRAL GROUP.

BHL OR BHIL.

(DISTRICT NIMAR.)

Ky dmy-la dn syra hat. Ty-gn nnh　b-dhan

Some man-to two sons were. Them-among the-younger father-to

kahl, 'ar b, pais-ak-madh j-ka mjh w hy t

said, 'O father, property-in whatever my share may-be that

ml da d.' Taw ty-na tyl apn jam-puj ht

to-me having-given give.' Then him-by him-to his property was

t w dl. Tha din hla k nnh syr

that having-divided was-given. Few days became that younger son

sab-ka ykha karna dusr mulkht chalyl gl, aru

all-whatever together having-made another in-country gone went, and

taa luchpan-bhtar din-bhtar apn jam-puj gam dl.

there riotousness-in days-in his property having-spent was-given.