Western Orissa - Kosli Language

Kosli Language

Kosli, is an ancient language and it is one of the five Prakrit languages existing since the Vedic era with Sanskrit. However, over the course of time and for many reasons, the language has lost its identity up to a certain level; lack of unprejudiced research and study is one among those. Recent research done at Sambalpur University has claimed Kosli as a distinct language, as a result of which the University has introduced a one-year diploma course in Sambalpuri Studies. This language has a rich and vast vocabulary and many literary works have lately been published in the Kosli language.

People from a large area encompassing the western part of Orissa (Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Deogarh, Balangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Boud, Phulbani and Northern Koraput regions), parts of Chattisgarh (the Bhatri region of Bastar district, and the eastern part of Debhog, Phuljhar, Raigarh, and Sarangarh to Jashpur) use Kosli as their mother tongue.

Kosli is a direct derivative of Sanskrit. Each word is enriched with deep meaning and full of life. The soulful representation of its culture and environment is its insignia and represents its independency. For example, the word khaman meaning jungle:

Khaman originates from the Sanskrit word Khaban.

Kh = AakaSh

Khaban = AakaShaspaRShI bana

According to the rule of Prakrit: Ba > Ma

Hence, Khaban = Khaman.

Kosli is not a dialect of any language. All the words of this language originated in and developed from Sanskrit through Prakrit.

Example:

Sanskrit > Prakrit> Kosli

AtasI > AlasI > Alasi

AamRam >AmbNGa > Aam

AadRam > Aallam, AdhNGa > Ol, Uda

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