Dravidian Languages - Classification

Classification

The Dravidian languages form a close-knit family – much more closely related than, say, the Indo-European languages. There is a fair degree of agreement on how they are related to each other. The following classification divides Dravidian into three branches. Other classifications use four: either dividing Central Dravidian into Central (Kolami–Parji) and South-Central (Telugu–Kui), or dividing Northern Dravidian into Northeast (Kurukh–Malto) and Northwest (Brahui). There are in addition as-yet unclassified Dravidian languages such as Allar.

The languages recognized as official languages of India appear here in boldface.

The Brahui, Kurukh and Malto have myths about external origins. The Kurukh have traditionally claimed to be from the Deccan Peninsula, more specifically Karnataka. The same tradition has existed of the Brahui. They call themselves immigrants. Many scholars hold this same view of the Brahui such as L. H. Horace Perera and M. Ratnasabapathy.

In addition, Ethnologue lists several unclassified Dravidian languages:

Allar, Bazigar, Bharia, Kamar, Malankuravan, Vishavan,

(of which Kamar might actually be Indo-Aryan) as well as the otherwise unclassified Southern Dravidian languages

Mala Malasar, Malasar, Thachanadan, Ullatan, Kalanadi, Kumbaran, Kunduvadi, Kurichiya (Kurichiya), Attapady Kurumba, Muduga, Pathiya.