How many languages are spoken in India?

The claim about the number of languages spoken in India is complex due to the country's vast linguistic diversity. According to various sources, India recognizes 22 official languages under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Urdu, among others GeeksforGeeks. However, the total number of languages spoken in India is much higher. Some estimates suggest there are 121 languages spoken by 10,000 or more people, while others indicate there are over 19,500 dialects and languages spoken as mother tongues Lighthouse Translations. The 2001 Census of India reported 122 major languages and 1,599 other languages CCJK. Therefore, while the exact number can vary depending on the criteria used, it is clear that India is home to a vast number of languages, reflecting its rich cultural and linguistic diversity.