Vernacular Names of Millets in Different Indian Languages
Millets are known by various names across India, reflecting their deep connection to regional cultures and traditions. Below is a list of common millets and their local names in different Indian languages.
Millet (English Name) | Hindi | Sanskrit | Kannada | Tamil | Telugu | Malayalam | Marathi | Gujarati | Bengali | Punjabi |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sorghum | Jowar | - | Jola | Cholam | Jonna | Cholam | Jcwari | Juar | Juar | - |
Pearl Millet | Bajra | - | Sajjai | Kamboo | Sajjalu | Kamboo | Bajri | Bajri | Bajra | Bajra |
Finger Millet | Mandua | Nandimukhi, Madhuli | Ragi | Kelvaragu | Ragulu | Moothari | Nachni | Nagli, Bavto | Mandua | Mandhuka, Mandhal |
Little Millet | Kutki | - | Same | Samai | Samalu | Chama | Sava | Gajro, Kuri | Kangani | Swank |
Kodo Millet | Kodon | Kodara | Harka | Varagu | Arikelu, Arika | Varagu | Kodra | Kodra | Kodo | Kodra |
Foxtail / Italian Millet | Kangni, Kakum | Kanguni | Navane | Tenai | Korra, Korralu | Thina | Kang, Rala | Kang | Kaon | Kangni |
Barnyard Millet | Sanwa, Jhangon | Shyama | Oodalu | Kuthiravaali | Udalu, Kodisama | - | Shamul | Sama | Shamula | Swank |
Proso Millet | Barre | Chiná | Baragu | Panivaragu | Varigulu, Varagalu | Panivaragu | Vari | Cheno | Cheena | Cheena |
This diversity of names shows how millets are woven into the food culture and language of every Indian state. Each region has its own traditional millet recipes, celebrating the grain’s nutritional richness and cultural heritage.