The most translated Languages of India
India’s linguistic landscape is among the most diverse in the world, featuring 22 officially recognized languages and hundreds of regional dialects. This diversity extends well beyond India’s borders, where sizeable diaspora communities continue to speak and share their native tongues. With so many languages in active use—both within the country and abroad—translation plays a pivotal role in government communication, commerce, education, and entertainment. In this blog, we explore which Indian languages see the highest demand for translation, why they dominate, and the cultural and economic forces that fuel their global reach.
22 languages of India
India is an incredibly diverse nation, and this is reflected in the 22 officially recognized languages within its borders! There are some special national languages: Hindi, which is the most widely used language in India, as well as English, which is also given special status. But there are also hundreds of other languages spoken by various ethnic and religious communities throughout India. These 22 languages represent numerous dialects spread across 22 states with many more beneath them; this is why linguists consider India to be among the most complex linguistic regions on earth.
The most translated Indian languages
Speaker Base: Over 500 million native speakers (primarily in North and Central India), plus millions more who use it as a second language.
Why It’s Widely Translated: Hindi is one of the official languages of the Government of India, making it essential for governmental documents, educational materials, entertainment, and commercial content. Additionally, Bollywood—India’s massive film industry—drives strong international demand for Hindi translations and subtitles.
Speaker Base: Approximately 250 million speakers worldwide, including in the Indian state of West Bengal and the nation of Bangladesh.
Why It’s Widely Translated: Bengali has a rich literary tradition, and its speakers form a substantial linguistic community. Its official status in multiple regions (including Bangladesh) creates an ongoing demand for translations in academic research, literature, and official communications.
Speaker Base: Roughly 75 million speakers globally, primarily in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, as well as in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and diaspora communities worldwide.
Why It’s Widely Translated: Tamil is recognized as a classical language with an extensive history of literature. Its use in multiple countries increases the need for translations in areas such as legal documents, government announcements, and media distribution.
Speaker Base: Approximately 150 million speakers worldwide, primarily in Pakistan and India, with sizable diaspora communities in the Middle East, the UK, and the US.
Why It’s Translated: Urdu’s rich literary and poetic tradition, as well as demand from diaspora communities for legal and educational materials, contributes to a steady need for translations. Cross-border communication between India and Pakistan, particularly in media and film subtitles, further increases its translation volume.
Speaker Base: More than 80 million native speakers, chiefly in the state of Maharashtra, home to India’s financial capital, Mumbai.
Why It’s Widely Translated: As a leading language in one of India’s most industrialized states, Marathi is critical for corporate, legal, and financial translations, especially for businesses operating in or entering Maharashtra’s market.
Speaker Base: Estimated 80–90 million speakers, mainly in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Why It’s Widely Translated: Telugu’s film industry, Tollywood, is a major cultural force. In addition, large diaspora communities in the United States and other countries drive demand for localized content—from educational material to entertainment.
The most translated books from India
India has a rich literary heritage, and many of its books and works of literature have been translated into several languages. Here are some of the most translated books of India:
- Bhagavad Gita - The Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu scripture that is widely read and translated into several languages. It is a part of the epic Mahabharata and is considered to be a guide for daily life.
- Ramayana - The Ramayana is one of the two great epics of India, and its story of the prince Rama and his wife Sita is widely read and translated into many languages.
- Mahabharata - The Mahabharata is the other great epic of India, and it is a long and complex work that has been translated into several languages.
- Tagore's Gitanjali - Rabindranath Tagore's Gitanjali is a collection of poems that has been translated into several languages. It won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
- The Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru - The Discovery of India is a book written by India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. It is a historical account of India's past and has been translated into several languages.
- The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy - The God of Small Things is a novel by Arundhati Roy that won the Booker Prize in 1997. It has been translated into several languages.
- The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga - The White Tiger is a novel by Aravind Adiga that won the Booker Prize in 2008. It has been translated into several languages.
- The Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi - The Immortals of Meluha is a novel by Amish Tripathi that is part of a trilogy based on Hindu mythology. It has been translated into several languages.
In summary, India’s diverse linguistic environment continues to drive significant demand for translations, particularly in widely spoken languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Urdu, Marathi, and Telugu. Factors such as large diaspora communities, thriving regional film industries, and varied literary traditions contribute to this ongoing need.
PoliLingua provides translation services that connect India’s many languages with global audiences. Whether you need to translate from an Indian language into English, French, or Spanish—or the other way around—PoliLingua’s linguists ensure accuracy, cultural relevance, and clarity
