Alternate Names: Bagelkhandi, Bhugelkhud, Gangai, Godwani Kawathi, Kenat, Kevat Boli, Kevati, Kewani, Kewat, Kewati, Kewot, Kumhari, Mandal, Mannadi, Riwai
Dialects: Godwani, Kumhari, Rewa. Godwani (refers to Bagheli-speaking Gonds), Kumhari (refers to Bagheli-speaking Kumhar). Though geographic and caste variation is found in Bagheli, no dialect is prevalent. Rewa area variety is considered standard. Lexical similarity: 79%–99% between all Bagheli varieties; 72%–91% with Hindi ,.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 2,860,000 in India (2001 census).
Language Use: Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. 35% of the Bagheli-speaking population is projected to have good general proficiency or more in Hindi [hin]. Hindi use is widespread but does not appear to be completely displacing Bagheli in any of the domains.
Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 49% in Hindi. Had literature since 16th century. Radio programs. NT: 1821.
Writing System: Devanagari
Nation of Origin: India
Other Comments: Hindu.