Translation Projects

Bible translation work across languages and communities in India

The Bible Translation Projects of Indian Bible Translators

The great missionary William Carey once said, "The mother-tongue Bible is a permanent missionary at home." Following in his footsteps, Indian Bible Translators (IBT) is committed to the vision of providing every Indian with a mother-tongue Bible in all the lesser-known languages of India.

Currently, Bible translation is underway in 25 Indian languages spoken in various states across India. The Holy Bible has been released in two languages; the New Testament in 15 languages; the Book of Psalms and Proverbs in 8 languages; and 69 books of the Gospel in 37 languages. For further details on each of these projects, please refer to the information provided below.

1. Baduga Project

The Badaga language is spoken by 300,000 people living in the District of the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India. IBT released the Gospel of Mark in 1980, Luke in 1982, Matthew in 1983, John in 1984 and the New Testament in 1999 in this language. Currently, two Bible translators, Mr. Chandran and Mrs. Anuradha Chandran, are working in the Nilgiris to spread the word of God. The Holy Bible (Complete Bible) was released on 12th May 2024 at the Logos Camp held at Bethany Camp, Anaikati, Coimbatore, and the most of the copies were distributed among the Badaga-speaking people.

2. Sourashtra Project

The Sourashtra language is spoken by 12 lakhs of people living in different parts of Tamil Nadu – Madurai, Tanjore, Salem. In this language, IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 1979, Luke in 1986, Matthew in 1988, John in 1992, the New Testament at Madurai in 2001, Book of Proverbs in 2013 and Book of Psalms in 2014. The Holy Bible was released on 1st May 2022 in Madurai. Mr. Sankar is the translator for this project, and he is engaged in distributing the Sourashtra Bible. He is currently involved in revising the second edition of the Sourashtra Bible.

3. Toda

The Toda language is spoken by approximately 3,000 people living in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2006, the New Testament in 2017, and the books of Psalms and Proverbs in 2019. An audio device containing the New Testament, along with the books of Psalms and Proverbs, was released in 2023. Currently, the distribution of the New Testament, the books of Psalms and Proverbs, and the audio devices is underway. Mrs. Poongili Sreeraj is the translator for this project.

4. Pania

The Pania language is spoken by 98,600 people living in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu and Wayanad in Kerala. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2003, the Gospel of John in 2007, and the Gospel of Luke in 2013, the New Testament in 2016 and the Book of Psalms and Proverbs in 2021. The second revision of the New Testament is in the process. Mr. Thambidurai & Mrs. Elizabeth Thambidurai are the translators of this translation project.

5. Kota

The Kota language is spoken by approximately 3000 people in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2008. Currently, a translator is not available for this project.

6. Kunjapanai Irula

The Kujapanai Irula language is spoken by approximately 20,000 people in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2002, the Gospel of Matthew in 2010, the Gospel of Luke in 2014 and the New Testament in 2019. Currently, a translator is not available for this translation project.

7. Velliangadu Irula

The Velliangadu Irula language is spoken by 2,00,000 people in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2014, the Gospel of Luke in 2016, the New Testament in 2019, and the books of Psalms and Proverbs in 2024. An audio device containing the New Testament in this language was released in 2023. Distribution of the New Testament, the Audio Devices, and the books of Psalms and Proverbs is currently in progress. Mr. Samuel is the translator for this project.

8. Yereva

The Yereva language is spoken 36,000 people living in the Medikeri in Kodugu District, and Hunsur in Mysore District. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2006, and the Gospel of Luke in 2016. Currently, a translator is not available.

9. Kodavathak

The Kodavathak language is spoken by people 1,60,000 living in Kodugu District. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2008, and the Gospel of John in 2010. Currently, a translator is not available.

10. Vagri

The Vagri language is spoken by 6,64,000 in Mysore District, Karnataka. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2012 and the Gospel of Matthew in 2016. Currently, the project is stopped because the New Testament is released by another organization.

11. Lambani

The Lambani language is spoken by 35,00,000 people in Shimoga, Haveri and other Districts of Karnataka state. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2014. All the related works for the printing of the New Testament is about the over. Mr. Paramesh and Mr. Hanumanth are the translators of this project.

12. Siddhi

The Siddhi language is spoken 18,000 people in Haliyal near Hubli District in Karnataka. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2014. The New Testament translation is currently under the process. Mr. Prakash Siddhi is the translator for this project.

13. Bhovi

The Bhovi language is spoken by 9,55,750 people living in Haveri and other districts of Karnataka. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2014, the Gospel of Matthew in 2019 and the New Testament in 2024. Distribution of the Bhovi New Testament is currently in progress. Mrs. Lata is the translator of this project.

14. Jennu Kurumba

The Jennu Kurumba language is spoken by 55,000 people in Kodugu and Mysore Districts, Karnataka. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2013. Currently, there is no translator available for this project.

Rajasthan

15. Hadothi

The Hadothi language is spoken by 40 lakhs people in Kota District in Rajasthan. IBT has released the Gospel of Matthew in 2015. Currently, a translator is not available for this language.

16. Maarwadi

The Maarwadi language is spoken by 30 million people in Pali, Jodhpur, Ajmer Districts in Rajasthan. IBT has released the Gospel of Matthew in 2009. Currently, a translator is not available for this language.

17. Dhundani

The Dhundani language is spoken by 14,76,450 in Jaipur district of Rajasthan. IBT has released the Gospel of Matthew in 2015. Currently, a translator is not available for this language.

18. Wagri

The Wagri language is spoken by 3.39 million people in Banswara District, Rajasthan. IBT has released the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in 2015. The New Testament keying work is in progress. Mr. Prakash Bagora is the translator of this project.

19. Dingal

The Dingal language is spoken by 1,97,200 people in Tonk and Dausa Districts of Rajasthan. IBT has released the Gospel of Matthew and Mark in 2015. The New Testament keying is in progress. Mr. Altaf Hussain is the translator of this project.

20. Mewari

The Mewari language is spoken by 4.21 million people in Udaipur, Chittargot Districts in Rajasthan. IBT has released the Gospel of Matthew in 2015. Currently, a translator is not available for this project.

Chhattisgarh

21. Chhattisgarhi

The Chhattisgarhi Language is spoken by 16 million of people living in Chhattisgarh. One Missionary is working in this mission station. In this language, IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 1988, John in 1996, and the New Testament in 2005. Now, translator is not available for this language.

22. Kuduk

The Kuduk language is spoken by 36,97,000 people at Raigarh District, Ambigapur of Surguja District, Kunkuri in Jashpur District in Chhattisgarh and Seetapur in Uttar Pradesh. IBT has released the Gospel of Matthew in 2016 and the Gospel of John in 2016. The keying work of the New Testament is in process. The Mr. Shobat Ram Toppo is the translator of this project.

23. Halbi

The Halbi language is spoken 7,66,300 people in Jagadalpur, Bustar Districts in Chhattisgarh. IBT has released the Gospel of Mattew and John in 2016. Currently, a translator is not available for this project.

Uttar Pradesh

24. Bhojpuri

The Bhojpuri language is spoken by 52 million people living in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Three missionaries are working at three mission stations in Uttar Pradesh. IBT has constructed Translators Assembly Hall at Pindra and Belthra Road. Sunday services are regularly conducted at Salempur, Pindra, and Belthra Road Assembly halls. In this language, IBT released the Gospel of Mark in 1990, John in 1993, the New Testament in 2006, and the Books of Psalms and Proverbs in 2019. The translation of the Old Testament is ongoing, and the complete Bible is planned to be released in 2028. Mr. Sudhir Kumar is the Bible translator for this project.

25. Desia

The Desia language is spoken by about 4 million people in the Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Nabarangpur districts of Odisha State. One Bible translator and five missionaries are working among this community. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 1992, the Gospel of Luke in 2003, the Gospel of John in 2004, and the New Testament in May 2010. The Audio Device of Desia New Testament was released in 2023. Keying and language checking of the Old Testament portions are in Progress. Exegetical checking is yet to be done.The complete Bible is planned to be released in 2028. Mr. Christdan Namrasil is the current Bible translator, and the Desia New Testament is being distributed throughout Odisha.

26. Mirgan

The Mirgan language is spoken by approximately 100,000 people in the Koraput and Nabarangpur districts of Odisha State. Currently, one Bible translator is engaged in translating the Bible. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2003, the Gospel of Luke in 2004, and the Gospel of Matthew in 2005. The New Testament was released in November 2010 in Nabarangpur, and the books of Psalms and Proverbs were released in 2019 at a Logos Camp held in Coimbatore. Mr. Keshab Mirgan is the translator. The Mirgan New Testament and the Books of Psalms and Proverbs are now being distributed in Odisha. Keying and language checking of the Old Testament portions are in Progress. Exegetical checking is yet to be done. The Complete Bible is planned to be released in 2028.

27. Bodoporja

The Bodoporja language is spoken by 50,000 people in Koraput district. IBT has released the Gospel of Luke in 2005 and the New Testament in 2013. Currently, a translator is not available for this language.

28. Kalahandia

The Kalahandia language is spoken by 18 Lakhs people in Kalahandi & Nuapada Districts in Odisha. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2005, the New Testament in 2013, and the books of Psalms and Proverbs in 2019. Keying and language checking of the Old Testament portions are in Progress. Exegetical checking is yet to be done. The complete Bible is planned for release in 2028. Mr. Pitambar Mahanand is the translator for this project.

29. Sambalpuri

The Sambalpuri language is spoken by 10,41,000 people at Sambalpur, Bargarh, Titlagarh in Balangir district, and Jharsuguda district in Odisha. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2005, the Gospel of John in 2013, and the New Testament in 2024. Distribution of the New Testament is currently in progress. Keying and language checking of the Old Testament portions are in Progress. Exegetical checking is yet to be done. Mr. Jayant Panigrahi is the translator of this project.

30. Mundari

The Mundari language is spoken by 16,61,660 people in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Bargarh Districts of Odisha. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2006, the Gospel of John in 2013, and the New Testament in 2023. Distribution of the New Testament is currently in progress. Mr. Chandra Kanta Barla is the translator of this project.

31. Gadaba

The Gadaba language is spoken by around 54,000 people in Koraput District in Odisha. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2013. The New Testament translation is in progress and planned to be released in 2028. Mr. Raju Hayal and Mr. Sunil Kumar Chappadi are the translators of this project.

32. Sora (Odia)

The Soura (Odia) is spoken by 4,09,550 people in Paralakhemundi of Gajapathy district in Odisha. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2007 and the Gospel of Mattew in 2018. The New Testament translation is currently in progress. Mr. Gada Mandal is the translator of this project.

33. Koya

The Koya language is spoken by 4,07,420 people in Malkangiri District of Odisha. IBT has released the Gospel of Mattew in 2018. Mr. Azariah Madhuri is the translator of this project. Currently, IMST is doing this project.

34. Konda Porja

The Kondaporja language is spoken by 1 lakh people in Koraput district of Odisha. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2013. Mr. Narayana Puria is the translator of this project.

35. Kuvi

The Kuvi language is spoken by 1,55,550 people in Koraput district of Odisha. IBT has released the Gospel of Luke in 2019. The New Testament translation in the progress. Mr. Samuel Santa is the translator of this project.

36. Bagheli

The Bagheli language is spoken by 26,94,960 people in Gurh in Rewa, Katni, Shahdol, Districts of Madhya Pradesh. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2013, the Gospel of Matthew in 2016, and the Gospel of John in 2016. The New Testament keying work is in progress. Mr. Srinivas Saket is the translator of this project.

37. Bundeli

The Bundeli language is spoken by 5.6 million people in Chhattarpur, Panna, Damoh Madhya Pradesh; Saagal, Jansi, and Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh. IBT has released the Gospel of Mark in 2013. The New Testament Translation is currently under the process. Mrs. Devesh Kumari is the translator of the project.

38. Gowli

The Gowli language is spoken by 20,000 people near Karwar District, Karnataka.

39. Soliga

The Soliga language is spoken by 40,000 people in Hunsur, Mysore Districts, Karnataka.

40. Kad Kurumba

The Kad Kurumba language is spoken by 27,000 people in Karnataka.

41. Shekawati

The Shekawati is spoken in Sikar, Churu, Junjuru Districts in Rajasthan.

42. Kanoi

The Kanoi language is spoken by 7,093,740 people in (near Kanpur) Kanoj, Farukabad Districts in U.P.

43. Rana Tharu

The Rana Tharu language is spoken by 256,129 people in Uttarakhand.

44. Kumoni

The Kumoni language is spoken by 2 million people in Uttarakhand.

45. Garhwali

The Garwali language is spoken by 2.5 million in Uttarakhand.

46. Jaunsari

The Jaunsari language is spoken by 136,779 people in Uttarakhand.

47. Bathri

The Bathri language is spoken in spoken in Narayanpur, Dantewade Districts, Chhattisgarh.

48. Duruwa

The Duruwa language is spoken by 52,349 people in Chhattisgarh.

49. Utter Kondi

The Utter Kondi language is spoken in Mandla, Palakad Districts in M.P.

50. Gadiya

The Gadiya language is spoken in Chhattisgarh.

51. Juang

The Juang language is spoken by 15,000 people at Dhenkanal District, Odisha.

52. Banjari

The Banjari language is spoken in Odisha.

53. Majhi

The Majhi language is spoken by 11,352 people in West Bengal and Nepal.

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