Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part D (2024)

This study investigates toponyms in the Nichar-Kalpa region of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India, where the endangered Kinnauri dialect is spoken. Toponyms, or place names, are crucial indicators of cultural heritage, history, geography, and linguistic evolution. Kinnauri belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family and encompasses several dialects, with Standard Kinnauri prevalent in the Nichar-Kalpa area. Despite the significance of toponyms in understanding the interplay between people, places, and cultural histories, existing research on Kinnauri toponyms is scarce. This study aims to fill that gap by analyzing place names in Nichar-Kalpa, while considering the endangered status of the Kinnauri language. The present work employs both primary and secondary data for the classification and analysis of toponyms in the Nichar and Kalpa blocks of Kinnaur, encompassing 382 villages across three tehsils. Data sources include historical records, official documents, maps, and local interviews with elderly residents to gain insights into the linguistic, cultural, historical, and geographical significance of place names. Findings reveal that the region's mountainous terrain significantly shapes local toponyms, with many names reflecting geographical and spiritual attributes. Common generic terms such as Dhar (mountain range) and Rang (skyline) constitute about one-third of the toponyms. Additionally, natural elements like climate, vegetation, water bodies and local spiritual beliefs influence naming conventions. The increasing dominance of Hindi in official records and signage threatens the preservation of Kinnauri toponyms, potentially leading to a loss of cultural and historical significance. This study highlights the complex relationships between language, environment, and cultural identity in the Kinnaur region.