Kochila Tharu also called Morangiya, Saptari or Saptariya Tharu, Madhya-Purbiya Tharu, or Purbiya Tharu, is a diverse group of language varieties within the Tharu group of the Indo-Aryan languages. The several names of the varieties refer to the regions where they dominate. It is one of the largest subgroupings of Tharu. It is spoken mainly in Nepal with approximately 250,000 speakers as of 2003. In addition to language, cultural markers around attire and customs connect individuals into the ethnic identity Kochila. The Dutch linguist, George van Driem, described Kochila Tharu, as a dialect of the Maithili language and stated that its speakers have been heavily influenced by the culture of Mithila.