Ergative case and hidden argument structure: Studies in Indo-Aryan

This dissertation examines the occurrence of ergative marking outside of overtly transitive clauses, arguing through case studies in two Indo-Aryan languages that such marking can reveal hidden argument structure. The first case study centers on Marathi modal clauses, which exceptionally allow ergative case on intransitive subjects. The second focuses on subject case marking in Bishnupriya Manipuri, a fluid-S language in which agentive intransitive subjects generally bear ergative case. In both languages, I argue that ergative marking appears on an intransitive subject only when that subject is linked to multiple thematic positions in a single case domain, creating a covertly transitive configuration. I examine the interpretive effects of these structures across modal and non-modal domains, and consider implications for argument structure in each language. Additionally, given the limited prior grammatical description of Bishnupriya Manipuri, I provide a grammar sketch to situate the analytical chapter within a broader descriptive context.