Usually, what is grown is Echinochloa frumentacea (Barnyard millet) which is known by various names including Bakhar, Jhangora, etc. However Sama Rice is the common name for several species of certain millets including E.frumentacea, Panicum miliare(Little millet), P.miliaceum (Proso millet), etc. Vari is one of the common names of Little millet as well as Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum). In some places, vari rice is Oryza rufipogon. So, these common names vary from region to region and that is exactly why there is a requirement of a universally accepted scientific name. In general "ari" refers to any grain. The name Oryza has also come from the term 'arisi' which means paddy grain. While "ari" suffix is more common towards south of India, "ara/ora/ar" is more common in north indian dialects- eg. Jow-ar, Baj-ara, Bakh-ar, Jhang-ora, etc. Other grain like substances also have the suffix "ar" or "ari". For example, Sago (Sabudana) is also called Chowari meaning popped grain(though it is not a true popped grain). Chiwara, Cheela, etc. are all forms of flattened rice, popped rice, etc. Cooked paddy rice is called Chawal in Hindi, Chol in Punjabi and Chor in Malayalam. The word "Rice" in English is also derived from "Arisi". The cereals 'Rye' and "B-ar-ley", also have this origin. All these are of Dravidian origin, whereas the Sanskrit version is "Dhanyam" and Latin is "Granum" for grain. The words Dhaan (paddy in Hindi), Dhan/Dhanam (wealth), all originate from this. I am yet to find the origins of "Ragi/Mandua", "Wheat/Gehu/Qamah" and "Maize/Corn/Makka". The word "Corn" is also believed to be a variation of "Gran". Let me stop here for the time being as I am digressing from the core objective of this group.