2017-02-27 Mon

Marathi literature began and grew owing to the rise of the Seuna dynasty of Devgiri, who adopted Marathi as the court language and patronized Marathi scholars. Further growth and usage of the language was because of two religious sects- the Mahanubhava and Varkari panthans. Marathi gained prominence with the rise of the Maratha Empire beginning with the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji (16th century CE).

Sant Dnyaneshwar was a great saint who wrote Dnyaneshwari, a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita written by the Marathi in the 13th century. It became one of the sacred books along with Eknathi Bhagawata and Tukaram Gaathaa.

Dnyaneshwari is one of the foundations of the Marathi language and literature written in the Modi script and continues to be widely read in Maharashtra.

To commemorate this great saint’s work in Marathi India Post issued a stamp of INR 2. It depicts Sant Dyaneshwar in seated pose with his book Dnyaneshwari.

Marathi is very important as many of our medieval scriptures are written in it. Bakhar is a form of historical narrative written in Marathi prose. Bakhars are one of the earliest genres of medieval Marathi literature. More than 200 bakhars were written in the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries, the most important of them chronicling the deeds of the Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj.

These scriptures throw light on the various aspects of social, economic, religion, geography, etc. It helps us in building history. It is an authentic and reliable source to study history.

Marathi Language Day (Marathi Bhasa Diwas) is celebrated on February 27 every year across the Indian state of Maharashtra & Goa. This day is regulated by the State Government. It is celebrated on Birthday of eminent Marathi Poet Vi Va Shirwadkar. He is one of the most prominent Marathi poet, playwright and novelist.

So, let’s continue our legacy by speaking Marathi…Jay Maharashtra!