#Marathi
It’s always interesting to know about your origins. Being from a typical Marathi family, I wanted to know more about my own language. The blog briefly describes linguistic facts of Maharashtra.
According to recent language survey, the state of Maharashtra has 12 varieties of Marathi and 38 other languages spoken by adivasis, tribals and identified communities.
For instance the northwest parts of maharashtra, Ahirani dialect is spoken. If you move towards South Kokan, you will get to hear many people speaking Malvani and Konkani. The Varhadi dialect can be heard from people belonging to vidarbha region.
The origin of marathi language dates back to 1300 years ago. It belongs to Indo-Aaryan language family and is derived from early form of Prakrit. It was adapted as an official language during Satavahanas. The Satavahanas were an ancient Indian dynasty based in the Deccan region which arose after the fall of Maurya empire. Marathi came into prominence during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji, who led the Marathas in an independence struggle against the Sultans of Bijapur and later the Mughal Empire.
The standardize script adopted for the language is Balbodh Devnagari.
The language possesses legacy of multiple scripts used for communication. Kadamba alphabet and its variants has been historically used to write Marathi in the form of inscriptions on stones and copper plates. Goyakanadi was an ancient script used to write Marathi and Konkani. The script which dominates during history is Modi script for long timeline. It originated as a cursive variation of the Nagari script. It is believed that Modi script was developed by Hemadpant, a well-known administrator in the court of Ramdevrao, the last king of Yadav dynasty (1187–1318) at Devgiri. The general use of Modi in administration however seems to be introduced by Balaji Avaji Chitnis, a minister in Chhatrapati Shivaji’s court. It is said that while Balaji attending Mogul Court at Delhi observed that for the fast transcription of Persian proceedings in Mogul court were written in Shikasta (broken) script as against Nastaliq script, a clear but slower Persian handwriting. Balaji recognized the importance of speed of writing in administrative affairs and thus introduced the Modi script in Maratha administration. The use of Modi in official Marathi documents and administration was common till the end of 19th century. Noticeable downfall of the same can be observed during the British rule in India.
Marathi is one of the 22 official languages of India and follows standard Balbodh Devanagari script for writing.
Colonial administration wanted standardization of languages for ease of administration. During British rule, when printing technology was brought in India, publishers found Modi script little cumbersome to print. The nagari script provided much more clarity in reading than Modi script. When printing in Marathi became possible, choosing between Modi and Balbodh Devanagari was at stake. Many Sanskrit scholars such as supported Devanagari script and published well known newspaper such as ‘ Kesari’ in Nagari script. During the independence, languages were effectively used for social awareness. People got in touch with the language and script closely through multiple periodicals and journals handed over to them. Bombay Education Society was formed to impart knowledge through vernacular printed books. In such an environment, the Bombay administration decided to use a form of Devnagari (Balbodh as it is called in Maharashtra) as a primary writing system in administration.
Every year, February 27 is celebrated as Marathi Language Day (Marathi Bhasha Diwas) in Maharashtra and Goa.
The story for the languages we see today bear a legacy. Digging down deep we will be able to discover many such stories which are lost with the time. You never know, it can turn as unexplored source of inspiration for your next venture.
