In this guide
On 3 October 2024, the Union Cabinet approved classical language status for Marathi — along with Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali. For Maharashtra, it was the end of a campaign that had gone on for more than a decade, supported by a detailed report on the antiquity of Marathi. The decision brought language back into the headlines — and into MPSC question papers.
A brief history of Marathi
| Stage | Features |
|---|---|
| Maharashtri Prakrit | The literary Prakrit of the Deccan; the Gatha Saptashati (attributed to the Satavahana king Hala) is its best-known work |
| Early Marathi inscriptions | Among the earliest known are the Akshi inscription (Raigad district) and a Marathi line at Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), from around the late tenth to early twelfth centuries |
| Yadava period (12th–13th c.) | Lilacharitra (Mahanubhava prose), Dnyaneshwari (1290) — the flowering of Marathi literature |
| Bhakti and Maratha periods | Namdev, Eknath, Tukaram, Ramdas; Marathi in Modi script for administration under the Marathas |
| Modern period | Printing, newspapers from 1832, modern literature, standardisation of grammar and script |
Classical language status
What it means
The Government of India designates certain languages as classical languages in recognition of their antiquity and literary heritage. Earlier classical languages include Tamil (the first, in 2004), Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia.
The criteria
The criteria were revised in 2024. Broadly, they require:
- high antiquity of early texts and recorded history over about 1,500–2,000 years;
- a body of ancient literature and texts considered a heritage by generations of speakers;
- knowledge texts — prose, poetry, epigraphic and inscriptional evidence;
- recognition that the classical language and its literature may be distinct from its current form, or discontinuous with later forms.
Benefits
- Support for research, centres of excellence and academic chairs.
- International awards for scholars.
- Promotion of the language's study and digitisation of manuscripts.
- Cultural prestige and increased academic attention.
The legal framework in Maharashtra
The Maharashtra Official Languages Act, 1964
This Act made Marathi the official language of the state for official purposes, with provisions for the use of English in certain cases. The Constitution (Article 345) allows a state legislature to adopt one or more languages used in the state for official purposes.
Compulsory Marathi in schools
The Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in Schools Act, 2020 makes Marathi a compulsory subject in schools in the state, including schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE and other boards, in a phased manner.
Marathi signboards
Amendments to the state's shops and establishments law made it compulsory for shops and establishments to display signboards in Marathi in Devanagari script (other languages may also be used). The Supreme Court, hearing a challenge by traders, declined to interfere and directed compliance.
In courts and administration
- Marathi is used in subordinate courts and in state administration.
- Government resolutions and records are issued in Marathi.
Institutions
| Institution | Role |
|---|---|
| Marathi Bhasha Vibhag (Marathi Language Department) | A separate department of the state government for language policy |
| Rajya Marathi Vikas Sanstha | Development and promotion of Marathi |
| Maharashtra Rajya Sahitya ani Sanskriti Mandal | Literature and culture; publications |
| Bhasha Sanchalanalaya (Directorate of Languages) | Official language implementation, terminology and translation |
| Vishwakosh Nirmiti Mandal | The Marathi Vishwakosh (encyclopaedia) |
| Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal | The literary body that organises the Sahitya Sammelan (a non-government body) |
Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din
27 February — the birth anniversary of the poet Kusumagraj (V. V. Shirwadkar), who received the Jnanpith Award — is celebrated as Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din (Marathi Language Pride Day).
Debates
Three-language policy
The National Education Policy, 2020 recommends a three-language formula with flexibility for states. In Maharashtra, proposals about introducing Hindi as a third language in early primary classes led to strong public debate about children's learning load, the place of Marathi, and federalism in education. The state revised its orders in response and set up an expert committee to examine the question.
Marathi-medium schools
Many Marathi-medium schools, especially in cities, have lost enrolment to English-medium schools. Debates focus on:
- quality of teaching in both mediums;
- parental aspirations and the job market;
- research showing the benefits of mother-tongue instruction in early years.
Marathi in higher education and technology
- Availability of textbooks and research in Marathi.
- Marathi on digital platforms and in AI and speech technology.
- Translation of knowledge into Marathi.
Practice
Prelims-style:
- When was Marathi granted classical language status?
- Which was the first language to receive classical status in India?
- Under which Act is Marathi the official language of Maharashtra?
- On whose birth anniversary is Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din celebrated?
- Which article of the Constitution allows a state to adopt its official language?
Mains-style:
- "Classical language status is recognition, not protection." Discuss with reference to Marathi.
- Examine the challenges of promoting regional languages in an age of globalisation.
A note on dates and numbers. Exam patterns, vacancies and schedules change from year to year. Always confirm the current details in the latest notification on the Maharashtra Public Service Commission website .
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