Marathi Literature: Study Notes for GTET

Overview

Marathi literature spans over eight centuries and represents one of the richest literary traditions in India. For GTET Language I (Marathi), candidates must demonstrate familiarity with major writers, literary movements, and the evolution of Marathi prose and poetry from the medieval saint-poets to modern authors.

This topic tests your knowledge of canonical figures like Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram, reformist writers like Mahadev Govind Ranade, and modern literary giants. Questions typically ask about the works, periods, and contributions of these writers. Understanding the historical context—Bhakti movement, social reform era, and post-independence modernism—helps you place each author correctly.

Expect 3–5 questions directly on Marathi literature in the Language I section. These often appear as match-the-following, author-work associations, or questions on literary periods and genres.

Key Concepts

• **Adi Kavi (First Poet)**: Mukundaraj is considered the first Marathi poet; his work *Vivekasindhu* marks the beginning of Marathi literature in the 13th century.

• **Warkari Sampradaya**: The devotional tradition centred on Vithoba worship at Pandharpur. Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram are its pillars. Their abhangas (devotional songs) form the core of medieval Marathi poetry.

• **Dnyaneshwari**: Sant Dnyaneshwar's Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, written in ovi metre. It brought Vedantic philosophy to common people in their own language.

• **Abhanga**: A devotional poetic form with typically four lines and a refrain. The Warkari saints perfected this genre. Tukaram's abhangas are the finest examples.

• **Pandit and Shahir Literature**: Parallel streams—Pandit literature was scholarly and Sanskrit-influenced (e.g., Moropant), while Shahir poetry was folk-heroic ballads praising Maratha warriors (e.g., Shahir Anant Phandi).