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).

• **Social Reform Literature**: 19th-century writers like Ranade, Jyotirao Phule, and later Lokahitawadi used prose to advocate social change—widow remarriage, caste abolition, women's education.

• **Modern Marathi Literature**: Post-1920s literature diversified into novels, short stories, drama, and experimental poetry. Key names include V.S. Khandekar, P.L. Deshpande, Kusumagraj, and Vijay Tendulkar.

• **Dnyanpith Award Winners from Marathi**: V.S. Khandekar (1974, for *Yayati*), Kusumagraj (1987), Vinda Karandikar (2003), and Bhalchandra Nemade (2014).

Formulas / Key Facts

| Writer | Period | Major Work(s) | Contribution | |--------|--------|---------------|--------------| | **Mukundaraj** | 13th century | *Vivekasindhu* | First Marathi poet; Advaita philosophy | | **Sant Dnyaneshwar** | 1275–1296 | *Dnyaneshwari*, *Amritanubhav* | Made Vedanta accessible; ovi metre | | **Sant Namdev** | 1270–1350 | Abhangas | Spread Bhakti to North India; influenced Sikhism | | **Sant Eknath** | 1533–1599 | *Eknathi Bhagwat*, *Bharud* | Bridged scholarly and folk traditions | | **Sant Tukaram** | 1608–1650 | *Tukaram Gatha* (abhangas) | Peak of Warkari poetry; emotional devotion | | **Ramdas Swami** | 1608–1681 | *Dasbodh*, *Manache Shlok* | Spiritual and practical philosophy | | **Moropant** | 1729–1794 | *Kekawali*, *Mahabharata* in Marathi | Pandit kavya; mastered arya metre | | **M.G. Ranade** | 1842–1901 | Essays, speeches | Social reform; liberal economics | | **Jyotirao Phule** | 1827–1890 | *Gulamgiri*, *Shetkaryacha Aasud* | Anti-caste literature; women's education | | **Hari Narayan Apte** | 1864–1919 | *Pan Lakshat Kon Gheto*, historical novels | Father of Marathi novel | | **V.S. Khandekar** | 1898–1976 | *Yayati*, *Amrutvel* | Dnyanpith awardee; philosophical novels | | **Kusumagraj (V.V. Shirwadkar)** | 1912–1999 | *Vishakha*, *Natsamrat* | Poetry and drama; Dnyanpith 1987 | | **P.L. Deshpande** | 1919–2000 | *Vyakti ani Valli*, *Batatyachi Chal* | Humour, essays, music; beloved entertainer | | **Vijay Tendulkar** | 1928–2008 | *Ghashiram Kotwal*, *Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe* | Modern drama; social realism |