Evolution of Marathi Grammar: An Overview

Marathi Grammar: A Historical Perspective

As Marathi evolved from its inception in the early 12th century to its present form, grammar played a central role in shaping its structure and usage. This article traces the impact of grammar on Marathi through history, focusing on three key developments: colonial surveillance, literary traditions, and modern innovations.

Colonial Surveillance and Shorthand Writing

With the rise of newspapers in the late 19th century, Marathi grammar underwent a transformation to accommodate the demands of speedy and accurate reporting. Colonial surveillance and the need to capture speeches quickly led to the development of new shorthand scripts, such as atitvarene lihiṇyāchī paddhatī and laghulekhan, which heavily relied on Pitman and Munson's English shorthand.

Literary Traditions and Grammatical Conventions

Marathi literature, dating back to the 12th century, established a rich tradition of poetic and prose compositions that influenced grammar through the centuries. Significant works such as the Mahābhārata and the Rāmāyaṇa shaped the language's vocabulary and grammatical rules.

Marathi grammar also benefited from the contributions of literary figures such as Eknath (1590–1669), who produced grammatically refined works like the Bharatabhāṣya and the Kṛtyārthaprakāśa. These texts, along with others, laid the foundations for a more standardized Marathi grammar and vocabulary.

Modern Innovations and Standardization

Marathi grammar evolved further in the 20th century with the introduction of typewriters for non-Latin scripts, which did not become widespread in the subcontinent until the mid-20th century. Standardization efforts continued through the second half of the 20th century, leading to the publication of grammars and textbooks, such as the one by D.M. Shridhar Rao.

Today, Marathi continues to evolve, with new grammatical forms emerging in digital media and everyday communication. This interplay of tradition and modernity ensures that Marathi grammar remains a vibrant and dynamic component of the language.