Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Centre Approves Classical Marathi Studies Hub at Pune's Deccan College
The government approved a new research centre for Classical Marathi in Pune.
It will be located at Deccan College.
The centre will study Marathi’s language, books, history and culture.
Researchers may digitise old texts so more people can read and preserve them.
The centre will also study how Marathi developed over time.
Maharashtra must now submit a detailed plan for the project.
That plan will help the state seek funding from the Central government.
Officials said the approval is an important step for protecting and promoting Marathi.
The Central government approved a Centre of Excellence for Classical Marathi studies at Pune’s Deccan College.
The centre is expected to receive dedicated Central funding and research infrastructure after the state submits its Detailed Project Report.
Planned work includes historical linguistics, digitisation of ancient texts, literary preservation and cultural research.
The approval may also enable professorial chairs for Marathi studies at major Central Universities.
The decision follows Marathi receiving Classical Language status on October 3, 2024, and was welcomed by Devendra Fadnavis and Uday Samant.
- Who
- The Central government, the Maharashtra government, Deccan College, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant.
- What
- Approval was granted to establish a Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Marathi Language.
- When
- The approval was announced on Friday; it follows Marathi receiving Classical Language status on October 3, 2024.
- Where
- At the Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute in Pune, Maharashtra.
- Why
- To preserve and promote Marathi’s language, literature, history and culture through research and dedicated infrastructure.
- Host institution
- Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute, Pune
- Project
- Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Marathi Language
- Funding
- The approval clears the way for the state to seek dedicated Central funding.
- Research areas
- Historical linguistics, digitisation of ancient texts, literary preservation and cultural research
- Next step
- Maharashtra will formally submit a Detailed Project Report prepared by subject experts.
- Related development
- Marathi received Classical Language status on October 3, 2024.
- Additional academic plan
- Professorial chairs for Marathi studies may be created in major Central Universities.