Classical Marathi studies hub approved at Pune's Deccan College
Synopsis
One year after Marathi won Classical Language status, the Centre has formally approved a dedicated research hub at Pune's storied Deccan College — unlocking Central funding, professorial chairs at major universities, and a national digitisation drive for ancient Marathi texts. The timing, on the eve of Classical Marathi Language Day, is as symbolic as it is substantive.
Key Takeaways
The Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Marathi Language will be established at Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute , Pune .
Approval was granted by the Central government on Friday , exactly one year after Marathi was accorded Classical Language status on 3 October 2024 .
The centre will focus on historical linguistics , digitisation of ancient texts, literary preservation, and cultural research.
The approval also enables creation of professorial chairs for Marathi studies in major Central Universities.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the state's Detailed Project Report (DPR) is ready for submission to unlock Central funding.
Minister Uday Samant called it 'a pivotal step towards preserving Marathi language, literature, history and culture.'
The Central government on Friday, 3 October 2025 officially approved the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Marathi Language at the historic Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute in Pune, following the grant of Classical Language status to Marathi on 3 October 2024. The approval clears the way for dedicated Central funding and specialised research infrastructure aimed at preserving and promoting Marathi's linguistic and cultural heritage.
What the Approval Covers
The Centre will spearhead initiatives in historical linguistics, digitisation of ancient texts, literary preservation, and cultural research, according to a government release. The approval also paves the way for the creation of professorial chairs for Marathi studies in major Central Universities across India.
The Maharashtra state government had already initiated work on a Detailed Project Report (DPR), drafted by subject-matter experts. With the formal nod secured, the DPR will now be submitted to unlock dedicated Central funding for diverse research and preservation projects.
What State Leaders Said
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the decision, stating: 'I am overjoyed to share that the Central Government has approved our demand to establish the Centre of Excellence at Deccan College.' He noted that the announcement, coming on the eve of Classical Marathi Language Day, filled the people of Maharashtra and Marathi speakers worldwide with immense pride.
Minister for Marathi Language Uday Samant described the approval as 'a pivotal step towards preserving Marathi language, literature, history and culture.' He added that the expert-drafted DPR would ensure significant Central support, and that 'this centre will give a brand-new direction to academic studies in Marathi.'
Why Deccan College Was Chosen
Deccan College, one of India's oldest heritage institutions with a distinguished legacy in linguistics and archaeology, was selected to host the new research centre. Its deep academic expertise and existing infrastructure make it a natural anchor for the national initiative.
Background and Significance
The Centre's approval follows the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granting Classical Language status to Marathi on 3 October 2024 — a decision that placed Marathi alongside Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia in the coveted classical tier. Classical language recognition entitles a language to dedicated national research centres, Central funding, and academic chairs, making Friday's approval a direct institutional follow-through on that historic status grant.
With the DPR submission now imminent, the Centre of Excellence is expected to become a flagship institution for Marathi scholarship, drawing researchers and linguists from across India and the diaspora.
Point of View
Not a fresh announcement — Classical Language status was granted a year ago and such centres are standard entitlements that come with the designation. The real test will be whether the Centre of Excellence at Deccan College is adequately funded and staffed, or whether it joins a pattern of symbolically named research bodies that operate below capacity. India's other classical language centres — for Tamil, Sanskrit, and Odia — have had uneven records on output. The DPR process and the speed of disbursement will reveal whether Maharashtra's political capital on this issue translates into sustained scholarly infrastructure.
NationPress
3 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Marathi Language?
It is a dedicated research institution approved by the Central government to be established at Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute in Pune. The centre will focus on historical linguistics, digitisation of ancient Marathi texts, literary preservation, and cultural research.
Why was Classical Language status granted to Marathi?
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted Classical Language status to Marathi on 3 October 2024, recognising the language's ancient literary tradition and historical significance. Classical status entitles a language to Central funding, dedicated research centres, and academic chairs at universities.
What benefits does the new centre unlock for Marathi?
The approval clears the way for substantial Central funding for research and preservation projects, and also facilitates the creation of professorial chairs for Marathi studies in major Central Universities across India.
What is the next step after this approval?
The Maharashtra government will formally submit its expert-drafted Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Central government to secure the necessary funding. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the DPR process had already been initiated before the approval.
Why was Deccan College in Pune selected to host the centre?
Deccan College is one of India's oldest heritage institutions, renowned for its expertise in linguistics and archaeology. Its established academic infrastructure and research legacy made it the natural choice to anchor the national Classical Marathi studies initiative.
