Marathi is one of the major languages of India, spoken by about 60 million people residing in the state of Maharashtra. There are 3 main groups of dialects which are usually identified as Deshi (in the central areas of the state, the basis of the literature language), Konkani (on the coast) and Eastern Marathi. The Konkani dialect spoken in the former Portuguese colony Goa is sometimes considered a separate tongue related to Marathi.

MARATHI
64,783,000 (1994 IMA). Maharashtra and adjacent states. The dialect situation throughout the greater Marathi speaking area is complex. Dialects bordering other major language areas share many features with those languages. See separate entries for dialects or closely related languages: Konkani, Goanese, Deccan, Varhadi, Nagpuri, Ikrani, Gowlan. State language of Maharashtra. Devanagari script.

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Modern Maharashtra was born when Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj united the Konkan, Maval and Desh regions in the 17th century, and created an empire which challenged the might of the Mughals and the British. Shivaji's ascension to the throne in 1674 heralded the dawn of a golden age and each day of his dominion added lustre to the Shivneri hon (a gold coin issued at his coronation). Following his shining path, the Marathas made history as they captured nearly two thirds of the Indian sub-continent. The descent of the clan began in the latter half of the 18th century, during the age of the Peshwas (ruling ministers), when the Maratha empire slowly diminished.