The Continuum of Vaidāntika Thought in Marathi Literature: The Legacy of Viṣṇu Vāmana Bāpaṭ and D. V. Jog
Adwait Bhushan Athawale
Abstract
This paper explores the evolution of Vaidāntika literature in Marathi, tracing its journey from the poetic expressions of medieval saints like Jñāneśvara, Tukārāma, Ekanātha, and Samartha Rāmadāsa to the scholarly prose of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. While early Vedānta in Marathi thrived through devotional poetry, philosophical prose remained underdeveloped until the modern era. The standardisation of Marathi grammar in the nineteenth century catalysed a new phase of literary and philosophical writing. Amid this shift, Viṣṇu Vāmana Bāpaṭ emerged as a pioneering figure, translating and commenting on the Prasthānatrayī in Marathi with depth and fidelity to the tradition. His legacy was upheld and expanded by his nephew, D. V. Jog, whose original works and editorial efforts helped institutionalise Vaidāntika discourse in Marathi. Jogśāstri’s unwavering philosophical engagement and contributions to Bhāratīya Darśanas cement his role as a pivotal figure in the continuum of Marathi Vaidāntika thought.
Keywords: Vedānta, Marathi literature, Bhāratīya Darśanas, Marathi Vaidāntika thought.
📥 Download PDF