The Man Who Put Marathi in Print: Remembering Balshastri Jambhekar

Balshastri Jambhekar is regarded as the Father of Marathi Journalism because he recognised, early on, that access to information must exist in the language spoken by the masses. In early 19th-century India, printed knowledge and news were largely available in English, limiting participation in public discourse to a small, educated elite. Jambhekar believed that meaningful social progress required communication in regional languages, especially Marathi, which had a rich literary tradition but a limited presence in print journalism.

Born in 1812 in the Konkan region, Jambhekar was a scholar with strong interests in education, history, and social reform. He lived during a time of colonial expansion, intellectual churn, and social transformation. His work was shaped by a desire to equip people with knowledge rather than rhetoric, and journalism became his most effective tool.

Darpan and the Birth of Marathi Journalism

In 1832, Jambhekar founded Darpan, the first Marathi newspaper. The publication was bilingual, featuring both Marathi and English content. This structure allowed him to address local readers while also engaging with administrative and intellectual circles. Darpan focused on social issues, scientific developments, governance, and history rather than gossip or sensational news.

The newspaper marked a shift in how Marathi was used. For the first time, the language appeared regularly in a factual, analytical format meant for public consumption. Jambhekar treated journalism as a space for education and rational thinking, setting an early benchmark for seriousness and responsibility in the Marathi press.

One of Jambhekar’s most significant contributions lies in how he adapted Marathi for journalism. Prior to newspapers, Marathi was largely confined to oral traditions, religious texts, and literary works. Jambhekar helped mould it into a language capable of explaining contemporary issues, policies, and global developments.

His writing style was clear, structured, and informative. He avoided excessive ornamentation, focusing instead on clarity and accuracy. This approach played a crucial role in standardising Marathi prose for print media and made it accessible to a growing reading public. Over time, this journalistic style influenced not just newspapers but also textbooks, essays, and public communication.

Journalism as Social Responsibility

Jambhekar believed journalism carried a moral responsibility. His articles often addressed social customs, superstitions, and the importance of education, urging readers to question practices that hindered progress. However, his tone remained reasoned and balanced rather than confrontational.

Alongside journalism, Jambhekar contributed to academia as the first professor of Marathi at Elphinstone College. This dual role reinforced his belief that education, language development, and journalism were interconnected. Together, they formed the foundation of an informed and engaged society.

The Marathi Newspaper Industry Today

Nearly two centuries after Darpan, the Marathi newspaper industry stands as one of the strongest regional-language media ecosystems in India. Publications such as Lokmat, Sakal, Maharashtra Times, Divya Marathi, and Loksatta reach millions of readers daily across urban and rural Maharashtra.

Today’s Marathi press covers a wide range of subjects—from politics and economics to culture, lifestyle, and technology—reflecting the evolving interests of its readership. While print circulation remains significant, digital platforms have become central to news consumption. Most leading Marathi newspapers now operate robust websites, mobile apps, and social media channels, ensuring wider and faster dissemination of information.

At the same time, the industry faces challenges common to modern journalism, including misinformation, shrinking attention spans, and economic pressures on print media. Despite this, Marathi journalism continues to retain credibility and influence, particularly in shaping regional political and cultural narratives.

A Legacy That Still Speaks

Balshastri Jambhekar did more than start a newspaper; he established a tradition of responsible, knowledge-driven journalism in Marathi. By giving the language a formal presence in news media, he ensured that public discourse was no longer limited by language barriers.

The Marathi press today—with its reach, diversity, and resilience—stands as a testament to Jambhekar’s vision. His legacy reminds us that journalism, when rooted in clarity, ethics, and public service, can shape not just a language but an entire society.