Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language primarily spoken in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is the official language of the state and is used by millions of people as their first language. Marathi has a rich literary history, with works dating back to the 13th century, and it encompasses a variety of genres, including poetry, drama, and novels. The language is known for its unique script, which is a variant of the Devanagari script, similar to those used for Hindi and Sanskrit. Marathi culture is vibrant, featuring traditional music, dance, and festivals, making it an essential part of the identity of the Marathi-speaking community.