In the latest episode of the American Bhau Podcast, host Rahul takes listeners on a fascinating cultural journey that spans hundreds of years and thousands of miles. He sits down with Amruta, a content creator and classical dancer who was born and raised in the United States but has dedicated herself to preserving a unique and historically rich dialect: Thanjavur Marathi.
Through her viral Instagram page, Amruta is teaching the world about her distinct heritage. Whether you are a language enthusiast, a history buff, or someone navigating a multicultural identity, this episode offers incredible insights into a community that perfectly blends Maharashtrian roots with South Indian culture.
What is Thanjavur Marathi?
For many, the idea of a Marathi-speaking community native to Tamil Nadu might come as a surprise. Amruta explains the deep historical roots of her people:
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The community’s origins trace back to the 17th century during the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
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Shivaji Maharaj’s half-brother, Ekkoji, traveled south and established the Maratha kingdom in Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu.
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The ancestors of the modern Thanjavur Marathi community migrated during this period and settled in the southern region.
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Today, the global population of Thanjavur Marathi speakers is relatively small, estimated at around 70,000 people.
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The community is spread across various locations, including Thanjavur, Chennai, Salem, Pune, and even places like Fairfax County, Virginia, where Amruta grew up.
A Unique Linguistic Blend
Because the community has lived in Tamil Nadu for centuries, their spoken Marathi has heavily assimilated with Tamil. Amruta highlights several fascinating linguistic nuances:
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Thanjavur Marathi is spoken with a distinct Tamil accent and cadence.
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The dialect uses unique, older vocabulary that differs from standard Pune Marathi.
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The word “Udanda” is used to mean “a lot” or “plenty.”
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If someone loses something and needs to search for it, they use the phrase “Hudkivam.”
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Instead of the standard Marathi word “Madhye” (meaning inside or in the middle), Thanjavur Marathi speakers use the word “Aant.”
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They affirm things by saying “Hoy” instead of the standard “Ho.”
Going Viral and Building a Community
Amruta’s journey into content creation was completely unintentional. She noticed social media pages dedicated to Malayalam and Tamil communities, but nothing for Thanjavur Marathi.
She posted a comedic reel comparing how Americans, Australians, and Thanjavur Marathi speakers order drinks, which unexpectedly blew up. The video hit over one million views, proving that there was a massive hunger for this specific cultural representation. Since then, her platform has become a digital gathering space for the community, sparking conversations about shared heritage, lost languages, and identity.
Food, Arts, and Culture
The cultural fusion of the Thanjavur Marathas is perhaps best experienced through their food and arts. Amruta shared how their daily lives reflect a seamless blend of North and South:
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Cuisine: A daily Thanjavur Marathi meal heavily relies on rice, combining Maharashtrian and Tamil staples. They eat “Dhirda” (which is similar to a dosa), “Tak Bhat” (buttermilk rice), and “Saar Bhat” (rasam and rice).
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Classical Arts: Thanjavur is deeply historical, famous for the Brihadeeswara Temple (the Big Temple) and its unique shadow architecture. It is also a hub for classical arts like Bharatanatyam.
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Meri Sanskriti Academy: Amruta, a trained Bharatanatyam dancer since childhood, founded an online cultural academy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her goal is to pass down Indian heritage, language, and art to the next generation of kids growing up in the US.
Love, Identity, and the India Connection
Amruta’s personal life is just as beautifully blended as her heritage. She is married to a Gujarati man from Ahmedabad. They met at a cousin’s wedding, creating a modern, cross-cultural love story. Despite growing up in Virginia, Amruta feels a profound connection to India. She actively contemplates moving back or visiting frequently, noting how progressive, modern, and rapidly growing the country has become.
Amruta’s story is a testament to the resilience of culture and the power of language. By embracing her unique roots and sharing them with the world, she ensures that the legacy of the Thanjavur Marathas continues to thrive in the digital age.
Don’t miss this incredible conversation! Watch the full episode of the American Bhau Podcast on our YouTube channel to hear Amruta and Rahul dive deeper into the beautiful complexities of the Thanjavur Marathi culture.
