Monk Claims Maratha Icon Tarabai Was 'Jain Queen', Triggers Row

A controversial remark by a Jain monk has triggered a backlash in Maharashtra. At the centre of the controversy is a claim by Acharya Nayanpadmasagar that Maratha icon Tarabai was a "Jain queen". The Sena (UBT) has lashed out over the remark, calling it an insult to the Maratha history. Maharani Tarabai (1675–1761) was the daughter-in-law of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and led the Maratha resistance against the Mughals in the early 18th century.

Claim About Marathi Origins

The monk also claimed that the Marathi language originated from Jain roots and that its history is deeply intertwined with Jain traditions. Speaking at a public event in Mumbai, the Acharya claimed that the root words of Marathi and its grammar are derived from Prakrit language and Jain literature. Jain scholars enriched Marathi, he went on to claim.

"If there are any 'true Marathi' in all of India, without an exception, they are the Jains. Saint Dnyaneshwar has written in the 'Dnyaneshwari' that the Marathi language was crafted by a Jain Acharya. Even the Patil community in Maharashtra follows Jain faith," he said in his speech.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam.

Another Jain Monk Disagrees

Nilesh Chandra Maharaj, another Jain monk, strongly opposed the claim and said that historical figures and the state's glorious history should not be viewed through the narrow lens of any specific religion or caste. "Such remarks create rifts within the society and disrupt the harmony between communities," Maharaj stated.

He also appealed for the chief minister's intervention. He demanded that a 'ban' be imposed on statements that threaten peace in the state and action is taken against those who try to distort history.

Marathi organisations and historians too rejected the claim and argued that the Marathi language has evolved over centuries and cannot be attributed to a single origin or specific community.

Team Thackeray Lashes Out

Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) has condemned the monk's remarks as an attempt to misrepresent Maharashtra's history. Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut, a senior leader in the party, called it an insult to the Maratha history and the state's historical icons.

"Who gave these people the right to convert the religion of the valiant Tararani who fought against Aurangzeb...while such religious conversion of Tararani is underway, the ruling powers who parade as Marathas sit quietly," he lashed out in an online post.

Baseless, Says Shivaji Maharaj Descendant

A descendant of Shivaji Maharaj has also slammed the monk's claim as "baseless". "This statement, delivered by a Muni, is completely baseless and highly irresponsible. It is unbecoming for individuals holding the stature of religious gurus to make false claims regarding great historical figures. A Muni, belonging to a peace-loving community, should not create unnecessary controversy," Sambhaji Chhatrapati said in a post.