Accomplishing Colonial Ambitions through Translation: The Case of Modern Marathi Theatre

This research paper examines the contributions of the Dakshina Prize Committee in facilitating colonial objectives through Marathi translations of European plays during the British imperial period.The Committee, tasked with evaluating translations and awarding prizes, became a driving force in this literary and cultural endeavour.A significant early example of its influence is Tara Natak, a Marathi translation of Shakespeare's Cymbeline, rendered by Vishnu Moreshwar Mahajani.The financial incentives offered by the Dakshina Prize led to a surge in drama translations that disseminated European literary traditions and ideologies within the colonial framework.The mid to late nineteenth century is often referred to by Marathi historiographers as the 'Bhashantar Yug' (Translation Age), 'Rupantar Yug' (Adaptation Age), or the 'Shakespeare ani Molire Yug' (Shakespeare and Molire Age).However, these historians often overlook the significant role played by the Dakshina Prize Committee therefore, it would be valuable to map the milestones of comparative literature, trace the trajectory of translation theory in colonial Marathi theatre, and study translation as a form of cultural contact while also examining the colonial ambitions that shaped these efforts.