The Department was established in 1918-19 with Sri C.N. Joshi as its first Head in the beginning, Marathi was offered in the intermediate and B.A. courses. M.A., M. Phil and Ph. D. programmes were introduced in 1942, 1981 and 1951 respectively.

During the golden jubilee celebrations of the University in 1968, the Government of Maharashtra institued a Professorship called The "Maharashtra Chair of Marathi" Dr. Sreedhar Rao Kulkarni was the first to occupy the chair in 1970. Maharashtra state awarded to Dr. S. R. Kulkarni for 'Prachin Marathi Gadhya Prerna ani Parmpra (1971), 'Telanganatil Are Maratha Samaj: Bhasha ani Sanskruti' (1968).He has also received 'Sahitya Samrat N. C. Kelkar Award for 'Nathancha Bhagwat Dharm' in 1958. He was President of the "Marathwada Sahitya Samelan" at Jalna.

Prof. Shobha Deshmus "Best Drama Critic" for 'Marathi Natkatil Stri Rupe' in 2007. In 2010 she has participated in "International Seminar, Rashiya" and research paper presented. She has awarded as 'Best Teacher' in 2001 by Education Minister of Maharashtra for 'Dakshin Bhartatil Marathi Sahitya Sanshodhan'. She has complited 3 Major Projects and 1 Minor Project through U.G.C. Delhi.

The Department has been publishing an annual research journal "Marathi Swadhyaya Sanshodhan Patrika" since 1960. The Department has awarded 23 Ph.D. and 27 M. Phill Degrees so far. Those who complete Ph. D. in Marathi are awarded ' Madhekar Memorial Gold Medal'. Faculty Members of the Department have Published 80 research books so far Prominent academicians who worked in the Department are Prof. S. R. Kulkarni Prof. V.D. Kulkarni Prof. Manik Rao Dhanpalwar, Prof. Kavita. K., Prof. Geeta Suresh Kate, Prof. Shobha Deshmukh.

Dr. Namrata Bagde the Present Head was invited for a talk to the All India Marathi Literary conference and workshop. Modern Marathi Literature, Dalit Literature and Women's Literature are the fields of her study and she has published 35 articles National & International Journals. She has presented papers in many seminars, Workshops and Conferences. She has participated in "International Seminar, Sri Lanka" and research paper presented. she is held Head & Chairperson 2013 to 2018, 2018 to 2020 & 2022 to till date. Chairperson Board of Studies 2020 to 2022.

Mr. Arun Kulkarni the present Chairman Board of Study working as (Assistant Professor) at the Department of Marathi, University College of Arts and Social Sciences, Osmania University. area(s) of specialization are Modern Marathi Literature and has been into teaching and research. he has published many articles in National & International journals. He has presented papers in many seminars. He has held Board of Studies Chairman 2018 to 2020 & 2022 to till date. Head, Dept. of Marathi 2020 to 2022 & Board of Studies Chairman Marathi Oriental College 2019 to 2021 & 2021 to 2023.