This unique culture has now captured academic attention. Of the 50 Marathi associations across the state, about 45 promote Marathi literature, drama and folk arts in the city.

Aarti Mujumdar, an English department lecturer of M S University, has taken up a study titled 'The Loss and Preservation of Marathi Identity in Baroda, 1950 to the Present', which is funded under the DRS (Departmental Research Support) Scheme of the UGC.

Deepta Achar, Deputy Coordinator of UGC-SAP (Special Assistance Programme) said, "Mujumdar has expressed the need to study the work of organisations that have kept Marathi culture alive for over 50 years through arts and plays. Later, she will further study the findings."

According to Mujumdar, the princely state of Baroda had a predominant Marathi culture during the reign of Sayajirao Gaekwad. The influence could also be attributed to the fact that before the formation of Gujarat in 1960, it was a part of Bombay Province.

Vadodara is known as the cultural hub of Gujarat and is also referred to as Sanskarnagari. MSU is one of the few universities in the state that has a full-fledged Marathi department.

The co-existence of both communities has led to the intermingling of the linguistic system, culture, traditions and customs. Mujumdar, in her proposal, has also mentioned as to how the process of acculturation in Gujarati culture begins right from the time a child is born in a Marathi family. The students in Marathi medium schools also learn Gujarati. Inter-community marriages make the assimilation complete.

"With time, cultural distinctions blur, merging individual identities," Mujumdar added.

Marathi in schools

Srinivas Manohar, the president of Akhil Gujarat Maharashtra Maha Mandal, said: "Of the 50 Marathi Associations, 45 are in Vadodara. Earlier, Marathi was taught in corporation schools. However, due to the inclination towards English, the number of students going to Marathi schools has reduced. There are only two Marathi schools in the city now— Maharani Chimnabai School and Model High School."