Konkani is a modern Indo-Aryan language and a state language of the Indian state Goa. Until recently, it was considered a dialect of Marathi, but it is now considered an independent language. Konkani has several varieties, including the Manglore variety spoken in the south of Goa, the Gawdi variety spoken by the Gawda ethnic group, and the Goan (Panaji) variety. The latter is the focus of this description, and is the variety used in schools, media and state administration. The book provides a descriptive linguistic analysis of Konkani based on spoken and written data collected by the author during extensive fieldwork. The linguistic features of Konkani phonology, morphology, word-formation and syntax are described in detail, and where significant, compared with the Manglore and Gawdi varieties. Since Konkani is undergoing standardisation, and since it has close contact with Marathi, significant similarities and differences between the two languages are also discussed. Konkani has the honour of being the subject of the oldest European grammatical work on any Indian language: Thomas Stephens’ Arte da Lingoa Canarim published in 1640. This grammar is thus the most recent addition to the long tradition of Konkani grammars.

This ýHistory Of Konkani Literatureý Studies The Evolution Of Konkani Language And Literature From The Earliest Times To The Present Day. It Also Studies The Origins Of Konkani Language And The Influence Of Other Language. It Provides Concise Information On Konkani Journalism, ChildrenýS Literature, Folklore And Folk Theatre And Follows The Evolution Of Various Literary Forms Like Poetry, Novel, Short-Story And Essay.

A Major Activity Of The Sahitya Akademi Is The Preparation Of An Encyclopaedia Of Indian Literature. The Venture, Covering Twenty-Two Languages Of India, Is The First Of Its Kind. Written In English, The Encyclopaedia Gives A Comprehensive Idea Of The Growth And Development Of Indian Literature. The Entries On Authors, Books And General Topics Have Been Tabulated By The Concerned Advisory Boards And Finalised By A Steering Committee. Hundreds Of Writers All Over The Country Contributed Articles On Various Topics. The Encyclopaedia, Planned As A Six-Volume Project, Has Been Brought Out. The Sahitya Akademi Embarked Upon This Project In Right Earnest In 1984. The Efforts Of The Highly Skilled And Professional Editorial Staff Started Showing Results And The First Volume Was Brought Out In 1987. The Second Volume Was Brought Out In 1988, The Third In 1989, The Fourth In 1991, The Fifth In 1992, And The Sixth Volume In 1994. All The Six Volumes Together Include Approximately 7500 Entries On Various Topics, Literary Trends And Movements, Eminent Authors And Significant Works. The First Three Volume Were Edited By Prof. Amaresh Datta, Fourth And Fifth Volume By Mohan Lal And Sixth Volume By Shri K.C.Dutt.