The Marathi Kala Mandal of Greater Washington is a non-profit, tax exempt organization that helps maintain the cultural heritage of Maharashtra, a western State in India. The Marathi language is a derivative of the Sanskrit language of ancient India. Marathi is a short form for Maharathi, meaning the people of fighting class. For over 2,000 years, the people of the western region of India were known as warriors against the invaders. Marathi people are also referred to as Maharashtrians, meaning those who have the cultural heritage in the State of Maharashtra. Maharashtra means Great Nation. Marathi people or Maharshtraians are nationalist in nature and they reflect the character of the great nation of India (Bharat).