Answer: A Vishwakosh (encyclopaedia) is a reference work that gives systematic information on many subjects.
- Shridhar Venkatesh Ketkar compiled the ‘Maharashtriya Dnyankosh’, the first encyclopaedia in Marathi, in the early 20th century.
- After the formation of Maharashtra, Chief Minister Yashwantrao Chavan initiated the Marathi ‘Vishwakosh’ through the Maharashtra Rajya Sahitya Samskruti Mandal.
- Tarkateerth Laxmanshastri Joshi was its first chief editor; the work is now carried on by the Marathi Vishwakosh Nirmiti Mandal.
- Its volumes give information on history, science, arts, literature and many other subjects, and are also available online for readers.
