Q. Which Prakrit is considered the origin of Marathi?
Answer: Maharashtri Prakrit
Notes: Maharashtri Prakrit was the most prominent Prakrit in western India, official under Satavahanas, and is regarded as the main source of Marathi. Major texts like Gatha Saptashati were in this language, and grammarian Hemachandra contributed to its grammar. Other Prakrits influenced different regional Indo-Aryan languages.