Marathi Barakhadi (मराठी बाराखडी) is the foundation of reading and writing in the Marathi language. It is the complete set of syllables you get when you combine every Marathi consonant (व्यंजन) with the twelve vowels (स्वर). If you are a beginner, a parent teaching your child, or a student preparing for exams, mastering the Marathi Barakhadi is the single most important first step. On this page you will find the full Marathi Barakhadi chart for all 36 consonants, an English transliteration table, word examples, easy learning tips, a printable PDF, and answers to the most common questions.

What is Marathi Barakhadi? (मराठी बाराखडी म्हणजे काय?)

The word Barakhadi comes from two Marathi words — बारा (barah = twelve) and खडी (khadi = column/series). So Barakhadi literally means “the twelve columns.” Every consonant in Marathi is combined with twelve vowel forms to create twelve syllables, and that twelve-column row is called the Barakhadi of that consonant.

For example, take the consonant क (ka). When you add the twelve vowels to it, you get:

क   का   कि   की   कु   कू   के   कै   को   कौ   कं   कः

This pattern is repeated for all 36 Marathi consonants — from क to ज्ञ. Together, the Marathi alphabet (मराठी मुळाक्षरे / mulakshare) plus the Barakhadi combinations form the complete system used to write every word in Marathi.

The 12 Vowels (बारा स्वर) and Their Matras

Before learning the Barakhadi, you must know the 12 vowels and the small marks (matras / मात्रा) each one adds to a consonant. This is the key to the entire chart.

How to Read the Barakhadi — Step by Step (क Example)

Reading the Barakhadi is simple once you understand that consonant + vowel sign = syllable. Let’s break down the क row:

• क = क + अ → ka (the base consonant already contains the “a” sound)
• का = क + आ → kaa (long “aa” — a vertical line ा is added)
• कि = क + इ → ki (the sign ि goes before the letter but is read after)
• की = क + ई → kee (long “ee”)
• कु / कू = short “u” and long “oo” signs added below
• के / कै = “e” and “ai” signs added on top
• को / कौ = “o” and “au”
• कं = anusvara (dot) adds a nasal “n/m” sound
• कः = visarga adds a soft “ha” breath sound

Apply exactly the same 12 signs to any other consonant and you can read it instantly. That is the beauty of the Marathi Barakhadi system.

Full Marathi Barakhadi Chart (संपूर्ण बाराखडी तक्ता)

Below is the complete Marathi Barakhadi chart for all 36 consonants combined with the 12 vowels — including special conjunct letters क्ष and ज्ञ. This is the full reference you can bookmark, print, or study row by row.

Marathi Barakhadi in English (Transliteration Chart)

If you are learning Marathi but cannot yet read Devanagari fluently, use this Marathi Barakhadi in English chart. It shows the exact English pronunciation of every syllable so you can practise the sounds first.

Marathi Barakhadi Word Examples

Learning is easier when each vowel sound is linked to a real Marathi word. Here are simple examples:

Easy Tips to Learn Marathi Barakhadi Fast

1. Master the 12 vowels first. Once the matras are memorised, every consonant becomes predictable.
2. Learn one row per day. Read the row aloud, then write it 3–4 times. 15 minutes daily is enough.
3. Use the English column as a bridge, but shift to reading pure Devanagari as soon as you can.
4. Say it, don’t just see it. Speaking the sounds builds muscle memory faster than silent reading.
5. Group similar consonants (क-ख-ग-घ, च-छ-ज-झ) so the sound families reinforce each other.
6. Practise with real words (see the examples above) so the syllables have meaning.
7. Print the chart and stick it where you’ll see it daily — repetition is everything.

With this routine, most learners can read the entire Marathi Barakhadi confidently in 2 to 3 weeks.

Marathi Barakhadi PDF Download (Free Printable Chart)

Want to study offline? Download the complete Marathi Barakhadi PDF — a free, printable chart with all consonants, vowels, matras and English transliteration on a single page. It’s perfect for classrooms, home practice, and quick revision.

⬇️ Download Marathi Barakhadi PDF (Free)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Related topics: Marathi Mulakshare (मराठी मुळाक्षरे) · Marathi Vowels (स्वर) · Marathi Numbers (अंक) · Learn Marathi for Beginners