महाराष्ट्रात पौराणिक नाटकाचा प्रयोग कोणी सुरू केला ?

The correct answer is Option B (Vishnudas Bhave).

Key Points:
• Pioneer of Marathi Theatre:
• Vishnudas Amrit Bhave is regarded as the father and pioneer of Marathi theatre.
• In 1843, under the royal patronage of Shrimant Chintamanrao Patwardhan (Appasaheb), the ruler of Sangli princely state, he staged the first modern Marathi mythological play titled 'Sita Swayamvar' (सीता स्वयंवर).
• Bhave was inspired by Kannada 'Yakshagana' performances and conceptualized an indigenous Marathi dramatic form with songs, dialogues, and mythological characters.
• Following the huge success of 'Sita Swayamvar', he formed a travelling drama troupe and staged several Akhyanas based on the Ramayana and Mahabharata across Maharashtra, including Mumbai.
• His theatrical revolution established a structured foundation for stage performances in Maharashtra, transitioning traditional folk forms into organized theatrical arts.
• Key Takeaway: Vishnudas Bhave staged the first Marathi mythological play 'Sita Swayamvar' in 1843 at Sangli.