His nomination was decided at a meeting of the Jnanpith selection board chaired by writer and scholar Namwar Singh.
Born in 1938, Namade occupies a unique place in Marathi literature. His hugely celebrated works -- from "Kosala", 1963 to his recently-published magnum opus "Hindu" -- have earned him a reputation as a self-aware, globally conscious and alert writer, said a statement issued by Bharatiya Jnanpith today.
He has also been conferred the Padma Shri and has won the Sahitya Akademi Award besides many other accolades.