Maharashtra is the third largest state in India. The State of Bombay was split into Maharashtra and Gujarat according to the language spoken in 1960 by the Bombay Reorganization Act.
The borders are flanked by Arabian Sea, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu.
Godavari and Krishna are the two major rivers in the state. 60 percent of the lands are cultivated to grow grain, rice, and lentils.
Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra, and this state is one of the most industrialised states in India. Mumbai is also India’s financial and commercial capital. The Bombay Stock Exchange is the oldest stock exchangein Asia.
The dynasties that ruled this region are the Asmakas, the Mauryas, the Satavahanas, the Western Satraps, the Abhiras, the Vakatakas, the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, the Western Chalukyas, the Seuna Yadavas, the Khaljis, the Tughlaqs, the Bahamanis, the Deccan sultanates, the Mughals, the Maratha Empire founded by Shivaji, and the British. Hence, there are many historical ruins, monuments, tombs, forts, and places of worship left by these rulers are spread across the state.
Maharashtra leads in many Creative industries like advertising, architecture, art, crafts, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts, publishing, R&D, software, toys and games, TV and radio, and video games. India’s premier scientific and nuclear institutes like BARC, NPCL, IREL, TIFR, AERB, AECI, and the Department of Atomic Energy are established in Maharashtra. The state is home to more than 200 newspapers and 350 consumer magazines.
The staple diet of Maharashtra includes millet bread served with various side dishes. The other popular dishes are sabudana khichdi, sabudana vada, puran poli, masala bhath, koshimbir, pitle, poha, varan-bhath, vada pav, pav bhaji, misal pav, chutney sandwich, ukdiche modak, Thalipeeth, batata wada, amti, usal, sol kadhi, mango ras, pani puri, bhel puri.
Lavani and Koli dance are popular dance forms of Maharashtra. Jewelry of Maharashtra comprises of Kolhapuri saaj, tanmani, lakshmi coin haar, Mukhre, hair accessories, anklets and others.
The state is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta caves, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), and Khaas Pattar (plateau).
The outfit of men includes dhoti and kurta. The head is always covered with a headgear (petha) or Gandhi topi (cap). The women wear sarees in various ways. The nuvari saree (9 yard saree) is worn like a trouser and many brides till now wear it this way on the wedding day. The jewellery consists of baju bandh, cinchpeth, nath (nose ring), bugudi (ear ornament), mangalsutra (black-bead) neck chain, bormala, and so on.
The Lavani dance form is from the state of Maharashtra and is performed by women.
Anthem: Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza
Language: Marathi
Bird of Maharashtra Language: Yellow Footed Green Pigeon
State Animal: Indian Giant Squirrel
Flower: Jarul / Crepe Mertle
Tree: Mango Tree
Interesting places in Maharashtra:
Cities:
Mumbai
Pune
Nagpur
Sholapur
Miraj
Aurangabad
Nashik
Malegaon Jalgaon
Dhule and Bhusawal
Desh
Nanded
Satara
Sangli
Waterfalls:
Historical places:
Pratapgad
Ajanta Caves
Ellora Caves
Raigad
Shaniwaarwada, Pune
The Gateway of India, Mumbai
CST / Victoria Terminus
Flora Fountain
BCE Karla Caves are a group of Buddhist caves near Lonavala
Bibi Ka Maqbara, a replica of the Taj
Lakes:
Hill Stations:
Lonavala
Khandala
Mahabaleshwar
Panchgani
Matheran
Khaas Plateau / Khass Pattar
Bramhagiri hills in Sahyadri mountain range
Places of worship:
Hazur Sahib, Nanded
Shirdi
Gondavali
Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple
Varkari saint Dnyaneshwar’s palkhi (palanquin)
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Ganpati, Mumbai
Sai baba of Shirdi
Panduranga Vitthal Pandharpur
Khandoba temple Pune
Trimbakweshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Entrance.
Rivers:
Wainganga River near Bhandara district.
Beaches:
Chaupati
Ganapati Pule
Alibaug
Gorai Beach
Aksa Beach
Girgaon Chowpatty
Juhu Beach
Kashid Beach
Ganeshgule Beach
Dahanu-Bordi Beach
Kondivli Beach
Revdanda Beach
Mandwa Beach
Kelshi Beach
Anjarle Beach
Velas Beach
Guhagar Beach
