Maharashtra state is one of the biggest states in the country, and it is also the most populous state in India after Uttar Pradesh. On 1st May 1960 Maharashtra was formed after the Bombay state was divided into two states namely, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Marathi is the language of the street and is also the official language of the state. With Mumbai as its capital, Maharashtra is an exciting place to live in. Geographically Maharashtra is located in the west and central region of the country and has an impressive coastline of 720 kilometres running all along the Arabian Sea.
Maharashtra is bounded by Gujarat on the north-west, Madhya Pradesh on the north. To the east stands Chattisgarh and to the south Karnataka. Goa meets Maharashtra to the south-west and Telangana to the south-east, and the west rests the Arabian Sea. Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of this massive state. Mumbai is an island city and is not only the capital of Maharashtra but is also considered the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of the country. Mumbai is called the gateway of India as it is India’s biggest commercial and industrial centre and plays a pivotal role in the social life and political life of the country.
Mumbai is home to the entertainment industry and houses the Bollywood industry and Marathi industry, and attracts people from not only inside the country but also outside the country from all over the world. Maharashtra has a rich history and has a long history of great rulers. Before India gained independence, Maharashtra was ruled by great dynasties. The sequential dynasties that appeared in Maharashtra are the Satavahana dynasty, Rashtrajuta dynasty, Western Chalukyas, Deccan sultanates, Mughals and Marathas, and then finally the British.
You will find beautiful and historical pieces of architecture all over the state. Monuments, forts, tombs, and palaces are scattered all over the state. UNESCO has recognized many World Heritage Sites, namely Ajanta and Ellora caves, the Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Elephanta Caves, and the Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble. You will find the ‘Wine Capital of India’ in the state, namely Nashik. Nashik houses the maximum number of wineries and vineyards in the country. The city ‘Pune’ is known as the Oxford of the East’ owing to the prestigious educational institutions in the city.
Maharashtra has a number of airports in the state, namely, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad, and Shirdi. Mumbai is the busiest airport in the state.
Maharashtra is well connected to the other parts of the country by Indian railways. It is spread over Central and Western railway. In fact, India’s railways ran their first train in Maharashtra from Mumbai to Thane.
Maharashtra no doubt has good connectivity by road to other parts of the country with national highways and freeways.
When we talk about the area, Maharashtra is the third-largest state in the country and encompasses an area of approximately 307713 km square. If you want to know how many districts are in Maharashtra then check this out. Maharashtra is broken down into 36 districts, 355 talukas, 535 cities, 63663 villages, and 6 administrative divisions. Maharashtra is the first state that was hit by the industrial revolution in the country is thus the most industrialized and most technologically advanced state in the country. When it comes to agriculture, Maharashtra has made great strides, and the western region is well-irrigated, though the northern and eastern parts of the state have not caught up. The two major rivers in the state are Krishna and Godavari.
One can divide Maharashtra into five prominent geographic areas. The first is the Konkan, which lies in the western coastal region between the Western Ghats and the sea. The second is Khandesh, which is the north-western region in the valley of the Tapti river. You will find cities like Nashik, Jalgaon, Dhule, and Bhusawal in this region of the state. The third is Vidarbha, which is the easternmost region of the state. Vidarbha was earlier a part of the Central provinces and Berar. Cities like Nagpur, Akola, Amravati, and Chandrapur form this part of the state. The winter session of the state assembly is held in Nagpur. Cities like Aurangabad and Nanded lie in the fourth, Marathawada area of the state, which is the south-eastern part of the state. This region was part of the princely state Hyderabad till 1956. The fifth region, Desh, lies in the central part of the state.
| Ahmednagar | Akola | Amravati | Aurangabad |
| Baramati | Chandrapur | Dhule | Gondia |
| Jalgaon | Kalyan | Karad | Kolhapur |
| Latur | Mumbai | Navi Mumbai | Nagpur |
| Nanded | Nashik | Navi Mumbai | Osmanabad |
| Pandharpur | Panvel | Phaltan | Pune |
| Raigad | Ratnagiri | Satara | Sawantwadi |
| Shirpur | Sindhudurg | Solapur | Thane |
| Yavatmal |
Maharashtra is formed on 1 May 1960 that's why Maharashtra people celebrate 1st May as "Maharashtra Day". This state has got 36 Districts and 6 divisions with Capital Mumbai. So Maharashtra ki Rajdhani is Mumbai.
| City | Airport | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Aamby Valley City | Aamby Valley Airport | Private |
| Akola | Akola Airport | General Aviation |
| Amravati | Amravati Airport | General Aviation |
| Aurangabad | Aurangabad Airport | Domestic |
| Baramati | Baramati Airport | Flying School |
| Chandrapur | Chandrapur Airport | General Aviation |
| Dhule | Dhule Airport | Flying School |
| Gondia | Gondia Airport | Flying School |
| Jalgaon | Jalgaon Airport | Domestic |
| Karad | Karad Airport | Flying School |
| Kolhapur | Kolhapur Airport | Domestic |
| Latur | Latur Airport | General Aviation |
| Mumbai | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport | International |
| Mumbai | Juhu Aerodrome | General Aviation |
| Navi Mumbai | Navi Mumbai International Airport | International |
| Nagpur | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport | International |
| Nanded | Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport | Domestic |
| Nashik | Gandhinagar Airport | Military |
| Nashik | Ozar Airport | Domestic |
| Osmanabad | Osmanabad Airport | General Aviation |
| Pune | Hadapsar Airport | Flying School |
| Pune | Pune Airport | International |
| Pune | New Pune International Airport | Future |
| Ratnagiri | Ratnagiri Airport | Military |
| Shirdi | Shirdi Airport | Domestic |
| Shirpur | Shirpur Airstrip | Private |
| Sindhudurg | Sindhudurg Airport | Domestic |
| Solapur | Solapur Airport | General Aviation |
| Yavatmal | Yavatmal Airport | General Aviation |
| Akola Junction | Badnera Junction | Bhusaval Junction | Chalisgaon Junction |
| Daund Junction | Diva Junction | Gondia Junction | Hotgi Junction |
| Jalgaon Junction | Kalyan Junction | Kurduvadi Junction | Majri Junction |
| Manmad Junction | Miraj Junction | Manmad Junction | Miraj Junction |
| Murtizapur Junction | Nagbhir Junction | Nagpur Junction | Pachora Junction |
| Pune Junction | Sevagram Junction | Wardha Junction |
| Achra Beach | Akshi Beach | Alibaug Beach | Anjarle Beach |
| Bassein Beach | Bhatye Beach | Chivla Beach | Dahanu-Bordi Beach |
| Dana Paani Beach | Devgad Beach | Diveagar Beach | Erangal Beach |
| Ganapatipule Beach | Ganeshgule Beach | Guhagar Beach | Harihareshwar Beach |
| Hedvi Beach | Juhu Beach | Kashid Beach | Kasim Beach |
| Kelshi Beach | Kihim Beach | Kolamb Beach | Kondivli Beach |
| Kunkeshwar Beach | Madh Island Beach | Mandvi beach | Mandwa and Kihim Beach |
| Manori Beach | Marine Drive | Marve Beach | Marve Manori and Gorai |
| Murud Beach | Nagaon Beach | Padre Beach | Revdanda Beach |
| Shrivardhan Beach | Shriwardhan Harihareshwar | Tarkarli Beach | Varsoli Beach |
| Velas Beach | Velneshwar Beach | Vengurla Malvan | Versova Beach |
Maharashtra is surrounded by hills on its borders. The Sahyadri range stands at an altitude of 1000 meters and is famous for the crowning plateaus. The Konkan area, situated between the Arabian sea and the Sahyadri range, is a narrow coastal lowland and is 200 meters below sea level. On the northern border, you will find the Satpura hills, and on the eastern border you will see the Bhamragad-Chiroli-Gaikhuri ranges, which also serve as natural limits to the state and prevent easy movement.
| Amboli | Bhimashankar | Chikhaldara | Gaganbavda |
| Igatpuri | Jawhar | Karjat | Keechakadara |
| Koroli | Lonavala-Khandala | Mahabaleshwar | Malshej Ghat |
| Matheran | Panchgani | Panhala | Rajmachi |
| Tamhini Ghat | Toranmal | Wai |
| Akola Fort | Daulatabad Fort | Fort Bassein | Ghangad Fort |
| Kandhar Fort | Korigad Fort | Lohagad Fort | Malhargad Fort (Sonori Fort) |
| Mandangad Fort | Murud-Janjira Fort | Panhala Fort | Prabalgad Fort |
| Pratapgad Fort | Purandar Fort | Raigad Fort | Rajmachi Fort |
| Shaniwarwada Fort | Shivneri Fort | Sindhudurg Fort | Suvarnadurg Fort |
| Tikona Fort (Vitandgad) | Torna Fort | Tung Fort | Vasai Fort |
| Vasota Fort | Vijaydurg Fort | Visapur Fort | Yashwantgad Fort |
| Ahivantgad Trek | Arthur's Seat Treak | Bhimashankar Trek | Bhivgad Trek |
| Bitangad Trek | Chavad Trek | Dhodap Trek | Durg Dhakoba Trek |
| Gorakhgad Trek | Hadsar Trek | Jivdhan Trek | Korigad Trek |
| Kothligad Trek | Koyna Vallley Trek | Kulangadd Trek | Mahipatagad Trek |
| Mahuli Trek | Makarandgad Trek | Manikgad Fort Trek | Mulher Trek |
| Plus Valley Trek | Purandar Trek | Rajgad Trek | Rohida Trek |
| Salher Trek |
| Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary | Chandolo National Park | Navegaon National Park | Tadoba National Park |
| Adlabs Imagica | Ajanta and Ellora Caves | Alandi | Bhaja Caves |
| Bhandardara | Bhigwan | Bhimashankar | Bhira |
| Bhorghat | Chikhaldara | Chiplun | Chorla Ghat |
| Dapoli | Devkund Waterfalls | Durshet | Elephanta Caves |
| Ganpatipule | Haji Malang Dargah | Hevdi | Igatpuri |
| Jawhar | Jejuri | Kalsubai Peak | Kamshet |
| Karjat | Karla Caves | Karnala | Kokan |
| Kolad | Kumkeshwar | Lavasa | Lonar |
| Malshej Ghat | Malvan | Mandwa | Manori |
| Maval | Mulshi | Naneghat | Nighoj |
| Ozar | Palghar | Ratanwadi | Shani Shingnapur |
| Shirdi | Sindhudurg | Suryamal | Tamhini Ghat |
| Toranmal | Trimbakeshwar | Tuljapur | Vasai |
| Vikramgad |
The weather conditions in Maharashtra are in extremes. Maharashtra has hot summers and cool but not cold winters. And the rainfall in Maharashtra is pretty extreme. Maharashtra experiences Summer from March to May, Monsoon from June to September, and Winter from October to February. In summer, the temperature soars up to as high as 45 degrees Celsius. Maharashtra starts receiving rain from the first week of June and, in July, receives the maximum rainfall. August turns into a humid month with a little bit of rain and sunshine. The rainfall is unevenly distributed in the state as some regions flood while some areas experience drought-like conditions at the same time. The Konkan area receives the maximum amount of rain. Winters in Maharashtra are cool and pleasant, and the minimum temperature drop stays at 12 degrees Celsius.
The most used language in the state is Marathi and is also the official language of the state. Maharashtra is a vast state, and in this huge state you will find a variety of dialects of Marathi. Approximately 83.1 million are fluent in Marathi and speak Marathi, which makes it the third most spoken language in India, and at the same time, it is the 10th most-spoken native language in the world. Hindi and English are also spoken in the urban areas of the state. Additionally, Konkani, Kannada, Tulu, and Gujarati are also used in many parts of the state. You will find Varhadi in use in the Vidarbha region and Dangi in the Maharashtra-Gujarat border area.
Marathi women can be found clad in the traditional sari at all times. The traditional nauvari and the nine-yard lugade for women are also some of the attires found in the region. But owing to lack of demand, they are slowly disappearing from the markets because of the popularity of western outfits. Women can be seen adorned in Paithani sarees on special occasions such as marriages and other religious ceremonies. When it comes to men, older men are found clad in kurta and dhoti, but western clothes have become the norm with the younger generation. Men can be seen wearing Pheta on special occasions along with the Gandhi cap. Women can be seen wearing jewelry with designs brought down from the Maratha and Peshwa dynasties. The Kolhapurisaaj is a necklace that can be found worn by Marathi women.
Maharashtra has a huge palate of dishes in its cuisine. You will find wheat, jowar, bajri, vegetables, lentils, and fruits as the basic ingredients in a Maharashtrian plate. Maharashtra is famous for its snacks that range from sweet to salty. Some of the famous traditional dishes are Puranpoli, Ukdichemodak, Thalipeeth, and batatawada. If you go to Mumbai and do not have MisalPav, PavBhaji, and Vadapav, your trip won’t be complete. Seafood is very famous in Maharashtra due to its location. Regional varieties in Maharashtra include Malvani, Kolhapuri, and Vardhani. The meals are given in a ‘thali,’ and every piece of food has a specific place on the plate, and the first ‘thali’ is taken out for the household gods.
| University Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University | Aurangabad |
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University | Lonere, Raigad |
| Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth | Akola |
| Kavi Kulguru Kalidas Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya | Nagpur |
| Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth | Dapoli, Ratnagiri |
| Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University | Seminary Hills, Nagpur |
| Maharashtra University of Health Sciences | Nashik |
| Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth | Rahuri |
| Marathwada Agricultural University | Parbhani |
| Mumbai University | Mumbai |
| Nagpur University | Nagpur |
| North Maharashtra University | Jalgaon |
| Pune University | Pune |
| Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University | Amravati |
| Shivaji University | Kolhapur |
| Smt. Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University | Mumbai |
| Solapur University | Kegaon, Solapur |
| Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University | Nanded |
| The Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University | Nagpur |
| Yashwant Rao Chavan Maharashtra Open University | Nashik |
| University Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Bharati Vidyapeeth Bhawan | Pune |
| Central Institute of Fisheries Education Fisheries University Road | Mumbai |
| D.Y. Patil Educational Society | Bavada, Kolhapur |
| Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences | Nagpur |
| Deccan College Postgraduate & Research Institute | Pune |
| Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth | Pimpri, Pune |
| Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics | Pune |
| Homi Bhabha National Institute | Mumbai |
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research | Mumbai |
| Institute of Armament Technology | Pune |
| International Institute for Population Sciences | Mumbai |
| International Institute for Population Sciences | Mumbai |
| Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences | Karad |
| MGM Institute of Health Sciences | Navi Mumbai |
| Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies | Mumbai |
| Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patl Vidyapeeth | Navi Mumbai |
| Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences | Loni BK, Ahmednagar |
| Symbiosis International University | Pune |
| Tata Institute of Fundamental Research | Mumbai |
| Tata Institute of Social Sciences | Mumbai |
| Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth | Pune |
| Institute of Chemical Technology | Matunga, Mumbai |
Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Panchtila, Umri Village, Arvi Road, Wardha, Mumbai - 442 001
1. Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER)
2. Directorate of Technical Education
3. Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET)
4. Higher and Technical Education Department
5. Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL)
6. Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education
7. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE)
| Medical College Name | Location |
|---|---|
| A.G.Unani Medical College | Akkalkuva |
| Government Medical College | Akola |
| Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College | Amravati |
| Government Medical College | Aurangabad |
| Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s Medical College (MGM Medical College)e | Aurangabad |
| Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College | Aurangabad |
| SRTR Medical College | Beed |
| Sri Bhausaheb Hire Government Medical College | Dhule |
| ACPM Medical College | Dhule |
| Dr. Ulhas Patil Medical College and Hospital (DUPMC) | Jalgaon |
| Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University | Karad |
| DY Patil Education Society | Kolhapur |
| Dr. D Y Patil Medical College | Kolhapur |
| Government Medical College | Latur |
| Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences University | Loni |
| Padmashri Dr Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation Medical College | Loni |
| Grant Medical College (GMC) | Mumbai |
| KJ Somaiyya Medical College & Research Centre | Mumbai |
| Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (LTMMC) | Mumbai |
| Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College | Mumbai |
| Topiwala National Medical College (TMNC) | Mumbai |
| MGM Institute of Health Sciences (MGMIHS) | Mumbai |
| Terna Medical College | Mumbai |
| Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s Medical College (MGMMC) | Mumbai |
| Padmashree Dr. DY Patil Medical College | Mumbai |
| Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences | Nagpur |
| Indira Gandhi Government Medical College & Hospital | Nagpur |
| Indira Gandhi Government Medical College & Hospital | Nagpur |
| NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences | Nagpur |
| Government Medical College | Nagpur |
| Government Medical College | Nanded |
| MVP Samaj Medical College | Nashik |
| Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) | Pune |
| BJ Medical College (BJMC) | Pune |
| Padmashree Dr. D Y Patil Medical College (DYPMC) | Pune |
| ABharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College (UMS) | Pune |
| Maharashtra Institute of Medical Education & Research | Pune |
| Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth | Pune |
| Smt Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital (SKNMCGH) | Pune |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College | Sangli |
| Government Medical College | Sangli |
| Dr. Vaishampayan Memorial Medical College | Solapur |
| Ashwini Rural Medical College Hospital and Research Center | Solapur |
| Rajiv Gandhi Medical College | Thane |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC) | Wardha |
| Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences | Wardha |
| Shri Vasant Rao Naik Government Medical College | Yavatmal |
Maharashtrian people have a very competitive streak. Maharashtra is considered the home state of many forms of sports. Badminton, previously known as Pioona game originated here along with Kabaddi, Kho Kho, and Mallakhamba. Kushti and bullock cart competitions are also very prevalent in the state. The Maharashtra government promotes sports extensively. It built two permanent akharas for the promotion of Kushti.
| Nag Panchami | Gudhi Padwa | Narali Pournima | Ganesh Chathurthi |
| Krishna Janmashtami | Makar Sankranti | Bhau Beej | Ellora Festival |
| Ashadhi Ekadashi | Mangala Gauri | Pola | Shivaji Jayanti |
| Kojagiri Purnima | Banganga Festival | Vat Pournima | Diwali |
| Dussehra | Ramzan | Eid-ul-Fitr | Chrismas |
| Sant Dnyaneshwar | Sant Tukaram | Sant Namdev | Sant Gora Kumbhar |
| Sant Rohidas | Sant Samarth Ramdas | Sant Narhari Sonar | Sant Chokhamela |
| Sant Savta Mali | Bhakta Goma Bai | Sant Banka Mahar | Sant Bhagu |
| Sant Damaji Pant | Sant Janabai | Sant Kanhopatra | Sant Karmamelam |
| Sant Nirmala | Sant Sadna | Sant Sakhubai | Sant Satyakam Jabali |
| Sant Soyarabai | Sant Sena Nhavi | Sant Eknath |
| Chief Minister Name | From | To | Party Name |
| Uddhav Thackeray | 28 Nov 2019 | Present | Shiv Sena |
| Devendra Fadnavis | 23 Nov 2019 | 26 Nov 2019 | BJP |
| Devendra Fadnavis | 31 Oct 2014 | 08 Nov 2019 | BJP |
| Prithviraj Chavan | 11 Nov 2010 | 26 Sep 2014 | INC |
| Ashok Chavan | 07 Nov 2009 | 09 Nov 2010 | INC |
| Ashok Chavan | 08 Dec 2008 | 15 Oct 2009 | INC |
| Vilasrao Deshmukh | 01 Nov 2004 | 04 Dec 2008 | INC |
| Sushilkumar Shinde | 18 Jan 2003 | 30 Oct 2004 | INC |
| Vilasrao Deshmukh | 18 Oct 1999 | 16 Jan 2003 | INC |
| Narayan Rane | 01 Feb 1999 | 17 Oct 1999 | Shiv Sena - BJP |
| Manohar Joshi | 14 Mar 1995 | 31 Jan 1999 | Shiv Sena - BJP |
| Sharad Pawar | 06 Mar 1993 | 14 Mar 1995 | INC |
| Sudhakarrao Naik | 25 Jun 1991 | 22 Feb 1993 | INC |
| Sharad Pawar | 04 Mar 1990 | 25 Jun 1991 | INC |
| Sharad Pawar | 26 Jun 1988 | 03 Mar 1990 | INC |
| Shankarrao Chavan | 12 Mar 1986 | 26 Jun 1988 | INC |
| Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar | 03 Jun 1985 | 06 Mar 1986 | INC |
| Vasantdada Patil | 02 Feb 1983 | 01 Jun 1985 | INC |
| Babasaheb Bhosale | 21 Jan 1982 | 01 Feb 1983 | INC |
| Abdul Rehman Antulay | 09 Jun 1980 | 12 Jan 1982 | INC |
| Sharad Pawar | 18 Jul 1978 | 17 Feb 1980 | INC |
| Vasantdada Patil | 05 Mar 1978 | 18 Jul 1978 | INC |
| Vasantdada Patil | 17 May 1977 | 05 Mar 1978 | INC |
| Shankarrao Chavan | 21 Feb 1975 | 16 May 1977 | INC |
| Vasantrao Naik | 13 Mar 1972 | 20 Feb 1975 | INC |
| Vasantrao Naik | 01 Mar 1967 | 13 Mar 1972 | INC |
| Vasantrao Naik | 05 Dec 1963 | 01 Mar 1967 | INC |
| P. K. Sawant | 25 Nov 1963 | 04 Dec 1963 | INC |
| Marotrao Kannamwar | 20 Nov 1962 | 24 Nov 1963 | INC |
| Yashwantrao Chavan | 01 May 1960 | 19 Nov 1962 | INC |
| Dhangari Gaja | Dindi and Kala | Koli Dance | Lavani Dance |
| Povadas Dance | Tamasha |
| Makar Sankranti | Republic Day | Martyr's Day/Shaheed Diwas |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti | Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Mahashivratri |
| Holi | Good Friday | Ambedkar Jayanti |
| Ram Navami | Mahavir Jayanti | Maharashtra Day |
| Eid ul-Fitr (begins on this day) | Eid ul-Fitr (ends on this day) | Ashadi Ekadashi |
| Guru Purnima | Muharram | Independence Day |
| Janmashthami | Ganesh Chaturthi | Anant Chaturdashi |
| Gandhi Jayanti | Prohibition Week | Dussehra |
| Eid-e-Milad | Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti | Kartiki Ekadashi |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti |
State Bird of Maharashtra is Yellow-footed Green Pigeon that is around 29 to 33 cm. Green Pigeon weight is around 260 g. They are very social birds and people can spend a great time with them.
