Introduction
Regarded as the Land of Marathas, Maharashtra is the 3rd largest state in India. The capital city of Maharashtra is Mumbai. Official language of this state is Marathi and it is the second largest state in the nation by population. Maharashtra shares its borders with 6 states – To the northwest lies Gujarat, to the north lies Madhya Pradesh, to the east lies Chhattisgarh, to the southeast lies Telangana and Karnataka and Goa lie to the south. 90% of the population is Hindu followed by Muslims, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs. Plain areas and hills constitute the topography of this state.
History
Maharashtra has been the home of Maratha Empire in the 18th Century. It includes the Peshwas, Bhonsles, Gaekwads, Holkars and Scindias. Shivaji who was a well-known Maratha warrior was born here. He is the one who is known as the discoverer of Guerrilla warfare. Marathas are known to defeat even the Mughals when they were in power. But then after the defeat from Ahmad Shah Abdali in the year 1761 in the 3rd war of Panipat, the Maratha Empire declined.
Economic and Social Status
The richest state of the nation – Maharashtra whose capital is Mumbai which is regarded as the financial capital of India. Majority of the banks and financial institutions have their headquarters in Mumbai. Mineral resources available here are Iron Ore, Coal, Bauxite, Chromite, Natural Gas and Oil. The main industries here are Electrical machinery, steel and iron industry and pharmaceuticals. Agricultural products grown here are Wheat, jowar, pulses, and rice. Alphonso mangoes grown here are world famous. Other than that pomegranates and Cavendish Banana are the main products grown here.
Tourist Spots
The state is blessed with unique flora and fauna due to its location. The Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea make this place an abode for a biodiversity. People visit this state and the regions here for the rich heritage and monuments. Who doesn’t know Mumbai in India? Apart from being called as the Financial Capital of India, it is also referred to as the Manhattan of India. This place is the home for our very own Bollywood or Indian Film Industry. In Maharashtra you can visit the following places:
- Haji Ali in Mumbai
- Gateway of India in Mumbai
- Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai
- Marine Drive in Mumbai
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad
- Mahalakshmi Temple in Kohlapur
- Afzal Khan Tomb in Mahabaleshwar
- Pandharpur temple in Solapur
- Alibaug beach
- Nagaon Beach
- Shanivar Wada in Pune
- Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik