Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a state in the western peninsular region of India. It is the second-most populous state and third-largest state by area in India. Maharashtra is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to the north, Chhattisgarh to the east, Karnataka and Goa to the south. The state capital is Mumbai, the most populous urban area in India.

History

The history of Maharashtra is quite rich as the region was inhabited since the Paleolithic era. The region was ruled by the Maurya Empire, Satavahana dynasty, Vakataka dynasty, Chalukya Dynasty, Rashtrakuta Dynasty, and Western Chalukya before the Yadava Empire took control.

Geography

Maharashtra is located in the western part of India. It is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Gujarat and the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu to the northwest, Madhya Pradesh to the north and northeast, Chhattisgarh to the east, Karnataka to the south, and Goa to the southwest.

Economy

Maharashtra's economy is the largest in India, contributing 15% of the country's industrial output and 13.3% of its GDP in 2015–16. Maharashtra has an urbanized population of 45%, significantly higher than the national average of 27%.

Culture

The culture of Maharashtra, which reveals itself in many ways, is also reflected in its diverse cuisine, art, craft, music, theatre, and literature. The state celebrates several festivals like Gudi Padwa, Ganesh Chaturthi and Navaratri with great zeal and vigour.

Education

Maharashtra is home to some of the top universities and institutions in India, including the University of Mumbai, University of Pune, and Nagpur University.

Politics

The politics of Maharashtra is dominated by the Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, and the Shiv Sena. The state has a parliamentary system of government with two democratically elected houses, the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council.

See Also

• List of districts of Maharashtra
• Cuisine of Maharashtra
• Music of Maharashtra