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'''Maharashtra''' ([[Marathi]]: महाराष्ट्र ''{{IAST|mahārāṣṭra}}'', [[IPA]]: {{audio|Maharashtra.ogg|/məhaːraːʂʈrə/}}, <!--{{lang-en|Great Nation}}-->English: ''Great Nation'') is [[India]]'s third largest [[States and territories of India|state]] in terms of [[area]], and second largest in terms of [[population]] (after [[Uttar Pradesh]]). It is bordered by the states of [[Gujarat]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]] to the north, [[Chhattisgarh]] to the east, [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Goa]] to the south, and the [[Union territory]] of [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli]] to the north-west. The [[Arabian Sea]] makes up the state's western coast. [[Mumbai]], India's largest city, is the capital of Maharashtra, where as the city of [[Nagpur]] serves as the second (and winter) capital of the state.
'''Maharashtra''' ([[Marathi]]: महाराष्ट्र ''{{Transl|sa|IAST|mahārāṣṭra}}'', [[IPA]]: {{audio|Maharashtra.ogg|/məhaːraːʂʈrə/}}, <!--{{lang-en|Great Nation}}-->English: ''Great Nation'') is [[India]]'s third largest [[States and territories of India|state]] in terms of [[area]] (after [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]]), and second largest in terms of [[population]] (after [[Uttar Pradesh]]). It lies along the west coast of the [[Indian Peninsula]], and is bordered by the states of [[Gujarat]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]] to its north, [[Chhattisgarh]] to its east, [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Goa]] to its south, and the [[Union territory]] of [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli]] to its north-west. The [[Arabian Sea]] makes up the state's western coast. [[Mumbai]], India's largest city, is the capital of Maharashtra, whereas the city of [[Nagpur]] serves as the second (and winter) capital of the state.
 
==Name==
{{main|Origins of the name of Maharashtra}}


Maharashtra has been referred to as ''Rashtra'' in the [[Rig Veda]], ''Rashtrik'' in [[Ashoka]]'s inscriptions, and ''Maha rashtra'' afterwards, as attested by [[Huein-Tsang]] and other travelers. The name appears to have been derived from ''[[Maharashtri]]'', in an old form of [[Prakrit]], an ancient Indian language.
Maharashtra has been referred to as ''Rashtra'' in the [[Rig Veda]], ''Rashtrik'' in [[Ashoka]]'s inscriptions, and ''Maha rashtra'' afterwards, as attested by [[Huein-Tsang]] and other travelers. The name appears to have been derived from ''[[Maharashtri]]'', in an old form of [[Prakrit]], an ancient Indian language.
{{main|Origins of the name of Maharashtra}}


==History==
==History==
{{main|History of Maharashtra}}
{{main|History of Maharashtra}}


=== Medieval history and Islamic rule ===
=== Medieval history and Islamic rule ===
Maharashtra's early history has been lost in antiquity. The first recorded reference to the history of this region dates back to the [[3rd century BC]], with the use of the Maharastri language, a Prakrit corruption of [[Sanskrit]]. The region which is today the state of Maharashtra was also known as ''Dandakaranya'', (<!--{{lang-sk|The jungle which is bound by rules}}-->the jungle (''aranya'') which is bound by rules (''dandakas''). The port town of [[Sopara]], just north of present day Mumbai, was the centre of naval commerce in ancient India, with links to [[Eastern Africa]], [[Mesopotamia]], [[Aden]] and [[Kochi, India|Cochin]].


Not much is known about Maharashtra's early history, and its recorded history dates back to the [[3rd century BC]], with the use the Maharastri language, a Prakrit corruption of [[Sanskrit]]. Maharashtra was known as ''Dandakaranya'', i.e. the jungle (''aranya'') which bound by rules (''dandakas''). Later, Maharashtra became a part of the [[Magadha]] empire, ruled by the [[Buddhist]] emperor [[Ashoka]].  The port town of [[Sopara]], just north of present day Mumbai, was the centre of ancient India's commerce, with links to [[Eastern Africa]], [[Mesopotamia]], [[Aden]] and [[Kochi, India|Cochin]].  With the disintegration of the Mauryan Empire, a local dynasty called [[Satavahana]]s came into prominence in Maharashtra between [[230 BC]] and AD [[225]]. The period saw the biggest cultural development of Maharashtra.  The Satavahana's official language was [[Maharashtri]], which later developed into [[Marathi]]. The great ruler [[Gautamiputra Satkarni]] (also known as "''Shalivahan''") ruled around [[78 AD]].  He started the [[Shalivahana era]], a new calendar, still used by [[Maharashtrian]] populace.  The empire gradually disintegrated in the third century.
This region has been under the rule of the [[Maurya Empire|Mauryas]] during the reigns of Emperors [[Bindusara]] and [[Ashoka|Ashoka The Great]], and then passed on to the [[Satavahana]]s between [[230 BC]] and AD [[225]]. The Satavahanas were great patrons of their official court language, called [[Maharashtri]] which later developed into [[Marathi]]. [[Gautamiputra Satkarni]] (also known as "''Shalivahan''") was a prominent ruler of this dynasty who started the [[Shalivahana era]], a new calendar still used by [[Maharashtrian]] populace.


During the reign of the [[Vakataka]]s (AD [[250]]&ndash;[[525]]), [[Vidarbha]], the eastern region of Maharashtra, come under their rule.  During this period, development of [[arts]], [[religion]] and [[technology]] flourished.  By the [[6th century]], Maharashtra came under the reign of the [[Chalukyas]] from Badami.  Later, in [[753]], the region was governed by [[Rashtrakuta]]s, an empire that spread over most of peninsula India.  In [[973]], the Chalukayas of Badami expelled the Rashtrakutas, and ruled parts of Maharashtra until [[1189]] when the region came under the hands of the [[Yadavas]] of [[Deogiri]].  
Other prominent Hindu kingdoms which have held sway over this region during the middle ages include the [[Vakataka]]s (AD [[250]] to [[525]]), the [[Rashtrakuta]]s, the [[Chalukyas]] of [[Badami]] (till 1189) and finally the [[Yadavas]] of [[Deogiri]].  


Maharashtra came under [[Islam in India|Islamic]] influence for the first time after the [[Delhi Sultanate]] rulers [[Ala-ud-din Khalji]], and later [[Muhammad bin Tughluq]] appropriated parts of the [[Deccan]] in the [[13th century]]. After the collapse of the [[Tughlaq dynasty|Tughlaq]]s in [[1347]], the [[Bahmani Sultanate]] of Bijapur took over, governing the region for the next 150 years.  By the [[16th century]], central Maharashtra was ruled by numerous autonomous Islamic kingdoms that owed allegiance to the [[Mughal empire|Mughals]], while coastal region was annexed by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]], in their quest to seize control of the [[spice trade]].
Maharashtra came under [[Islam in India|Islamic]] influence for the first time when the [[Ala-ud-din Khalji]] and [[Muhammad bin Tughluq]] appropriated parts of the [[Deccan]] in the [[13th century]]. After the [[Tughlaq dynasty|Tughlaq]]s, the [[Bahmani Sultanate]] of Bijapur was the last Indian kingdom to rule the entire region of Maharashtra.  By the [[16th century]], central Maharashtra was ruled by numerous autonomous Islamic kingdoms that owed allegiance to the [[Mughal empire|Mughals]], while coastal region was annexed by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]], in their quest to seize control of the [[spice trade]].


=== Marathas and Peshwas ===
=== Marathas and Peshwas ===
{{main|Maratha Empire}}


By the early [[17th century|seventeenth century]] the [[Maratha Empire]] began to take root. The Marathas, native to western Maharashtra, were led by Chhatrapati Raje [[Shivaji|Shivaji Bhosale]], who was crowned king in [[1674]]. Shivaji Maharaj (as he was referred to by his subjects) fought many battles with Mughal empire which was then ruled by [[Aurangzeb]]. He also fought several battles with King of Vijapur, Adilshah. Later he was engaged in few small battles with British army who were then in the early stages of their long and exhaustive control over Maharsahtra.
By the early [[17th century|seventeenth century]], the [[Maratha Empire|Marathas]], a warrior caste native to western Maharashtra, began to take establish their own kingdom in the region. They were led by their first ruler [[Shivaji|Shivaji Bhosale]], who took the title of Chhatrapati Raje after being crowned king in 1674.
Shivaji Raje was the most able, successful, popular and respected king Maharashtra ever had.
 
Shivaji's son and successor, [[Sambhaji|Sambhaji Bhosale]] was captured and executed by [[Aurangzeb]], the Mughal in the late 1680s. The Mughals forced Sambhaji's younger brother, [[Rajaram, Chhatrapati|Rajaram Bhosale]] to flee into the Tamil-speaking countryside. He retreated  to the [[Gingee Fort|great fortress of Jinji]] (sometimes anglicised to Ginjee) to barely recover in the early 18th century, in somewhat changed circumstances.
 
Rajaram's  nephew & Sambhaji's son, [[Shahuji|Shahu Bhosale]] considered himself to be the legitimate heir  to the Bhosale throne. In 1714, Shahu's [[Peshwa]] (chief minister) Balaji Vishwanath, helped him seize the Maratha throne in 1708, with some acrimony from Rajaram's widow, [[Tarabai|Tara Bai]].
 
In the following four decades, the Peshwas virtually took over central authority in the Maratha state, reducing Shivaji's Bhosale dynasty to figureheads. After defeating the Mughals, the Peshwas became the dominant rulers of India. Peshwas not only ruled Maharashtra, but their empire was also covering Delhi (Panipat)- Gujarat ( Mehsana) - Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior, Indore) and to south till Thanjaur.
 
The Peshwas, Balaji Vishwanath and his son, [[Bajirao|Baji Rao I]], bureaucratized the Maratha state.  They systematized the practice of tribute gathering from Mughal territories, under the heads of sardesmukhi and chauth (the two terms corresponding to the proportion of revenue collected). They also consolidated Mughal-derived methods of assessment and collection of land revenue and other taxes. Much of the revenue terminology used in Peshwa documents derives from Persian, suggesting a far greater continuity between Mughal and Maratha revenue practice than may be politically palatable in the present day.
 
The years under Peshwa rule, saw the development of sophisticated networks of trade, banking, and finance; the rise of substantial banking houses based at Pune, with branches extending into Gujarat, the Ganges Valley, and the south; and an expansion of the agricultural frontier.  


At the same time, Balaji Vishwanath cultivated the maritime Angre clan, which controlled a fleet of vessels based in Kolaba and other centres of the west coast. These ships posed a threat not only to the new English settlement of Bombay, but to the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] at [[Goa]], [[Bassein]], and [[Daman]].
Shivaji's son and successor, [[Shambhaji|Shambhaji Bhosale]] was captured and executed by [[Aurangzeb]]. The Mughals forced Shambhaji's younger brother, [[Rajaram, Chhatrapati|Rajaram Bhosale]] to flee to present day [[Tamil Nadu]]. He retreated  to the [[Gingee Fort|fortress of Jinji]] (sometimes anglicised to Ginjee).


On the other hand, there also emerged a far larger domain of activity away from the original heartland of the Marathas, which was given over to subordinate chiefs as [[fief]]s. [[Gwalior]] was given to [[Scindia]], [[Indore]] to [[Holkar]], [[Baroda]] to [[Gaekwad]] and [[Dhar]] to [[Pawar]].
After Rajaram's death, infighting between two branches of the family led to the increasing influence of the [[Peshwa]] (titular Prime Minister) in the political and administrative affairs of the Maratha state, gradually reducing Shivaji's Bhosale dynasty to mere figureheads. After defeating the Mughals, the Peshwas became the dominant rulers of India, extending their realm from Delhi and Panipat in the north, Gujarat (Mehsana) and present day Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior and Indore) to the west and Thanjaur to the south.


After suffering a heavy defeat to the [[Afghanistan|Afghan]] chieftain [[Ahmad Shah Abdali]], in the [[Third Battle of Panipat]] in [[1761]], the Maratha Confederacy broke into regional kingdoms.
Beginning with Balaji Vishwanath and his son, [[Bajirao|Baji Rao I]], the Peshwas strengthened their hold over the day to day affairs of the empire by institutionalizing the bureaucracy, the collection of tributes and taxes, as well as the assessment and collection of land revenue. They also built a network of trade links within and outside the Maratha empire, and consolidated the financial, banking and agricultural systems prevalent during the time.  


Post-Panipat, the Peshwa's ex-generals looked after the little kingdoms they had been given. Pune continued to be ruled by what was left of the Peshwa family.
The Marathas are also credited in building the first naval force for the defence of the western coast of India, under the Angre clan.


Branches of the Bhosale family itself, relocated to [[Kolhapur]], while the main line remained in the Deccan heartland, at Satara. The Kolhapur Bhosales derived from Rajaram and his wife, Maharani Tara Bai, who had refused in 1708 to accept Shahu's rule. The Kolhapur Bhosales remained in control of minuscule territory into the early 19th century.
After being defeated by the Afghan chieftain Ahmad Shah Abdali in the [[Third Battle of Panipat]] in 1761, the Maratha Confederacy broke into regional kingdoms. Much of the political power was now focussed on individual [[fiefdom]]s within the erstwhile empire, such as [[Gwalior]] under the [[Scindia|Shinde]]s, [[Indore]] under the [[Holkar]]s, [[Baroda]] under the  [[Gaekwad]]s and [[Dhar]] under the [[Pawar]] clan.


===British Rule and Post-Independence===
===British Rule and Post-Independence===
With the arrival and subsequent involvement of the [[British East India Company]] in Indian politics, the Marathas and the British fought the three [[Anglo Maratha Wars|Anglo-Maratha wars]] between 1777 and 1818, culminating in the annexation of Peshwa-ruled territories in Maharashtra by the [[British East India Company]] in 1819 and heralding the end of the Maratha empire.


With the arrival and subsequent involvement of the [[British East India Company]] in Indian politics, the Marathas and the British fought the three Anglo-Maratha wars between 1777 and 1818, culminating in the annexation of Peshwa-ruled territory in Maharashtra in [[1819]], which heralded the end of the Maratha empire.
The British governed the region as part of the [[Bombay Presidency]], which included [[Sind|the province of Sind]] in present day Pakistan and most of the northern [[Deccan]]. Several small principalities in the region, which were fiefdoms during the time of the Marathas, retained local autonomy in administrative affairs in return for acknowledging British sovereignty over their political affairs. Prominent amongst them were [[Nagpur]], [[Satara]] and [[Kolhapur]]; Satara was annexed into the British controlled Bombay Presidency in 1848. Nagpur and Berar (till then a part of the [[Nizam]] of [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]]'s kingdom), were occupied by the British in 1853, and eventually integrated into the Central Provinces. A large part of present day Maharashtra, called the [[Marathwada]] region, remained part of the Nizam's [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]] state during British rule. In the beginning of the [[20th century]], the struggle for independence from British rule started by [[Bal Gangadhar Tilak]] and later led by [[Mahatma Gandhi]] began to take root from Bombay. In 1942, the [[Quit India Movement]] called by Mahatma Gandhi had its origins in Bombay.


The British governed the region as part of the [[Bombay Presidency]], which spanned an area from [[Karachi]] in Pakistan to most of the northern Deccan. A number of the Maratha states persisted as [[princely state]]s, retaining local autonomy in return for acknowledging British sovereignty. The largest princely states in the territory of present-day Maharashtra were [[Nagpur]], [[Satara]] and [[Kolhapur]]; Satara was annexed to Bombay Presidency in 1848, and Nagpur was annexed in 1853 to become [[Nagpur Province]], later part of the [[Central Provinces]]. [[Berar]], which had been part of the [[Nizam]] of [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]]'s kingdom, was occupied by the British in 1853 and annexed to the Central Provinces in 1903. A large part of present day Maharashtra called [[Marathwada]] remained part of the Nizam's [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]] state during British rule. The British rule was marked by social reforms, an improvement in infrastructure as well revolts due to their discriminatory policies. At the beginning of the [[20th century]], A non-violent struggle started by [[Bal Gangadhar Tilak]] and later led by [[Mahatma Gandhi]] began to take shape. In [[1942]], the [[Quit India Movement]] was called by Mahatma Gandhi which was marked by a non-violent civil disobedience movement and strikes.
After India's independence in 1947, as part of the drive to unify the various princely states into the Indian Union, the [[Deccan States]], including Kolhapur, were integrated into the [[Bombay State|State of Bombay]], which was created from the former Bombay Presidency in 1950. In 1956, the [[States Reorganisation Act]] reorganized the Indian states along linguistic lines. Accordingly, Bombay was made the capital of the new state of Maharashtra on [[1960-05-01|May 1, 1960]], which constituted all Marathi speaking regions of the State of Bombay, [[Marathwada]] (Aurangabad Division) from erstwhile Hyderabad state and the [[Vidarbha]] region ([[Amravati Division|Amravati]] and [[Nagpur Division|Nagpur]] divisions) from the Central Provinces and Berar. The Gujarati speaking areas of the State of Bombay was spinned off into the separate state of [[Gujarat]].
 
After India's independence in [[1947]], the princely states were integrated into the Indian Union, and the [[Deccan States]] including Kolhapur were integrated into [[Bombay State]], which was created from the former Bombay Presidency in 1950. In [[1956]], the [[States Reorganisation Act]] reorganized the Indian states along linguistic lines, and Bombay Presidency State was enlarged by the addition the predominantly Marathi-speaking regions of [[Marathwada]] (Aurangabad Division) from erstwhile Hyderabad state and [[Vidarbha]] region ([[Amravati Division|Amravati]] and [[Nagpur Division|Nagpur]] divisions) from [[Madhya Pradesh]] (formerly the Central Provinces and Berar). On May 1, 1960, Maharashtra came into existence when Bombay Presidency State was split into the new linguistic states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
There was widespread discontent among the people of Vidarbha when it was included in Maharashtra. The people of Vidarbha consider themselves to be of a distinct culture which is different from the culture of the rest of Maharashtra. These people have ever since demanded a separate state in the union.


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
{{main|Geography of Maharashtra}}
{{main|Geography of Maharashtra}}


Maharashtra encompasses an area of 308,000&nbsp;[[square kilometres|km²]] (119,000&nbsp;[[Square miles|mi²]]),and is largest state in India. Maharashtra is bordered by the states of Madhya Pradesh to the north, [[Chhattisgarh]] to the east, [[Andhra Pradesh]] to the southeast, [[Karnataka]] to the south, and [[Goa]] to the southwest. The state of [[Gujarat]] lies to the northwest, with the Union territory of [[Dadra]] and [[Nagar Haveli]] sandwiched in between. The [[Arabian Sea]] makes up Maharashtra's west coast.
Maharashtra encompasses an area of 308,000 [[square kilometres|km²]] (119,000 [[Square miles|mi²]]), and is the third largest state in India. Maharashtra is bordered by the states of [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Gujarat]] to the north, [[Chhattisgarh]] to the east, [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Goa]] to the south, and the Union territory of [[Dadra]] and [[Nagar Haveli]] to the north-west. The [[Arabian Sea]] makes up Maharashtra's west coast.


The [[Western Ghats]] are a hilly range running parallel to the coast, at an average elevation of 1,200&nbsp;[[metre]]s (4,000&nbsp;[[foot (unit of length)|feet))]]. To the west of these hills lie the [[Konkan]] coastal plains, which is 50 &ndash; 80&nbsp;kilometres in width. To the east of the Ghats lies the flat [[Deccan Plateau]]. The Western Ghats form one of the three [[water divide|watershed]]s of [[India]], from which many [[South India]]n rivers originate. To the north of the state, near the Madhya Pradesh border, lies the [[Satpura Range]]. The various sections of the [[Western Ghats of Maharashtra]] are Tamhini Ghat, Varandha Ghat and Sawantwadi Ghat.
Maharashtra is bound by the [[Satpura Range]] to the north and the [[Western Ghats]], known locally as the [[Sahyadri Range]], to the west. The Sahyadri hills bifurcate the state into the [[Konkan]], a narrow coastal strip to the west and the larger [[Deccan Plateau]] to the east. The average elevation of the western ghats in Maharashtra is 1,200 [[metre]]s (4,000 [[foot (unit of length)|feet))]] above sea level.


The Western Ghats form the source of several major rivers of Maharashtra, notable among them being [[Godavari River], flow eastwards into the [[Bay of Bengal]], irrigating most of central and eastern Maharashtra.
The Sahyadri hills form a major watershed within the state, and is the source of several major rivers flowing east into the Deccan plateau and onward into the [[Bay of Bengal]], and some minor rivers flowing west through Konkan into the [[Arabian Sea]]. Notable rivers flowing east include the [[Godavari River|Godavari]] and the [[Krishna River|Krishna]] rivers.  
 
The Ghats are also the source of numerous small rivers which flow westwards emptying into the [[Arabian Sea]]. To the north of the state, the [[Tapti River]] and [[River Narmada]] flow westwards into the [[Arabian Sea]], irrigating most of northern Maharashtra. To the east are major rivers like Vainganga that flow to the south and eventually to Bay of Bengal.


There are many multi-state irrigation projects in development, including [[Godavari River Basin Irrigation Projects]].
There are many multi-state irrigation projects in development, including [[Godavari River Basin Irrigation Projects]].
Line 95: Line 82:
The plateau is composed of black [[basalt]] soil, rich in [[humus]]. This soil is well suited for cultivating cotton, and hence is often called '''black cotton soil'''.
The plateau is composed of black [[basalt]] soil, rich in [[humus]]. This soil is well suited for cultivating cotton, and hence is often called '''black cotton soil'''.


== Protected areas of Maharashtra==
The major cities in the state are [[Mumbai]], [[Pune]], [[Nasik]], [[Nagpur]], [[Aurangabad]] and [[Kolhapur]].


Several [[Wildlife sanctuaries of India|wildlife sanctuaries]], national parks and [[Project Tiger]] reserves have been created in Maharashtra, with the aim of conserving the rich bio-diversity of the region. As of May 2004, India has 92 [[National Parks of India|national parks]], of which 5 are located in Maharashtra. Much of Maharashtra's forests and consequently the wildlife are in Vidarbha region. These are:
=== Divisions ===
{{main|Districts of Maharashtra}}


* [[Gugamal National Park]], also known as [[Melghat Tiger Reserve]] is located in Vidarbha region in [[Amravati]] district.
Maharashtra is divided into thirty-five [[List of Indian districts|districts]], which are grouped into six divisions for the purposes of revenue collection: [[Aurangabad Division|Aurangabad]], [[Amravati Division|Amravati]], [[Konkan Division|Konkan]], [[Nagpur Division|Nagput]], [[Nashik Division|Nashik]], and [[Pune Division|Pune]].
* [[Navegaon National Park]], located near Nagpur in the eastern region of [[Vidarbha]] is home to many species of birds, deer, bears and leopards.
* [[Pench National Park]], in Nagpur district also in Vidarbha, extends into Madhya Pradesh as well. It has now been upgraded into a Tiger project.
* [[Sanjay Gandhi National Park]], also known as [[Borivali National Park]] is located in [[Mumbai]] and is the world's largest national park within city limits.
* [[Tadoba Andhari Tiger Project]], is a prominent [[Project Tiger|tiger reserve]] near Chandrapur in Vidarbha.


Apart from these, Maharashtra has 35 wild life sanctuaries spread all over the state, listed [http://www.wii.gov.in/envis/envis_pa_network/page_maharashtra.htm here]. The Nagzira (Bhandara district), [[Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary]], and the [[Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary]] are the important ones.
Historically, Maharashtra has five main regions: [[Vidarbha]] or Berar (Nagpur and Amravati divisions), [[Marathwada]] (Aurangabad Division), [[Khandesh]] and North Maharashtra (Nashik Division), [[Desh]] or Western Maharashtra (Pune Division), and Konkan (Konkan Division).


==Economy==
=== Transport ===
The [[Indian Railways]] covers most of Maharashtra, and is the preferred (and most economical) [[mode of transport]] to cover large distances. Almost the entire state comes under the [[Central Railways]] branch which is headquartered in Mumbai. The coastal belt is served by the [[Western Railway]] (north of Mumbai), and the [[Konkan Railway]] to its south. [[Maharashtra State Transport Corporation|Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation]] buses, popularly called ST or MSRTC, link most major and minor towns and villages within the state. Privately operated luxury buses are also a popular mode of transport between major towns and cities.


===Macro-economic trend===
Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur have international airports, serving the entire South Asia, Middle East and the rest of the world. Mumbai's airport system (comprising separate facilities for domestic and international operations) is the biggest and busiest in India. Other large towns such as [[Aurangabad]], [[Ratnagiri]], [[Kolhapur]] and [[Nashik]] are served by domestic airlines. Ferry services also operate near the capital, linking the city to neighbouring coastal towns. Maharashtra has a large network of national and state highways, and also the recently built [[Mumbai-Pune Expressway]], which is India's first [[controlled-access]] [[toll road]] project in India. Maharashtra has three major sea ports at Mumbai (operated by the [[Mumbai Port Trust]]), the [[JNPT]] lying across the Mumbai harbour in Nhava Sheva, and in [[Ratnagiri]], which primarily handles cargo.


This is a chart of trend of gross state domestic product of Maharashtra at market prices [http://mospi.nic.in/mospi_nad_main.htm estimated] by ''Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation'' with figures in millions of [[Indian Rupees]].
==Economy==
{| class="wikitable"
Favourable economic policies in the [[1970s]] led to Maharashtra becoming India's leading industrial state. However, regions within Maharashtra show wide disparity in development. Apart from Mumbai, Pune and western Maharashtra are comparatively more advanced than the eastern parts of the state. Because of its economic clout, the western parts of the state also tend to dominate the politics and bureaucratic control in the state.
|-
! Year || Gross State Domestic Product
|-
| 1980 || 166,310
|-
| 1985 || 296,160
|-
| 1990 || 644,330
|-
| 1995 || 1,578,180
|-
| 2000 || 2,386,720
|}
 
Favourable economic policies in the [[1970s]] led to Maharashtra becoming India's leading industrial state. However, regions within Maharashtra show wide disparity in development. Apart from Mumbai, Pune and western Maharashtra is the most advanced. It also dominates the politics and bureaucracy of the state. This has led to resentment among backward regions like Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Konkan. There was a movement in Vidarbha to separate from Maharashtra and become a separate state largely owing to lack of development and perceived sense of injustice.


Maharashtra's gross state domestic product for 2004 is estimated at $106 billion in current prices. Maharastra is second most urbanised state with urban population of 42% of whole population.
Maharashtra's gross state domestic product for the financial year 2004 is estimated at $106 billion in current prices. Maharastra is the second most urbanised state in India (after [[Tamil Nadu]]), with urban population constituting 42% of the entire population.


Maharashtra's is India's leading industrial state contributing 13% of national industrial output. 64.14% of the people are employed in [[agriculture]] and allied activities. Almost 46% of the GSDP is contributed by industry. Major industries in Maharashtra include chemical and allied products, electrical and non-electrical machinery, textiles, [[petroleum]] and allied products. Other important industries include metal products, [[wine]], [[jewellery]], [[pharmaceuticals]], engineering goods, machine tools, [[steel]] and [[iron]] castings and [[plastic]] wares. [[Food crop]]s include [[mango]]es, [[grapes]], [[banana]]s, [[orange (fruit)|oranges]], [[wheat]], [[rice]], [[jowar]], [[bajra]], and [[pulse (legume)|pulses]]. [[Cash crop]]s include [[peanut|groundnut]], [[cotton]], [[sugarcane]], [[turmeric]], and [[tobacco]]. The net irrigated area totals 33,500&nbsp;[[square kilometre]]s.  
Maharashtra's is India's leading industrial state, contributing 13% of total national economic output. 64% of the people in the state are employed in [[agriculture]] and allied activities, while 46% of the GSDP is contributed by industry. Major industries in Maharashtra include chemical and allied products, electrical and non-electrical machinery, textiles, [[petroleum]] and allied products. Other important industries include metal products, [[wine]], [[jewellery]], [[pharmaceuticals]], engineering goods, machine tools, [[steel]] and [[iron]] castings and [[plastic]] wares. [[Food crop]]s include [[mango]]es, [[grapes]], [[banana]]s, [[orange (fruit)|oranges]], [[wheat]], [[rice]], [[jowar]], [[bajra]], and [[pulse (legume)|pulses]]. [[Cash crop]]s include [[peanut|groundnut]], [[cotton]], [[sugarcane]], [[turmeric]], and [[tobacco]]. The net irrigated area totals 33,500 [[square kilometre]]s.


Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra houses the headquarters of almost all major banks, financial institutions, insurance companies and [[mutual fund]]s. Within Mumbai is located [[Bollywood]], the centre of India's [[Hindi]] film and television industry. India's largest stock exchange [[Bombay Stock Exchange]], oldest in Asia, is located in the city. After successes in the [[information technology]] in the neighbouring states, Maharashtra has set up [[software]] parks in [[Pune]], [[Nagpur]], [[Mumbai]], [[Navi Mumbai]] and [[Nasik]], Now maharashtra is second largest exporter of softwares with exports of Rs 18000cr(20% of india's exports).
Mumbai houses the headquarters of almost all major banks, financial institutions, insurance companies and [[mutual fund]]s which operate in India. Mumbai is also the headquarters of many major Indian corporations. [[Bollywood]], the centre of India's [[Hindi]] film and television industry is based in the city. The [[Bombay Stock Exchange]], India's largest (and [[Asia]]'s oldest) stock exchange, is located in the city. After the success of [[information technology]] [[entrepreneur]]s in neighbouring states such as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the state has set up [[software]] parks in [[Pune]], [[Nagpur]], [[Mumbai]], [[Navi Mumbai]] and [[Nasik]].


Maharashtra ranks [[States of India by installed power capacity|first nationwide]] in coal-based thermal electricity as well as nuclear electricity generation with national market shares of over 13% and 17% respectively.
Maharashtra has the highest installed thermal and nuclear [[States of India by installed power capacity|power generation capacity]] in India.
 
Maharashtra is also introducing [[Jatropha incentives in India|Jatropha cultivation]] and has started a project for the identification of suitable sites for Jatropha plantations.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.unipune.ernet.in/dept/geography/vhdeosthali_files/jatropha.htm
|title=Identification of suitable sites for Jatropha plantation in Maharashtra using remote sensing and GIS
|publisher=University of Pune
|accessdate=2006-11-15
}}</ref>
 
[[Ralegaon Siddhi]] is a village in [[Ahmednagar District]] that is considered a model of [[natural environment|environmental]] [[Conservation ethic|conservation]].
<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://edugreen.teri.res.in/explore/renew/rallegan.htm
|title=A model Indian village- Ralegaon Siddhi
|publisher=
|accessdate=2006-10-30
}}</ref>
 
Over 41% of the ''S&P CNX 500'' conglomerates have corporate offices in Maharashtra.
{{see also|List of conglomerates in Maharashtra}}


==Government==
==Government==
The Head of State is the [[governor]], appointed by the federal government. The post is largely ceremonial, whereas the [[Chief Minister]] is the [[head of government]] and is vested with most of the executive powers. Maharashtra's capital is [[Mumbai]], home to the [[Vidhan Sabha]] - the state assembly and [[Mantralaya]], the administrative offices of the government. It is also home to the [[Bombay High Court]], which has jurisdiction over Maharashtra, Goa, and the Union Territory of [[Daman and Diu]]. The legislature convenes its budget and monsoon sessions in Mumbai, and the winter session in Nagpur, which was designated as the state's second (winter) capital.


Like all states in India, the head of state is the [[governor]], appointed by the Central government. His or her post is largely ceremonial. The [[Chief Minister]] is the [[head of government]] and is vested with most of the executive powers. Maharashtra's capital is [[Mumbai]], home to the [[Vidhan Sabha]] &ndash; the state assembly and [[Mantralaya]], the administrative offices of the government. It is also home to the [[Bombay High Court]] which has jurisdiction over Maharashtra, Goa, and the Union Territory of [[Daman and Diu]]. The legislature convenes its budget and monsoon sessions in Mumbai, and the winter session in Nagpur, which was designated as the state's auxiliary capital.
Like most large states in India, Maharashtra has a [[bicameral]] legislature. The [[Vidhan Sabha]] ([[Legislative Assembly]]) is the lower house of legislature, consisting of directly elected members. Likewise, the [[Vidhan Parishad]] ([[Legislative Council]]) is the upper house, whose members are indirectly voted through an [[electoral college]]. Maharashtra is allocated nineteen seats in the [[Rajya Sabha]] (The upper house in India's national [[Parliament of India|parliament]]), and forty-eight seats in the [[Lok Sabha]] (its lower house).


Maharashtra's legislature is [[bicameral]], one of the few states in India to have a bicameral type. The [[Vidhan Sabha]] ([[Legislative Assembly]]) is the lower house consisting of directly elected members. The [[Vidhan Parishad]] ([[Legislative Council]]) is the upper house, whose members are indirectly voted through an [[electoral college]]. Maharashtra is allocated nineteen seats in the [[Rajya Sabha]] and forty-eight in the [[Lok Sabha]], India's national [[Parliament of India|parliament]].
After India's independence, most of Maharashtra's political history has been dominated by the centre-left [[Indian National Congress|Congress party]], led by stalwarts such as [[Y.B. Chavan]] (who was also one of its most prominent Chief Ministers). Since 1995, the [[right wing]] [[Shiv Sena]] and [[BJP]] have played major role in the state's politics, including the formation of a [[coalition]] government. The third major force in the political arena of the state is the [[NCP]] led by [[Sharad Pawar]].
 
After India's independence, most of Maharashtra's political history was dominated by the [[Indian National Congress|Congress party]]. Maharashtra became a bastion of the Congress party producing stalwarts such as [[Y.B. Chavan]], one of its most prominent Chief Ministers. The party enjoyed near unchallenged dominance of the political landscape until [[1995]] when the [[right wing]] [[Shiv Sena]] and [[BJP]] secured an overwhelming majority in the state to form a [[coalition]]. After a split in the Congress party, former chief minister [[Sharad Pawar]] formed the [[Nationalist Congress Party]] (NCP), but formed a coalition with the Congress to keep out the BJP-SS combine. The 2004 elections saw the NCP gaining the largest number of seats to become the state's largest party, eroding much of the Shiv Sena's base. Under a pre-poll power sharing agreement, the Chief Minister would be from the Congress while the deputy Chief Minister would be from the NCP. [[Vilasrao Deshmukh]] is current CM and [[R. R. Patil]] (NCP) is DCM.
 
{{main|:Category:Indian political parties-Maharashtra}}
 
===Revenues of Government===
 
This is a chart of trend of own tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) of the Government of Maharashtra assessed by the Finance Commissions from time to time with figures in millions of Indian Rupees.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://fincomindia.nic.in/
|title=Twelfth Finance Commission
|publisher=Finance Commission of India
|accessdate=2006-09-19
}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year || Own Tax Revenues
|-
| 2000 || 198,821
|-
| 2005 || 332,476
|}
 
This is a chart of trend of own non-tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) of the Government of Maharashtra assessed by the Finance Commissions from time to time with figures in millions of Indian Rupees.
<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://fincomindia.nic.in/
|title=Twelfth Finance Commission
|publisher=Finance Commission of India
|accessdate=2006-09-19
}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year || Own Non-tax Revenues
|-
| 2000 || 26,030
|-
| 2005 || 30,536
|}


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
A person native to the state of Maharashtra is called a '''[[Maharashtrian]]'''. As per the 2001 census, Maharashtra has a population of 96,752,247 inhabitants, making it the second most populous state in India (If Maharashtra were to be an independent nation, it would rank 12th in terms of population). As per the same census, the total population of people who register Marathi as their native language is 62,481,681. This is a reflection of the cosmopolitan nature of the state. Its population density is 322.5 inhabitants per [[square kilometre]]. Maharashtra's urban population stands at 42.4%, making it the second most urbanized state in India (after [[Tamil Nadu]]). Its sex ratio is 922 females to 1000 males, which is above the national average. Its literacy rate is 77.27% (86.2% males and 67.5% females).


A person native to the state is called a '''[[Maharashtrian]]'''. As per the [[2001]] census, Maharashtra has a population of 96,752,247 inhabitants making it the second most populous state in India, and the second [[List of the most populous country subdivisions|most populous country subdivision]] in existence. The Marathi-speaking population of Maharashtra numbers 62,481,681 according to the 2001 census. This is a reflection of the cosmopolitan nature of the state. Only eleven countries of the world have a population greater than Maharashtra. Its density is 322.5 inhabitants per [[square kilometre]]. Males constitute 50.3 million and females, 46.4 million. Maharashtra's urban population stands at 42.4%. Its sex ratio is 922 females to 1000 males. 77.27% of its population is literate, broken into 86.2% males and 67.5% females. Its growth rate between [[1991]]-2001 was pegged at 22.57%.
[[Marathi language|Marathi]] is the official state language, and is spoken as a first or second language by a vast majority of its populace. In Mumbai however, due to its cosmopolitan nature, [[Hindi]], and English, along with a variety of other Indian languages are also spoken. Marathi also boasts several regional dialects such as [[Ahirani]], [[Malvani]], [[Deshi]] and [[Varhadi]], spoken by scattered sections of the population.


[[Marathi language|Marathi]] is the official state language. Marathi is spoken by a vast majority of its populace. In Mumbai however, due to its cosmopolitan nature, [[Hindi]], and [[Indian English|English]], along with a variety of other languages are also spoken. In the northwest portion of Maharashtra, a dialect Ahirani is spoken by a minority. In south [[Konkan]], a dialect of [[Konkani]] (sometimes called a dialect of [[Marathi]]) called as [[Malvani]] is spoken by most of the people. In the [[Desh]] region of the [[Deccan]], a dialect called Deshi is spoken. While in [[Vidarbha]], a dialect of Marathi, known as [[Varhadi]] is spoken by most of the people.  
A majority of the population are Hindus (80.2%), with minorities of Muslims (10.6%), Buddhists (6%), Jains (1.3%) and Christians (1%). Maharashtra has the biggest [[Jain]], [[Zoroastrian]] and [[Jewish]] populations in India.


The state has a Hindu majority of 80.2% with minorities of Muslims 10.6%, Buddhists 6%, Jains 1.3% and Christians 1%. Maharashtra has the biggest [[Jain]], [[Zoroastrian]] and [[Jewish]] populations in India.
The [[Total Fertility Rate]] as of 2001 was 2.23.  
 
The Total Fertility Rate in 2001 was 2.23. Caste Hindus - 2.09, Muslims - 2.49, Christians - 1.41, Jains - 1.41, Sikh - 1.57, Budhist - 2.24, Others -2.25, Tribals - 3.14 and Dalits of all religions - 2.42(Hindu Dalits had higher TFR compared to Budhist Dalits). [http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/ecoSurvey/ecoSurvey2005-06/eng/cha_3e.pdf]
 
==Divisions==
 
{{main|Districts of Maharashtra}}
 
Maharashtra is divided into thirty-five [[List of Indian districts|districts]], which are grouped into six divisions: [[Aurangabad Division]], [[Amravati Division]], [[Konkan Division]], [[Nagpur Division]], [[Nashik Division]], and [[Pune Division]]. These are official revenue divisions of government of Maharashtra.
 
Geographically, historically and according to political sentiments Maharashtra has five main regions: [[Vidarbha]] or Berar (Nagpur and Amravati divisions),  [[Marathwada]] (Aurangabad Division), [[Khandesh]] and Northern Maharashtra (Nashik Division), [[Desh]] or Western Maharashtra (Pune Division), and Konkan (Konkan Division).
 
==Principal cities==
 
In contrast to the agrarian economy that characterises India, Maharashtra stands out, with the highest level of urbanisation of all Indian states[http://www.urbanindia.nic.in/moud/urbanscene/levelofurbanisation/main.htm]. The mountainous topography and soil are not as suitable for intensive agriculture as the plains of North India; therefore, the proportion of the urban population (38.69 per cent) contrasts starkly with the national average (25.7 per cent).
 
The state has one metropolitan city, two mini-metropolises and many large towns. Mumbai is the state capital, with a population of approximately 9.926 million people. The other large cities are Pune, Nasik, Nagpur, Aurangabad and Kolhapur.
 
* [[Mumbai]]: Mumbai is the financial and commercial capital of India. It has the largest proportion of taxpayers in India and its share markets transact almost 70 per cent of the country’s stocks. Mumbai offers a lifestyle that is rich, cosmopolitan and diverse, with a variety of food, entertainment and nightlife available in a form and abundance comparable to that in world capitals.
 
* [[Pune]]: Pune, the second largest city in Maharashtra, and also the 7th largest in India, is the state's cultural capital, with a population of 4.0  million people. About 170-km from Mumbai by road, Pune was the bastion of the Maratha empire. Under the reign of the Peshwas - key ministers in the Maratha Empire - Pune blossomed into a centre of art and learning. Several far-reaching revenue and judicial reforms were also initiated in the city. Shaniwarwada, Saras baug, Aga Khan Palace, Parvati Temple, Khadakwasla Dam, Sinhgad are the most visited places by tourists in Pune. 'Ganeshotsav', a festival of Lord Ganesh is celebrated in Pune with lot of enthusiasm and worship. Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale's 'Bakar Wadi' and 'Amba Burfi' are famous all over the world.
 
* [[Nashik]]: One of the holy cities of the Hindu tradition, Nashik lies on the banks of the sacred river Godavari and has a population of about 0.725 million people. It is believed that Lord Rama, hero of the great Indian epic, the Ramayana, spent a major part of his exile here. Nashik is also a temple town, with over 200 temples. The miraculous Infant Jesus Shrine where catholics and people of all faiths come to seek some miracle is situated at Nashik Road.
 
* [[Nagpur]]: The nerve centre of Vidarbha (eastern Maharashtra), Nagpur - the 'orange city' as it is known - is located in the heart of India, with a population of about 1.7 million people.Nagpur is a growing industrial centre and the home of several industries, ranging from food products and chemicals to electrical and transports equipment.
 
* [[Aurangabad]]: Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II, and the then ruler of the Deccan (central parts of Southern India), founded Aurangabad in 1610. The city has a population of about 0.593 million people.
 
* [[Kolhapur]]: In southern Maharashtra, on the banks of the river Panchganga, Kolhapur is an ancient town known for its exquisite palaces and forts. In 1945, archaeological excavations close to a hill near Kolhapur revealed the existence of an ancient town dating back to the times of the Roman empire. Today, Kolhapur is a modern city with a population of about 0.419 million people and a thriving industrial infrastructure.
 
* [[Solapur]]: Solapur is one of the big city in Western Maharashtra. It is famous for 'Solapuri Chadari', 'Shengadana Chatni'. 'Siddheshwar Temple' of Lord Shiva is the attraction of tourists.
 
==Transport==
 
The [[Indian Railways]] covers most of the Maharashtra and is the preferred [[mode of transport]] over long distances. Almost the entire state comes under the [[Central Railways]] branch which is headquartered in Mumbai. Most of the coast south of Mumbai comes under the [[Konkan Railway]]. [[Maharashtra State Transport Corporation|Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation]] buses, popularly called ST or MSRTC, link most of the towns and villages and have a large network of operation. These buses, run by the state government are the preferred mode of transport for much of its populace. In addition to the government run buses, private run luxury buses are also a popular mode of transport between major towns.
 
Mumbai has the biggest international airport in Maharashtra. Nagpur is the second city having an international airport. It has regular flights to Sharjah and Bangkok besides large number of domestic connections. [[Pune]] has a limited capacity international airport with flights to Dubai and Singapore. Other large towns such as [[Aurangabad]], [[Ratnagiri]], [[Kolhapur]] and [[Nashik]] are served by domestic airlines. Ferry services also operate near the capital, linking the city to neighbouring coastal towns. Other modes of public transport, such as a seven-seater tempo have gained popularity in semi-urban areas. Maharashtra has a large highway network and recently built the [[Mumbai-Pune Expressway]], the first [[controlled-access]] [[toll road]] project in India. Another major highway linking Mumbai with second capital Nagpur is in the works. Maharashtra has three major ports at Mumbai (operated by the [[Mumbai Port Trust]]), the [[JNPT]] lying across the Mumbai harbour in Nhava Sheva, and in [[Ratnagiri]], which handles the export of ores mined in the Maharastra hinterland.


==Culture==
==Culture==
{{main|Cultural festivals in Maharashtra|Maharashtrian cuisine}}


{{main|Cultural festivals in Maharashtra|Maharashtrian cuisine}}
=== Temples and Forts ===
Various temples and forts, build by the various kingdoms that ruled Maharashtra are a reflection of the cultural and architectural taste of the Maharashtrian people. Many of these temples have borrowed heavily from North and South Indian, as well as Hindu, Jain and Buddhist styles. The most prominent temple in the state is the temple of [[Vitthala]] at [[Pandharpur]]. The [[Ajanta]] and [[Ellora]] Caves near [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]], and the [[Elephanta Caves]] (also called Gharapuri) are elegant instances of a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist techniques in building ''cave temples''. A famous example of Mughal architecture in this region is the [[Bibi Ka Maqbara]], which is the tomb of the wife of [[Aurangzeb]] (located at [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]]).


Hindus form the majority of Maharashtra population & the culture of Maharashtra reflects that. There are many temples in [[Maharashtra]] some of them being hundreds of years old. These temples are constructed in a fusion of architectural styles from borrowed from North and South India. The temples also blend themes from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cultures. The temple of [[Vitthala]] at [[Pandharpur]] may be considered  the most important to the Maharashtrian [[Hindu]] population. Many of the temples  are tourist attractions with the most famous amongst them being the [[Ajanta]] and [[Ellora]] Caves near [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]]. A famous example of Mughal architecture is the tomb of the wife of [[Aurangzeb]] called [[Bibi Ka Maqbara]] also located at [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]]. The landscape of Maharashtra is dotted with many forts, like [[Raigad]] and [[Pratapgad]] which played an extremely important part in the establishment of the [[Maratha empire]] and also sea forts like the one at [[Sindhudurg]].
The landscape of Maharashtra is dotted with many forts, prominent amongst them being [[Raigad]], [[Panhala]] and [[Pratapgad]]. The western sea board boasts several naval fortress formations, including [[Sindhudurg]], [[Vijaydurg]], [[Janjira]] and the ruins of [[Bassein]].


The folk music of Maharashtra is of various types viz. Gondhal, Lavani, Bharud, Powada, etc.  
=== Literature ===
One of the earliest instances of Marathi literature is by the saint [[Dnyaneshwar]], with his [[Bhawarthadeepika]] (popularly known as [[Dnyaneshwari]]). The religious songs called ''bhajans'' by saints like [[Dnyaneshwar]], [[Tukaram]] and [[Namdev]] are very popular. Modern Marathi literature has its share of great poets and authors. [[P. L. Deshpande]] (popularly called ''Pu La''), [[Kusumagraj]], [[Prahlad Keshav Atre]], [[Vyankatesh Madgulkar]] are a few of them. A large number of books and periodicals are published every year in Marathi.


One of the earliest instances of Marathi literature is by [[Dnyaneshwar]] with his [[Bhawarthadeepika]] (popularly known as [[Dnyaneshwari]]). The religious songs called bhajans by saints like [[Dnyaneshwar]], [[Tukaram]], [[Namdev]] are very poular. Modern Marathi literature has its share of great poets and authors. [[P. L. Deshpande]], [[Kusumagraj]], [[Prahlad Keshav Atre]], [[Vyankatesh Madgulkar]] are a few of them. A large number of books are published every year in Marathi.
=== Music and Theater ===
The modern theater, movie and television movements in Maharashtra are chiefly based out of Mumbai, with the actors moving freely between the different media. Some notable names in the movie industry include the pioneers such as [[Dadasaheb Phalke]] and [[V. Shantaram]] (actor, producer and director), and contemporaries such as [[P. L. Deshpande]] (writer, director and actor), [[Ashok Saraf]] (actor), [[Laxmikant Berde]] (actor), [[Sachin Pilgaonkar]] (actor and producer) and [[Mahesh Kothare]].


The theatre, movies and television in Maharashtra are chiefly based out of Mumbai with the actors moving freely between the different media. Some notable names in the movie industry include the pioneer of Indian movie industry, [[Dadasaheb Phalke]],writer, director, actor [[P. L. Deshpande]], actor [[Ashok Saraf]], actor [[Laxmikant Berde]], actor & producer, [[Sachin Pilgaonkar]], [[Mahesh Kothare]] and actor, producer & director [[V. Shantaram]]. The early period of Marathi theatre was dominated by playwrights like [[Kolhatkar]], [[Khadilkar]], [[Deval]], [[Gadkari]] and [[Kirloskar]] who enriched the Marathi theatre for about half a century with excellent musical plays known as [[Sangeet Naatak]] and the genre of music used in such plays known as [[Natyasangeet]]. It is during this era of the Marathi theatre that great singer actors like [[Bal Gandharva]], [[Keshavrao Bhosle]], [[Bhaurao Kolhatkar]], [[Dinanath Mangeshkar]] thrived.
The early period of Marathi theatre was dominated by playwrights such as [[Kolhatkar]], [[Khadilkar]], [[Deval]], [[Gadkari]] and [[Kirloskar]], who enriched the Marathi theater with their own style of musical and dance dramas ([[Sangeet Naatak]] and [[Natyasangeet]]). It is during this era of the Marathi theater that great singer actors like [[Bal Gandharva]], [[Keshavrao Bhosle]], [[Bhaurao Kolhatkar]] and [[Dinanath Mangeshkar]] thrived. The [[Mangeshkar]] family is credited with the popularization of both traditional Marathi folk as well as contemporary singing styles in [[Bollywood]] and Marathi movies


Some of the popular Marathi television channels are [[Zee Marathi]] and [[ETV Marathi]], with shows ranging from soap operas, cooking and travel to political satire and game shows.
Some of the popular Marathi television channels are [[Zee Marathi]] and [[ETV Marathi]], with shows ranging from soap operas, cooking and travel to political satire and game shows.


The cuisine of Maharashtra varies according to the region of Maharashtra. The people of the [[Konkan]] region have a chiefly rice based diet with fish being a major component for people living close to the sea. In eastern Maharashtra, the diet is based more on Wheat, [[Jowar]] and [[Bajra]]. All kinds of lentils, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, chilies, garlic and ginger are common ingredients in the cuisine of Maharashtra. Chicken and Mutton are also widely eaten throughout the state.
The folk music of Maharashtra is of various types viz. Gondhal, Lavani, Bharud, Powada, etc.  


Women traditionally wear a nine yard sari and men a [[dhoti]] or [[pajama]] with a shirt. This, however, is changing with women ine urban Maharashtra wearing [[Salwar kameez|Punjabi dresses]], consisting of a [[Salwar kameez|Salwar]] and a [[Kurta]] while men wear trousers and a shirt.
=== Cuisine ===
There is a great variety of culinary styles within the state, depending on climatic and geographical factors. The people of the [[Konkan]] region have a rice and/or fish based diet. In eastern Maharashtra, the diet is based primarily on Wheat, [[Jowar]] and [[Bajra]]. All kinds of lentils and vegetables are common ingredients. Chicken and Mutton are also widely eaten throughout the state.


As in all of India, [[Cricket]] is widely followed and played. [[Kabaddi]] is also played. Children’s games include [[Viti-Dandu]] ([[Gilli-danda]] in Hindi) and [[Pakada-pakadi]] ([[Tag (game)|Tag]]).
=== Clothing ===
Women traditionally wear a nine yard sari, while men don a [[dhoti]] or [[pajama]] with a shirt. However, the urban population also prefer wearing western style jeans, trousers and shirts (for both men and women) and [[Salwar kameez|Punjabi dresses]], consisting of a [[Salwar kameez|Salwar]] and a [[Kurta]] (for women).


Hindus in Maharashtra follow the [[Saka era]] [[calendar]]. [[Gudi Padwa]], [[Diwali]], [[Rangapanchami]], [[Gokulashtami]] and [[Ganeshotsav]] are some of the festivals that are celebrated in Maharashtra.[[Ganeshotsav]] is the biggest festival of Maharashtra which is celebrated with much reverence and festivity throughout the state and has since some time become popular all over the country. The festival which continues over ten days is in honour of [[Ganesha]] the God of learning and knowledge. A large number of people walk hundreds of kilometers  to [[Pandharpur]] for the annual pilgrimage in the month of Ashadh.
=== Sports ===
[[Cricket]] is widely played and followed by the local population of the state. The Mumbai and Maharashtra cricket teams are rated as top cricket playing outfits in the national cricketing league. Indigenous sports such as [[Kabaddi]] and [[Viti-Dandu]] ([[Gilli-danda]] in Hindi) are also popular.


==References==
=== Festivals ===
<references/>
Hindus in Maharashtra follow the [[Saka era]] [[calendar]]. [[Gudi Padwa]], [[Diwali]], [[Rangapanchami]], [[Gokulashtami]] and [[Ganeshotsav]] are celebrated widely, though the prime focus is on the [[Ganeshotsav]] festival celebrated in late summer. The faithful walk hundreds of kilometers to [[Pandharpur]] for the annual pilgrimage in the (Hindu calendar) month of [[Ashadh]].


==See also==
==See also==
{{portal}}
* [[Marathi people]]
* [[Marathi people]]
* [[Timeline of Maharashtra history]]
* [[Timeline of Maharashtra history]]
Line 275: Line 162:
* [[Marathas]]
* [[Marathas]]
* [[Marathi]]
* [[Marathi]]
* [http://mr.wikipedia.org Wikipedia in Marathi language]


==External links==
==References==
* [http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/index.php Official website of the Government of Maharashtra]
{{reflist}}
* [http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/ Maharashtra tourism development corporation (MTDC) website]
*[http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/Default.aspx?strpage=gethistory.html History of Maharashtra]
* [http://goidirectory.nic.in/maha.htm Govt. of India directory] &ndash; A directory of websites of the Government of Maharashtra
* [http://www.maccia.org.in Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA)]
* [http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/intranet/Deswebpage/distlink.htm/ District-wise Statistics]
* [http://www.india-picture.net/maharashtra India Picture] &ndash; Photos from several places in Maharashtra.
* [http://www.saishreeindia.com/maharashtra.html Maharashtra - Society & Culture]
* [http://www.marathimati.com MarathiMati] &ndash; A Marathi Language and Maharashtra State Culture Resource.
* [http://www.maayboli.com Maayboli] &ndash; A bilingual directory of Marathi and Maharashtra related resources.
* [http://www.maharashtradirectory.com Industries Directory of Maharashtra]
* {{wikitravel}}
 
{{Maharashtra}}
<br>
{{India}}
 
[[Category:Maharashtra| ]]
[[Category:States and territories of India]]
 
{{Link FA|mr}}


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Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र mahārāṣṭra, IPA: Template:Audio, English: Great Nation) is India's third largest state in terms of area (after Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh), and second largest in terms of population (after Uttar Pradesh). It lies along the west coast of the Indian Peninsula, and is bordered by the states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to its north, Chhattisgarh to its east, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa to its south, and the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli to its north-west. The Arabian Sea makes up the state's western coast. Mumbai, India's largest city, is the capital of Maharashtra, whereas the city of Nagpur serves as the second (and winter) capital of the state.

Name

For more information, see: Origins of the name of Maharashtra.


Maharashtra has been referred to as Rashtra in the Rig Veda, Rashtrik in Ashoka's inscriptions, and Maha rashtra afterwards, as attested by Huein-Tsang and other travelers. The name appears to have been derived from Maharashtri, in an old form of Prakrit, an ancient Indian language.

History

For more information, see: History of Maharashtra.


Medieval history and Islamic rule

Maharashtra's early history has been lost in antiquity. The first recorded reference to the history of this region dates back to the 3rd century BC, with the use of the Maharastri language, a Prakrit corruption of Sanskrit. The region which is today the state of Maharashtra was also known as Dandakaranya, (the jungle (aranya) which is bound by rules (dandakas). The port town of Sopara, just north of present day Mumbai, was the centre of naval commerce in ancient India, with links to Eastern Africa, Mesopotamia, Aden and Cochin.

This region has been under the rule of the Mauryas during the reigns of Emperors Bindusara and Ashoka The Great, and then passed on to the Satavahanas between 230 BC and AD 225. The Satavahanas were great patrons of their official court language, called Maharashtri which later developed into Marathi. Gautamiputra Satkarni (also known as "Shalivahan") was a prominent ruler of this dynasty who started the Shalivahana era, a new calendar still used by Maharashtrian populace.

Other prominent Hindu kingdoms which have held sway over this region during the middle ages include the Vakatakas (AD 250 to 525), the Rashtrakutas, the Chalukyas of Badami (till 1189) and finally the Yadavas of Deogiri.

Maharashtra came under Islamic influence for the first time when the Ala-ud-din Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughluq appropriated parts of the Deccan in the 13th century. After the Tughlaqs, the Bahmani Sultanate of Bijapur was the last Indian kingdom to rule the entire region of Maharashtra. By the 16th century, central Maharashtra was ruled by numerous autonomous Islamic kingdoms that owed allegiance to the Mughals, while coastal region was annexed by the Portuguese, in their quest to seize control of the spice trade.

Marathas and Peshwas

For more information, see: Maratha Empire.


By the early seventeenth century, the Marathas, a warrior caste native to western Maharashtra, began to take establish their own kingdom in the region. They were led by their first ruler Shivaji Bhosale, who took the title of Chhatrapati Raje after being crowned king in 1674.

Shivaji's son and successor, Shambhaji Bhosale was captured and executed by Aurangzeb. The Mughals forced Shambhaji's younger brother, Rajaram Bhosale to flee to present day Tamil Nadu. He retreated to the fortress of Jinji (sometimes anglicised to Ginjee).

After Rajaram's death, infighting between two branches of the family led to the increasing influence of the Peshwa (titular Prime Minister) in the political and administrative affairs of the Maratha state, gradually reducing Shivaji's Bhosale dynasty to mere figureheads. After defeating the Mughals, the Peshwas became the dominant rulers of India, extending their realm from Delhi and Panipat in the north, Gujarat (Mehsana) and present day Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior and Indore) to the west and Thanjaur to the south.

Beginning with Balaji Vishwanath and his son, Baji Rao I, the Peshwas strengthened their hold over the day to day affairs of the empire by institutionalizing the bureaucracy, the collection of tributes and taxes, as well as the assessment and collection of land revenue. They also built a network of trade links within and outside the Maratha empire, and consolidated the financial, banking and agricultural systems prevalent during the time.

The Marathas are also credited in building the first naval force for the defence of the western coast of India, under the Angre clan.

After being defeated by the Afghan chieftain Ahmad Shah Abdali in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, the Maratha Confederacy broke into regional kingdoms. Much of the political power was now focussed on individual fiefdoms within the erstwhile empire, such as Gwalior under the Shindes, Indore under the Holkars, Baroda under the Gaekwads and Dhar under the Pawar clan.

British Rule and Post-Independence

With the arrival and subsequent involvement of the British East India Company in Indian politics, the Marathas and the British fought the three Anglo-Maratha wars between 1777 and 1818, culminating in the annexation of Peshwa-ruled territories in Maharashtra by the British East India Company in 1819 and heralding the end of the Maratha empire.

The British governed the region as part of the Bombay Presidency, which included the province of Sind in present day Pakistan and most of the northern Deccan. Several small principalities in the region, which were fiefdoms during the time of the Marathas, retained local autonomy in administrative affairs in return for acknowledging British sovereignty over their political affairs. Prominent amongst them were Nagpur, Satara and Kolhapur; Satara was annexed into the British controlled Bombay Presidency in 1848. Nagpur and Berar (till then a part of the Nizam of Hyderabad's kingdom), were occupied by the British in 1853, and eventually integrated into the Central Provinces. A large part of present day Maharashtra, called the Marathwada region, remained part of the Nizam's Hyderabad state during British rule. In the beginning of the 20th century, the struggle for independence from British rule started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and later led by Mahatma Gandhi began to take root from Bombay. In 1942, the Quit India Movement called by Mahatma Gandhi had its origins in Bombay.

After India's independence in 1947, as part of the drive to unify the various princely states into the Indian Union, the Deccan States, including Kolhapur, were integrated into the State of Bombay, which was created from the former Bombay Presidency in 1950. In 1956, the States Reorganisation Act reorganized the Indian states along linguistic lines. Accordingly, Bombay was made the capital of the new state of Maharashtra on May 1, 1960, which constituted all Marathi speaking regions of the State of Bombay, Marathwada (Aurangabad Division) from erstwhile Hyderabad state and the Vidarbha region (Amravati and Nagpur divisions) from the Central Provinces and Berar. The Gujarati speaking areas of the State of Bombay was spinned off into the separate state of Gujarat.

Geography

For more information, see: Geography of Maharashtra.


Maharashtra encompasses an area of 308,000 km² (119,000 mi²), and is the third largest state in India. Maharashtra is bordered by the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat to the north, Chhattisgarh to the east, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa to the south, and the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the north-west. The Arabian Sea makes up Maharashtra's west coast.

Maharashtra is bound by the Satpura Range to the north and the Western Ghats, known locally as the Sahyadri Range, to the west. The Sahyadri hills bifurcate the state into the Konkan, a narrow coastal strip to the west and the larger Deccan Plateau to the east. The average elevation of the western ghats in Maharashtra is 1,200 metres (4,000 feet)) above sea level.

The Sahyadri hills form a major watershed within the state, and is the source of several major rivers flowing east into the Deccan plateau and onward into the Bay of Bengal, and some minor rivers flowing west through Konkan into the Arabian Sea. Notable rivers flowing east include the Godavari and the Krishna rivers.

There are many multi-state irrigation projects in development, including Godavari River Basin Irrigation Projects.

The plateau is composed of black basalt soil, rich in humus. This soil is well suited for cultivating cotton, and hence is often called black cotton soil.

The major cities in the state are Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Nagpur, Aurangabad and Kolhapur.

Divisions

For more information, see: Districts of Maharashtra.


Maharashtra is divided into thirty-five districts, which are grouped into six divisions for the purposes of revenue collection: Aurangabad, Amravati, Konkan, Nagput, Nashik, and Pune.

Historically, Maharashtra has five main regions: Vidarbha or Berar (Nagpur and Amravati divisions), Marathwada (Aurangabad Division), Khandesh and North Maharashtra (Nashik Division), Desh or Western Maharashtra (Pune Division), and Konkan (Konkan Division).

Transport

The Indian Railways covers most of Maharashtra, and is the preferred (and most economical) mode of transport to cover large distances. Almost the entire state comes under the Central Railways branch which is headquartered in Mumbai. The coastal belt is served by the Western Railway (north of Mumbai), and the Konkan Railway to its south. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation buses, popularly called ST or MSRTC, link most major and minor towns and villages within the state. Privately operated luxury buses are also a popular mode of transport between major towns and cities.

Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur have international airports, serving the entire South Asia, Middle East and the rest of the world. Mumbai's airport system (comprising separate facilities for domestic and international operations) is the biggest and busiest in India. Other large towns such as Aurangabad, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur and Nashik are served by domestic airlines. Ferry services also operate near the capital, linking the city to neighbouring coastal towns. Maharashtra has a large network of national and state highways, and also the recently built Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which is India's first controlled-access toll road project in India. Maharashtra has three major sea ports at Mumbai (operated by the Mumbai Port Trust), the JNPT lying across the Mumbai harbour in Nhava Sheva, and in Ratnagiri, which primarily handles cargo.

Economy

Favourable economic policies in the 1970s led to Maharashtra becoming India's leading industrial state. However, regions within Maharashtra show wide disparity in development. Apart from Mumbai, Pune and western Maharashtra are comparatively more advanced than the eastern parts of the state. Because of its economic clout, the western parts of the state also tend to dominate the politics and bureaucratic control in the state.

Maharashtra's gross state domestic product for the financial year 2004 is estimated at $106 billion in current prices. Maharastra is the second most urbanised state in India (after Tamil Nadu), with urban population constituting 42% of the entire population.

Maharashtra's is India's leading industrial state, contributing 13% of total national economic output. 64% of the people in the state are employed in agriculture and allied activities, while 46% of the GSDP is contributed by industry. Major industries in Maharashtra include chemical and allied products, electrical and non-electrical machinery, textiles, petroleum and allied products. Other important industries include metal products, wine, jewellery, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, machine tools, steel and iron castings and plastic wares. Food crops include mangoes, grapes, bananas, oranges, wheat, rice, jowar, bajra, and pulses. Cash crops include groundnut, cotton, sugarcane, turmeric, and tobacco. The net irrigated area totals 33,500 square kilometres.

Mumbai houses the headquarters of almost all major banks, financial institutions, insurance companies and mutual funds which operate in India. Mumbai is also the headquarters of many major Indian corporations. Bollywood, the centre of India's Hindi film and television industry is based in the city. The Bombay Stock Exchange, India's largest (and Asia's oldest) stock exchange, is located in the city. After the success of information technology entrepreneurs in neighbouring states such as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the state has set up software parks in Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Nasik.

Maharashtra has the highest installed thermal and nuclear power generation capacity in India.

Government

The Head of State is the governor, appointed by the federal government. The post is largely ceremonial, whereas the Chief Minister is the head of government and is vested with most of the executive powers. Maharashtra's capital is Mumbai, home to the Vidhan Sabha - the state assembly and Mantralaya, the administrative offices of the government. It is also home to the Bombay High Court, which has jurisdiction over Maharashtra, Goa, and the Union Territory of Daman and Diu. The legislature convenes its budget and monsoon sessions in Mumbai, and the winter session in Nagpur, which was designated as the state's second (winter) capital.

Like most large states in India, Maharashtra has a bicameral legislature. The Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) is the lower house of legislature, consisting of directly elected members. Likewise, the Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council) is the upper house, whose members are indirectly voted through an electoral college. Maharashtra is allocated nineteen seats in the Rajya Sabha (The upper house in India's national parliament), and forty-eight seats in the Lok Sabha (its lower house).

After India's independence, most of Maharashtra's political history has been dominated by the centre-left Congress party, led by stalwarts such as Y.B. Chavan (who was also one of its most prominent Chief Ministers). Since 1995, the right wing Shiv Sena and BJP have played major role in the state's politics, including the formation of a coalition government. The third major force in the political arena of the state is the NCP led by Sharad Pawar.

Demographics

A person native to the state of Maharashtra is called a Maharashtrian. As per the 2001 census, Maharashtra has a population of 96,752,247 inhabitants, making it the second most populous state in India (If Maharashtra were to be an independent nation, it would rank 12th in terms of population). As per the same census, the total population of people who register Marathi as their native language is 62,481,681. This is a reflection of the cosmopolitan nature of the state. Its population density is 322.5 inhabitants per square kilometre. Maharashtra's urban population stands at 42.4%, making it the second most urbanized state in India (after Tamil Nadu). Its sex ratio is 922 females to 1000 males, which is above the national average. Its literacy rate is 77.27% (86.2% males and 67.5% females).

Marathi is the official state language, and is spoken as a first or second language by a vast majority of its populace. In Mumbai however, due to its cosmopolitan nature, Hindi, and English, along with a variety of other Indian languages are also spoken. Marathi also boasts several regional dialects such as Ahirani, Malvani, Deshi and Varhadi, spoken by scattered sections of the population.

A majority of the population are Hindus (80.2%), with minorities of Muslims (10.6%), Buddhists (6%), Jains (1.3%) and Christians (1%). Maharashtra has the biggest Jain, Zoroastrian and Jewish populations in India.

The Total Fertility Rate as of 2001 was 2.23.

Culture

For more information, see: Cultural festivals in Maharashtra and Maharashtrian cuisine.


Temples and Forts

Various temples and forts, build by the various kingdoms that ruled Maharashtra are a reflection of the cultural and architectural taste of the Maharashtrian people. Many of these temples have borrowed heavily from North and South Indian, as well as Hindu, Jain and Buddhist styles. The most prominent temple in the state is the temple of Vitthala at Pandharpur. The Ajanta and Ellora Caves near Aurangabad, and the Elephanta Caves (also called Gharapuri) are elegant instances of a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist techniques in building cave temples. A famous example of Mughal architecture in this region is the Bibi Ka Maqbara, which is the tomb of the wife of Aurangzeb (located at Aurangabad).

The landscape of Maharashtra is dotted with many forts, prominent amongst them being Raigad, Panhala and Pratapgad. The western sea board boasts several naval fortress formations, including Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Janjira and the ruins of Bassein.

Literature

One of the earliest instances of Marathi literature is by the saint Dnyaneshwar, with his Bhawarthadeepika (popularly known as Dnyaneshwari). The religious songs called bhajans by saints like Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram and Namdev are very popular. Modern Marathi literature has its share of great poets and authors. P. L. Deshpande (popularly called Pu La), Kusumagraj, Prahlad Keshav Atre, Vyankatesh Madgulkar are a few of them. A large number of books and periodicals are published every year in Marathi.

Music and Theater

The modern theater, movie and television movements in Maharashtra are chiefly based out of Mumbai, with the actors moving freely between the different media. Some notable names in the movie industry include the pioneers such as Dadasaheb Phalke and V. Shantaram (actor, producer and director), and contemporaries such as P. L. Deshpande (writer, director and actor), Ashok Saraf (actor), Laxmikant Berde (actor), Sachin Pilgaonkar (actor and producer) and Mahesh Kothare.

The early period of Marathi theatre was dominated by playwrights such as Kolhatkar, Khadilkar, Deval, Gadkari and Kirloskar, who enriched the Marathi theater with their own style of musical and dance dramas (Sangeet Naatak and Natyasangeet). It is during this era of the Marathi theater that great singer actors like Bal Gandharva, Keshavrao Bhosle, Bhaurao Kolhatkar and Dinanath Mangeshkar thrived. The Mangeshkar family is credited with the popularization of both traditional Marathi folk as well as contemporary singing styles in Bollywood and Marathi movies

Some of the popular Marathi television channels are Zee Marathi and ETV Marathi, with shows ranging from soap operas, cooking and travel to political satire and game shows.

The folk music of Maharashtra is of various types viz. Gondhal, Lavani, Bharud, Powada, etc.

Cuisine

There is a great variety of culinary styles within the state, depending on climatic and geographical factors. The people of the Konkan region have a rice and/or fish based diet. In eastern Maharashtra, the diet is based primarily on Wheat, Jowar and Bajra. All kinds of lentils and vegetables are common ingredients. Chicken and Mutton are also widely eaten throughout the state.

Clothing

Women traditionally wear a nine yard sari, while men don a dhoti or pajama with a shirt. However, the urban population also prefer wearing western style jeans, trousers and shirts (for both men and women) and Punjabi dresses, consisting of a Salwar and a Kurta (for women).

Sports

Cricket is widely played and followed by the local population of the state. The Mumbai and Maharashtra cricket teams are rated as top cricket playing outfits in the national cricketing league. Indigenous sports such as Kabaddi and Viti-Dandu (Gilli-danda in Hindi) are also popular.

Festivals

Hindus in Maharashtra follow the Saka era calendar. Gudi Padwa, Diwali, Rangapanchami, Gokulashtami and Ganeshotsav are celebrated widely, though the prime focus is on the Ganeshotsav festival celebrated in late summer. The faithful walk hundreds of kilometers to Pandharpur for the annual pilgrimage in the (Hindu calendar) month of Ashadh.

See also

References

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