Table of Contents
Maharashtra at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| State Formation | May 1, 1960 (Maharashtra Day) |
| Capital | Mumbai |
| Largest City | Mumbai |
| Official Language | Marathi |
| Area | 307,713 sq km |
| Population | Approx. 124 million (2021 estimate) |
| Literacy Rate | 82.34% (as per Census 2011) |
| Number of Districts | 36 |
| State Bird | Yellow-footed Green Pigeon (Hariali) |
| State Animal | Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru) |
| State Tree | Mango (Mangifera indica) |
| State Flower | Jarul (Lagerstroemia speciosa) |
Map of Maharashtra
Maharashtra State Formation
Background:
- Before the formation of Maharashtra, the region was part of the larger Bombay State, which included present-day Gujarat and parts of Karnataka.
- The demand for a separate Marathi-speaking state began to gain momentum in the early 20th century.
Samyukta Maharashtra Movement:
- The movement for a separate state of Maharashtra was led by the Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti, founded in 1956.
- The movement was driven by the desire to create a state where Marathi speakers could preserve and promote their language and culture.
Key Events:
- In 1953, the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) was formed to examine the reorganization of Indian states based on linguistic lines. However, the SRC initially recommended a bilingual state for Maharashtra and Gujarat, with Mumbai as its capital.
- This recommendation led to strong opposition from the Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti, which demanded a separate Marathi-speaking state with Mumbai as its capital.
Formation of Maharashtra:
- The efforts of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement eventually led to the bifurcation of the Bombay State.
- On May 1, 1960, the state of Maharashtra was officially formed, with Mumbai as its capital. The same day, the state of Gujarat was also created for Gujarati speakers.
- Maharashtra Day, celebrated on May 1st each year, commemorates the formation of the state.
Brief History of Maharashtra
- Ancient Era:
- The region of Maharashtra has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Stone Age.
- It was part of the Maurya Empire (4th-2nd century BCE) under Emperor Ashoka, who spread Buddhism across the region.
- The Satavahanas (1st century BCE – 3rd century CE) were one of the earliest dynasties to rule over Maharashtra, with their capital at Pratishthana (modern-day Paithan).
- Medieval Period:
- The Rashtrakutas (8th-10th century CE), with their capital at Manyakheta, were powerful rulers of the Deccan, known for their patronage of art and architecture, including the famous Kailash Temple at Ellora.
- The Yadavas of Devagiri (12th-13th century CE) ruled over Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka and were significant patrons of literature and culture. The Marathas often trace their origins to this dynasty.
- The region also witnessed the invasions of the Delhi Sultanate and later became part of the Bahmani Sultanate in the 14th century.
- Maratha Empire:
- The 17th century saw the rise of the Maratha Empire under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who established a strong and independent kingdom.
- Shivaji’s guerrilla warfare tactics, administrative reforms, and naval strength laid the foundation of a powerful Maratha state.
- After Shivaji’s death, the Maratha Empire expanded under the leadership of the Peshwas, becoming a dominant power in India.
- British Colonial Period:
- The Marathas were defeated in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818), leading to British control over Maharashtra.
- Under British rule, Bombay (Mumbai) became a major trading and administrative center.
- In the 19th and early 20th centuries Maharashtra became a center of social and political reform movements. Leaders like Jyotirao Phule, B. R. Ambedkar, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak played pivotal roles in the fight against social inequality and colonial rule.
- Post-Independence:
- After India gained independence in 1947, the demand for a separate Marathi-speaking state grew, leading to the formation of Maharashtra on May 1, 1960.
- The state was carved out of the Bombay State, with Mumbai as its capital, following the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement.
- Maharashtra has since evolved into one of India’s most industrially and economically developed states, playing a crucial role in the nation’s progress.
Geography
Western Ghats in Maharashtra
- Location: The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Hills, runs parallel to the western coast of India and stretches across six states, including Maharashtra. In Maharashtra, the Western Ghats cover a significant portion of the state’s western region.
- Geographic Extent:
- Length in Maharashtra: Approximately 300 km.
- Coverage: Extends from the southern border of Gujarat to the northern border of Karnataka, covering parts of the districts of Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Nashik, Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur.
- Mountain Ranges: The range includes several prominent peaks and hills, such as the highest peak in Maharashtra, Kalsubai (1,646 meters).
- Forests: Dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests characterize the region, rich in biodiversity and home to numerous endemic plant and animal species.
- Rivers: Major rivers originating from the Western Ghats in Maharashtra include the Godavari, Krishna, and Tapi, which are crucial for the state’s water supply and agriculture.
- Flora: The Western Ghats are known for their rich biodiversity. The region hosts a variety of vegetation, including tropical evergreen forests, deciduous forests, and medicinal plants. Notable species include teak, mahua, and bamboo.
- Fauna: The Ghats are home to diverse wildlife, including Bengal tigers, leopards, Indian giant squirrels, and several species of deer and primates. The region is also known for its bird species like the Nilgiri tahr and the Malabar hornbill.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: The Western Ghat is one of the 4 Biodiversity Hotspots in India. The other three are the Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma Region, and Sundaland.
- Climate Regulation: The Ghats play a crucial role in regulating the monsoon climate of the region. They act as a barrier to moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea, leading to heavy rainfall on the windward side and contributing to the agricultural productivity of the region.
Conservation Efforts
- Protected Areas: Several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are located in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, including:
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Located in Mumbai and Thane, it is a crucial green lung for the city.
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve: One of Maharashtra’s oldest and largest tiger reserves.
- Bhima Shankar Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for its biodiversity and the Bhima Shankar Temple.
- Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary: Notable for its rich flora and fauna and the Koyna Dam.
Konkan Coast:
- Location: Lies along the western coast between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.
- Features: Narrow coastal plain with sandy beaches and fertile land.
- Notable Areas: Mumbai, Ratnagiri, and Alibaug.
- Importance: Major area for agriculture (especially cashew and coconut) and tourism.
Deccan Plateau:
- Location: Covers the central and eastern parts of Maharashtra.
- Features: Elevated flat land with rolling hills and plateaus.
- Notable Regions: Pune, Nashik, and Aurangabad.
- Importance: Major agricultural area with rich soils, home to many cities and industries.
Satpura Range:
- Location: Lies to the north of the Deccan Plateau.
- Features: Hill ranges and dense forests.
- Notable Areas: Part of the northern boundary of the state.
- Importance: Forms a natural barrier and is important for wildlife and forest conservation.
Khandesh Region:
- Location: In the northwestern part of Maharashtra.
- Features: Low hills and plains.
- Notable Areas: Jalgaon and Dhule.
- Importance: Known for agriculture, especially banana and cotton cultivation.
Maharashtra Coastal Plains:
- Location: Along the northern and southern edges of the state’s coastline.
- Features: Low-lying areas with significant river deltas.
- Notable Areas: Mumbai, Thane, and parts of Konkan.
- Importance: Important for urban development, industry, and trade.
Topography and Terrain
Maharashtra’s topography ranges from the rugged hills and narrow coastal plains of the Konkan region to the flat Deccan Plateau. The state is dotted with numerous hill ranges, including the Sahyadri (Western Ghats), Satpura, and Ajanta ranges.
Geology
The state’s geology is predominantly composed of volcanic basalt, forming the Deccan Traps, one of the largest volcanic features in the world. This basaltic rock provides fertile soil, especially the black cotton soil that is ideal for cotton cultivation.
Maharashtra’s Border with Other States
| State | Location | Border Length (km) |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | Northwest | ~320 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Northeast | ~300 |
| Telangana | Southeast | |
| Karnataka | South | ~330 |
| Chhattisgarh | East | ~250 |
| Goa | Southwest | ~60 |
Important Rivers of Maharashtra
| River | Source | Course in Maharashtra | Major Tributaries | Mouth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godavari | Trimbak, Nashik District | Flows eastward through Nashik, Aurangabad, Parbhani, Nanded | Pravara, Purna, Manjira | Bay of Bengal (outside state) |
| Krishna | Mahabaleshwar, Satara District | Flows southeast through Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur | Bhima, Koyna, Panchganga | Bay of Bengal (outside state) |
| Tapi | Satpura Range, Betul District | Flows westward through Vidarbha region | Purna, Girna | Arabian Sea (outside state) |
| Bhima | Bhimashankar, Pune District | Flows southeast through Pune, Solapur | Mula-Mutha, Nira, Sina | Krishna River |
| Mula-Mutha | Pune | Pranhita River (a tributary of Godavari) | N/A | Bhima River |
| Wardha | Satpura Range | Flows southward through Chandrapur, Yavatmal | Penganga, Bembla | Flows westward through the Vidarbha region |
National Parks of Maharashtra
| National Park | Location | Year of Formation | Area (sq km) | Flora | Fauna |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanjay Gandhi National Park | Mumbai | 1996 | 103 | Semi-deciduous and evergreen forests, teak, karanj, bamboo | Leopards, sambar, spotted deer, Indian flying fox, Hanuman langur, various bird species |
| Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | Chandrapur District | 1955 | 625.4 | Tropical dry deciduous forests, teak, mahua, bamboo | Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears, gaur, chital, dhole, marsh crocodiles |
| Navegaon National Park | Gondia District | 1975 | 133.8 | Mixed forest, bamboo groves, teak, haldu, jamun | Tigers, leopards, wild boar, sloth bears, over 209 species of birds including peacocks |
| Chandoli National Park | Sangli, Kolhapur, | 2004 | 317.67 | Tropical evergreen forests, medicinal plants, karvi, anjani, bamboo | Indian giant squirrel, Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, barking deer, Indian gaur, various reptiles |
| Satara, Ratnagiri | |||||
| Gugamal National Park | Amravati District | 1974 | 361.28 | Tropical dry deciduous forests, bamboo, teak, ain, tiwas, dhawda | Tigers, leopards, wild boars, sloth bears, Indian bison, giant flying squirrels, over 90 bird species |
| Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve | Gondia and Bhandara Districts | 2013 | 653.67 | Mixed deciduous forest, bamboo, teak, medicinal plants | Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears, Indian wolves, wild dogs, Indian bison, over 166 bird species |
Waterfalls of Maharashtra
| Waterfall | Location | Height (meters) | Notable Features | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kune Falls | Lonavala, Pune District | 200 | Formed by the Pravara River; a stunning waterfall in a deep gorge | Rajmachi Fort, Bhushi Dam, Lonavala Lake |
| Thoseghar Falls | Satara District | 200 | Seasonal waterfall; known for its scenic beauty and lush greenery during monsoon | Kaas Plateau (Valley of Flowers), Sajjangad Fort |
| Randha Falls | Ahmednagar District | 170 | Formed by the Pravara River; a stunning waterfall in a deep gorge | Bhandardara Dam, Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake |
| Vajrai Falls | Satara District | 853 | One of the highest waterfalls in India; perennial waterfall; source of the Urmodi River | Kaas Plateau, Thoseghar Falls, Ajinkyatara Fort |
| Dudhsagar Falls | Border of Goa and Maharashtra | 310 | Four-tiered waterfall; resembles flowing milk (hence the name) | Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Castle Rock, Tambdi Surla Temple |
| Lingmala Falls | Mahabaleshwar, Satara District | 500 | Two-tiered waterfall; offers spectacular views during the monsoon season | Venna Lake, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Pratapgad Fort |
| Devkund Waterfall | Raigad District | 80 | Hidden waterfall surrounded by dense forests; popular trekking destination | Bhira Dam, Tamhini Ghat, Mulshi Lake |
| Marleshwar Falls | Ratnagiri District | 30 | Sacred waterfall near the Marleshwar Temple; popular pilgrimage spot | Marleshwar Temple, Ratnagiri Beach |
Lakes of Maharashtra
| Lake | Location | Type | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lonar Lake | Buldhana District | Meteoric Crater | Constructed in 1891; rich birdlife; surrounded by the IIT Bombay campus |
| Talao Pali Lake | Thane City | Artificial | Popular recreational spot; boating and lakeside activities |
| Powai Lake | Mumbai | Artificial | Constructed in 1891; rich birdlife; surrounded by IIT Bombay campus |
| Vihar Lake | Mumbai | Artificial | Largest lake in Mumbai; provides drinking water to the city |
| Venna Lake | Mahabaleshwar, Satara District | Artificial | Popular tourist spot; boating, horse riding, and lakeside market |
| Shivsagar Lake | Koyna, Satara District | Reservoir | Formed by Koyna Dam; offers water sports and scenic views |
| Pashan Lake | Pune | Artificial | Birdwatching hotspot; built for irrigation; now a tourist attraction |
| Rankala Lake | Kolhapur | Natural | Historical lake; popular for its evening promenade and cultural importance |