India

Maharashtra




The name Maharashtra means 'a great state' in the vernacular. The name originated probably from 'rathi' meaning 'a chariot driver,' referring to drivers and builders of chariots who were called 'Maharathis' or 'fighting force.' It is one of the largest states in India, both in terms of area and population. Maharashtra spans an area of 308,000 sq km. The state language is Marathi.

Maharashtra occupies a substantial portion of the Deccan plateau in the western peninsular part of the subcontinent. Its shape roughly resembles a triangle, with the 725 km western coastline. The state is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the west, Gujarat in the north-west, Madhya Pradesh in the north, Andhra Pradesh in the south-east and Karnataka and Goa in the south. The capital, Mumbai, is an island city which has been called the Gateway of India. Mumbai is one of the most vibrant commercial and cultural centers of India.

Maharashtra, predominantly a Hindu society with Ganesh as the principal deity, is also home to a host of other religious groups, including the enterprising Parsi community. Marathi, Hindi and Gujarati are widely spoken. The other important languages are Telugu, Kannada, Sindhi, Urdu, Bengali, Malayalam and English. There are also many local dialects such as Konkani on the west coast and Gondi, Varhadi and Mundari in the eastern and northern forests.

Maharashtra is a region of distinct culture. Its artistic and cultural heritage is best manifested in the numerous ancient cave paintings found at Ajanta and Ellora, in a number of medieval architectural masterpieces, in its classical and devotional music and in its theater. Cotton textile industry is the largest and the oldest industry in Maharashtra.

The important tourist centers in the state include Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Kanheri and Karla caves, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Panchgani, Jawhar, Malshej Ghat, Amboli, Chikaldhara and Panhala hill resorts and various religious places.



Updated on 15th April, 2019

Academies and Training Institutions (1) Historical and Political Personalities (7) Post Offices (1)
Adventure Sports (3) Historical Events (1) Public Establishments (2)
Airports (5) Historical Monuments (17) Publishing Houses (3)
Archeological Sites (5) Hospitals and Medical Centers (5) Regions (1)
Artists (4) Hotels (124) Rehabilitation Centers (2)
Artworks (2) Indian Words and Phrases (1) Religious Personalities (6)
Ayurvedic Centers (1) Inns (1) Residential and Commercial Areas (2)
Banks (1) Islands (1) Resorts (16)
Beaches (37) Jain Temples (1) Rivers (31)
Books and Authors (5) Jewelers (4) Roads and Streets (13)
Bridges (2) Lakes and Glaciers (24) Rocks and Caves (13)
Bus Stations (29) Languages and Dialects (10) Sacred Places (19)
Chinese and Japanese Restaurants (3) Libraries (1) Shopping (3)
Cities and Towns (172) Lodges (3) South Indian Restaurants (1)
Clubs (4) Miscellaneous (1) Spiritual Centers (2)
Colleges and Research Institutions (11) Mosques (1) Sports Personalities (2)
Continental Restaurants (1) Mountain Passes (1) Stadiums (1)
Cottages (4) Multi Cuisine Restaurants (20) Temples (21)
Cuisines (5) Museums and Archives (7) Thai Restaurants (1)
Dams and Reservoirs (13) Music (2) Theme Parks (1)
Districts (35) Musical Instruments (2) Tourist Destinations (8)
Dynasties (3) Observances (1) Trains and Railway Stations (280)
Ethnic Groups (16) Organizations (6) Universities (20)
Ethnic Products (2) Palaces (4) Valleys (3)
Fairs and Festivals (9) Parks and Gardens (2) Vegetarian Restaurants (4)
Food and Drink (26) Parsi Temples (1) Villages (7)
Forts (34) Performing Arts (13) Visitors Information (2)
Guest Houses (3) Pilgrimages (2) Waterfalls (4)
Handicrafts (1) Plains and Plateaus (3) Wildlife Sanctuaries (43)
Hill Stations (9) Plants and Crops (1)
Hills and Mountains (34) Ports (2)
 

Keyword

Copyright 2014 by Online Highways LLC. Enjoy some India trivia. Send Us Your Comments