Maharashtra

        Maharashtra occupies a substantial portion of the Deccan plateau in the western peninsular part of the Indian subcontinent. It is bounded by six Indian states to its north, east, and south. A district of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu union territory and the Arabian Sea are to its west.

Maharashtra is a state in India. Its capital is Mumbai. Maharashtra is one of India’s biggest commercial and industrial centres, and it has played a significant role in the country’s social and political life. It is a leader among Indian states in terms of agricultural and industrial production, trade and transport, and education.

According to one interpretation, the word Maharashtra is derived from the word maharathi (“great chariot driver”), which refers to a skillful northern fighting force that migrated southward into the area. The word as used to denote the western upland of the Deccan plateau first appeared in a 7th-century inscription and in the account of Xuanzang, a contemporary Chinese traveler.

Maharashtra was officially formed on May 1, 1960. In a linguistically divided Bombay state, most of the Gujarati-speaking peoples lived in the north, and most of the Marathi-speaking peoples lived in the south. Protests led to the state’s division in 1960. Gujarat was created in the north and the newly renamed Maharashtra in the south.

Maharashtra is one of India’s largest commercial and industrial centres, which has led to its being called the gateway of India. Maharashtra is also famous for its culture and beauty. The ancient cave paintings found at Ajanta and Ellora are UNESCO World Heritage sites and popular tourist destinations. Music, dance, Bollywood, festivals, and much more contribute to this lively culture.

Source:           www.britannica.com