| Maharashtra - The Land Of Marathas | History : Mauryan was the earliest empire that ruled Maharashtra. Among the other dynasties that ruled over this area,were the Satavahanas,the Vakatakas,the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas.
In the year 1674,Shivaji who carved out the Maratha empire during the reign of Aurangzeb,the Mughal. The Marathas became strong under the Peshwas. During the 1800s,a vast region comprising several parts of northern and eastern India came under Maratha control. In the 3rd battle of Panipat in 1761 the Afghans shattered their power. In the later wars with the British,the power of the Marathas was further reduced.
Later the British invaded India. The British played a role in making Maharashtra one of the most industrialized of the Indian states. In 1947,Bombay Presidency became Bombay state. The present state of Maharashtra came into being in 1960 Marathi-speaking areas,were separated from Gujarati-speaking areas form the two states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Maharashtra facts :
| Area : | 308,000 Sq. kms. | | Languages : | Marathi,hindi,English | | No of District : | 35 | | Population : | 96,752,247(census)2001 | | Best Time to visit : | October to march |
Capital :The Capital of Maharashtra, is the fastest moving city of India. Mumbai, being the commercial capital of the country, it is a land for finance, trade and entertainment of the country. This city is full of excitement energy and enthusiasm.Mumbai,which was earlier known as Bombay.
Language : Marathi.
People : The diversity of physical features and geography is reflected in the people and culture of Maharashtra. The Deccan Plateau of Maharashtra is largely populated by tribal groups. The main tribal groups include the Bhils,Mahadeo Kolis,Gonds and Warlis.
Cuisine : The saying 'Anna he poornabrahma' aptly summarises what Maharashtrians feel about the food they cook. They consider 'anna', or food, equal to 'Brahma', or the creator of the universe. Food is God, to be worshipped. Little wonder that Maharashtrian cuisine not only fills the stomach, but also fills the soul - with content!
Economy :The principal food crops are rice,wheat,jowar,bajra and pulses. The important cash crops are sugarcane,cotton and tobacco.
Culture : There are various festivals and traditions popular in the state Maharashtra. "Gokulashtami" is celebrated as the birthday of Krishna,and is marked by the formation of human pyramids in every locality. The very famous Ganapati festival is celebrated by the formation huge idols of the deity. These idols are later immersed in the sea aftertaking out a procession. Another popular festival called Gudi Padwa is celebrated by Maharashtrians as their New Year. The delicacy made during this festival is 'puranpoli' that is made of flour and jaggery.
Climate : Maharashtra's climate is typically monsoonal in character. There are three seasons prevailing in Maharashtra hot,rainy,and winter. The months of March-April and May have maximum heat. During this season,especially in April and May thunderstorms are a common feature all over the state.
Rain pours down in the months of July and August. By September the monsoonal current weakens. October is the transition period of change from the rainy season to winter. November to February there is a pleasant weather,though the eastern margins of Maharashtra receive some rainfall.
Tourist Attraction :  | | (Bombay) | | | | Aurangabad | | | Mahabaleshwar | | | | Ganpatipula | | | Elephanta | | | | Ellora Caves | | | Ajanta Caves | | | | Bhandordora |
Fair & Festivals : The Maharashtrians are a vibrant, earthy people for whom life itself is a celebration. Small wonder then that all festivals in Maharashtra are celebrated with abundant fervor. These times provide a unique opportunity to absorb Maharashtrian culture, with all its colorful customs, rituals and traditions. The song, music and dance that accompany almost every festive occasion add joy and excitement to the lives of the people from every walk of life. These festivals attract world-renowned artistes - musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, weavers - who come together to pay tribute to Maharashtra's rich culture and legacy. The Maharashtrians are a hearty, festive people. The love for celebration is deeply ingrained in their culture and it finds expression through the various occasions on the Maharashtrian calendar. There is festivity all round the year and people cherish the good times with music, dance and delectable food.
The Most Important festivals are :Nag Panchami,Narali Pournima,Gokul Ashtmi,Ganesh Chaturthi,Gudhi Padwa,Pola,Dussehra,Diwali,Makar Sankranti,Holi,Modern Festivals,Pune Festival,Banganga Festival,Elephanta Festival,Ellora Festival,Kalidas Festival at Nagpur.
Maharashtra Shopping : Mumbai- Shopping in Mumbai is a memorable experience as you wander through its Bazaars with striking names like Chor Bazar, Mutton Street and Zaveri Bazar. At Chor Bazar you'll find a phenomenal collection of antiques, jewellery, wooden articles, leatherware and general bric-a-brac. Kolhapur : Kolhapur is famous for its handicrafts. Starting from Kolhapur chappals, to shawls and even saris you would find everything in Kolhapur with a best quality. Mahadwar and Shivaji Roads are the best places to shop in Pune. Bhausinji Road and Shetkaari Bazaar are famous for leather goods.
Shopping in Pune can be quite an experience! There is nothing you won't or cannot find here?you just have to have the eye for it! Pune with its blend of Indian and Western cultures is a paradise for all shoppers catering to each and every individual.Though one thing that you need to remember is the snooze time between 1.00 and 4.00 p.m.
How to Reach Maharashtra : Maharashtra, a state where a millennium of culture weaves a tapestry of myriad charms. The spiritual solace of centuries. The sylvan serenity of the countryside.
By Air : There is an extensive network of flights from Mumbai's Sahar (international) and Santa Cruz (domestic) airports. There are domestic flights to all the major cities of the country.
By Rail : Mumbai has trains connecting it to all important cities in India. Intra city trains in Mumbai are very good, and are the cheapest and fastest way to move around in Mumbai.
By Road : Mumbai is well connected to all the cities in Maharashtra by bus. Intra city bus services are also very good. |
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Maharashtra
