Maharashtra

Area :3,07,713 square kilometers.

Capital :Mumbai,which was earlier known as Bombay.

Population :9,97,52,247

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.

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.

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.