West IndiaStateMH
Maharashtra
Capital: Mumbai
#3
Area Rank
#2
Pop. Rank
82.3%
Literacy
36
Districts
๐Basic Information
CapitalMumbai (summer), Nagpur (winter)
Largest CityMumbai
Formation1 May 1960
Population11.24 crore (2011)
Area307,713 sq km
LanguagesMarathi
Literacy Rate82.3%
Districts36
Major RiversGodavari, Krishna, Tapi (Tapti), Bhima, Narmada
๐Key GK Facts
- 1.2nd most populous state; 3rd largest by area
- 2.Mumbai is India's financial capital and home to BSE, NSE, RBI, SEBI HQs
- 3.Ajanta (Buddhist) & Ellora (Hindu, Buddhist, Jain) caves โ UNESCO World Heritage
- 4.Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha Empire here (1674)
- 5.Deccan Plateau covers much of Maharashtra โ black cotton soil
- 6.Nashik is known as the "Wine Capital of India" and one of four Kumbh Mela sites
- 7.Formed by bifurcation of Bombay State on 1 May 1960 (Maharashtra Day)
โญFamous For
Mumbai financial capitalAjanta-Ellora cavesGateway of IndiaLavani danceBollywoodKolhapuri chappals
๐ฏWildlife & National Parks
- ๐ฟTadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
- ๐ฟMelghat Tiger Reserve
- ๐ฟPench National Park
- ๐ฟNavegaon NP
Tips
- โAjanta Caves: Buddhist rock-cut caves (2nd cent BCE to 5th cent CE) โ UNESCO
- โEllora Caves: 34 rock-cut temples (Hindu, Buddhist, Jain) โ UNESCO
- โFormation date 1 May 1960 is celebrated as Maharashtra Day (also Goa Formation Day โ both from Bombay State)
๐ง Quick Quiz
What is the capital of Maharashtra?
When was Maharashtra officially formed?