Maharashtra is a state in peninsular India, famous for its temples, historical sites, and film industry. Here are 10 interesting facts about Maharashtra. Let’s read.
10 Interesting facts about Maharashtra
1. Overview
Maharashtra is the third-largest state in India by area and the second-largest by population. It is bordered by 6 states and the Union Territory of ‘Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu’. The six bordering states are Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Goa.
2. Maharashtra is the largest contributor to India’s GDP
Maharashtra has the highest GDP among all Indian states. Its capital city, Mumbai, is known as the ‘financial capital of India’.
3. Maharashtra is one of the most visited Indian states
Maharashtra ranks first in terms of international tourist visits and seventh in terms of domestic tourist visits.
There is plenty to see in Maharashtra from ancient temples to beautiful beaches to amazing mountains. There are 7 UNESCO world heritage sites in the state – Elephanta Caves, Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway station, Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, Maratha Military Landscapes of India, and the Western Ghats.
4. The Maratha Empire
Maharashtra was the center of power of the Maratha Empire, which at its peak covered more than three-fourths of present-day India. The first Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is regarded as a national hero and an enduring symbol of resistance against the Mughal Empire.
5. Capital and largest city
Mumbai is the capital and the largest city of the state of Maharashtra. The city is home to Bollywood, one of the largest film industries in the world. Moreover, the Marathi film industry is also based in Mumbai. Nagpur serves as the winter capital of Maharashtra.
6. Languages
Marathi is the most spoken language in Maharashtra. There are many dialects of Marathi spoken in the state. Hindi is the second most spoken language in Maharashtra.
7. India’s first passenger train ran in Maharashtra
The first passenger train in India ran from Bori Bunder in Mumbai to Thane (34 kilometers) on 16th April, 1853. The train was operated by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway and ran on a broad gauge line.
8. The amazing Lonar Crater
Lonar Crater, located in Maharashtra, is an impact crater created by a meteorite impact. It is approximately 1.8 kilometers wide and 150 meters deep, and houses a saline and alkaline lake, known as Lonar Lake. The crater’s age was previously estimated to be 52,000 ± 6,000 years. Newer studies suggest an age of 576,000 ± 47,000 years.
9. High number of parliamentary seats from Maharashtra
Maharashtra has the second-highest number of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats after Uttar Pradesh.
- Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra – 48
- Rajya Sabha seats in Maharashtra – 19
10. There are many beautiful hill stations in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is home to several scenic hill stations. Some of the most famous ones include Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Matheran, and Panchgani. These peaceful retreats in the Western Ghats offer a refreshing escape from the heat and bustle of city life.
(Also read: 10 major mountain ranges in India | subranges | destinations)
Maharashtra quick facts
| Area rank in India | 3 |
| Population rank in India | 2 |
| Capital | Mumbai and Nagpur (winter capital) |
| Largest city | Mumbai |
| Official language | Marathi |
| State tree | Mango (Magnifera indica) |
| State bird | Yellow-footed green pigeon |
| State animal | Indian giant squirrel |