Maharashtra State has a rich heritage and its past is steeped in legends, stories and myths. The Arabian Sea on its western boundary guards Maharashtra, while Gujarat and Madhya-Pradesh are its neighbors on the northern side; Karnataka and Andhra-Pradesh are on its Southern side. Historically speaking, the first prominent ruling Dynasty was the Satvahanas; Vakatakas was another ruling family of this region. This region came to be ruled by various powers like the Chalukyas, Cadavers, Khaljis of Delhi and the Bahamani's, after which the principality broke into smaller states.

With the arrival of Shivaji in the 17th Century on the scene, modern Maratha nationality came into existence. The glorious Hindu revival occurred under the able and dynamic leadership of Chattrapati Shivaji whose valor and able leadership made him the Maharatha national hero. Shivaji united hitherto scattered forces and made a cohesive and glorious power which challenged the Mughal advances beyond the Deccan Plateau, with Shivaji's death the disintegration of the Maratha's occurred. After the failure of his descendents, the Peshwas came into power, which resulted only in a brief respite. The final nail in the coffin of the Maratha Confederacy was driven at the third Battle of Panipat in 1961.

With Nana Sahib lading his soldiers in the revolt of 1857, it again came into prominence. But the British who took over the last remnants of power too quashed this. The freedom struggle once again united the people under the able leadership of Bal Gangadhar Tilak and later, Gandhiji produced a Maratha Confederacy of a different sort. Maharashtra's contribution to the freedom struggle against the British is notable and after that it was engaged in the task of nation building. Reorganization of states brought for the first time all Maratha speaking regions in one state of Maharashtra, first by breaking up of the old Central Provinces and Hyderabad, and finally the Bilingual Mumbai State.

The population of Maharashtra is overwhelmingly Hindu by faith and 80% of its population speak the Marathi language. In addition to Hindus Maharashtra has a substantial sprinkling of minorities like the Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Christians and a small number of Parsis.

Agriculture is essentially what makes Maharashtra economy vibrate. It is famous for its cotton crop and the State's sugar Industry. Maharashtra is India's Industrial and Economic backbone and provides opportunities galore to enterprising entrepreneurs.Its capital Mumbai is famous for its Film Industry also called "Bollywood"

Mumbai is one of the major Airports of the country. Besides there are Airports of Akola, Aurangabad, Kohlapur, Nagpur, Nanded, Ratnagiri, Sholapur etc. Mumbai is the biggest major port in India. A new port "Nhava Sheva" off Mumbai was opened in 1989. There are many minor ports also in the State.

TOURIST CENTRES

Some important tourist centres are Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Kanher and Karla caves; Mahabaleshwar, Matharan and Panchgani, Jawahar, Melghat Hill Stations and religious places at Pandharpur, Nasik, Shirdi, Nanded, Aundhanagnath, Trimbakeshwar, Tuljapur, Ganapatiphule and Ratnagiri.

RELIGION

Nearly 80% of Maharashtra's population is Hindu by faith. In addition to Hindus it has a fair share of minorities like the Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Christians and Parsis.

ECONOMY

Agriculture plays an important part in Maharashtra's vibrant economy. It is famous for its cotton crop and States Sugar Industry. Maharashtra is India's industrial and economic backbone and provides opportunities galore to enterprising entrepreneur.

FESTIVALS

All major Hindu festivals and festivals of the minorities are celebrated here. One of major Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur, by all, is the "Ganesh Chatturthi".

FOOD
Vada-Pav, Bhelpuri, Pav-Bhaji, Dhansak, Modak etc.

FOLK DANCE Lavni is the famous folk dance of Maharashtra.

SPECIAL STATUS Home of the Indian Film Industry.