Location : In the northern center of peninsular India.
State Capital : Mumbai.
Area : 3,07,713 sq km.
Language : Marathi, Hindi and English.
Climate : Hot and Humid.
Ideal Time to Visit : October to March.
¤ Maharashtra, The Land of Many Colors
Maharashtra is located in the northern center of Indian peninsular. It is encircled by the Arabian sea in the west and by Gujarat in the north. Madhya Pradesh surrounds Maharashtra from the northern and the eastern side whereas Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh lie to its south. Travel to this colorful land with numerous mountains, forts, beaches and caves. The state also has many temples that are sculpted into and out of basalt rock.
With diverse culture and traditions the state of Maharshtra is also keeping in pace with modernity. The state is known for its exciting festivals celebrated throughout year like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Holi and Gudhi Parva, etc. The government of Maharashtra also organizes many fairs and festivals to attract tourists. Some of these are Pune festival, Ellora festival, Kalidas festival and Elephanta festival. Apart from these, the state is also renowned for its white shimmering beaches which are a visitor's delight. Thus, the vibrancy and the color of this beautiful land attracts many tourists form all over the world. Definitely, a must visit land.
¤ History
According to a 7th century inscription the state's name 'Maharashtra', was discovered. It is also mentioned in a Chinese traveler's account. The name is said to be originated from rathi, which means, "chariot driver". Once Maharashtra was full of builders and drivers of chariots who formed a maharathis, a "fighting force". Junnar, thirty miles north of Pune was established as the capital in 90 A.D by king Vedishri. In the early fourteenth century the Devgiri Yadavs were defeated by the northern Muslim powers. For the next 900 years, no historical information about this region is available. After the Mughals conquered India, the first Mughal king, Babur established his capital in Delhi in the year 1526. The Mughals then started expanding their power to the southern India and further dominated India till the early eighteenth century.
Shivaji Bhosle later known as Chattrapati Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire. He was born in 1627 and at the age of sixteen Shivaji started his lifelong struggle against Mughals and other Muslim powers. He was determined to free his land at the fort Torna. Later, he conquered almost the entire Deccan by the year 1680, also the year of his death. He had developed an efficient administration and a powerful army. He also infused a spirit of independence among the Marathas, with which they fought and defeated the external powers for almost 150 years. He was very much respected by the people of Maharashtra and therefore was called Chattrapati Shivaji. Shivaji's freedom struggle and achievements are considered spectacular and are respected by providing the highest place in Maratha history.
¤ Major Travel Attraction in Maharashtra
Ajanta Ellora- A World Heritage Site
The Ajanta caves are located to the northeast of Aurangabad and are a little way off the main road. There are about 29 caves, built in a horseshoe shaped curve of the steep rocky gorge that emerges above the river Waghore. These caves date back to about 200 BC to 650 AD. Just after the Ellora caves were built, the site of Ajanta caves was abandoned and were slowly forgotten. In 1819 soldiers from a British hunting party re-discovered these caves, which remained unknown for centuries.
Situated about 30 kms from the northeast of Aurangabad lies the famous Ellora caves. They are cut into the hillside and are famed for their sculptures. The earliest caves are Buddhist, but the later ones are Hindu and Jain cave temples. The origination time of the caves is not confirmed. But the archaeologists believe that some of the later Buddhist caves were built at the same time when the early Hindu temples were being carved . There are 34 caves, of which 12 are Buddhist, 17 are Hindu and five Jain.
Mumbai - The Capital City of Maharashtra
The capital of Mahahrashtra, Mumbai is the largest metropolis in India and also its financial capital. It is one of the most vibrant cities, with an alive nightlife. The city is also the center of glamor and glitz due to the presence of Indian film industry. Mumbai is also a historical city having many attractions to offer to a visitor. Major travel attractions of this enticing city include the Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Haji Ali's Tomb, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus, Mumbadevi Temple and the famous Marine Drive. Apart from these, the Chowpaty and the Juhu beach are major highlights of the city, where tourists and local people gather to enjoy themselves.
Pune Attractions
The second largest city of Maharashtra, Pune, is the place which was home to the Maratha leader, Shivaji for a long time. This calm city was also resided by the self-proclaimed guru, Bhagwan Rajneesh, also known as Osho. Pune has many tourist spots, including, Shanwarawada Palace, Raja Kelkar Museum, Gandhi National Memorial, Samadhi, and Pataleshwar Temple.
Aurangabad - The City of World Heritage Site
Known for its medieval monuments and cultural heritage, the city of Aurangabad was the seat of the Mughal Empire for a short span. The Bibi-ka-Makbara, a tomb that has some resemblance to the Taj Mahal is the highlight of the city. Auranagbad is world famous city due to the presence of the Ajanta and Ellora caves regarded as the world heritage sites. These sites have Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples. Aurangabad is also famous for it's silk and cotton textiles.
Dulatabad Fort
The impressive Daultabad fort is situated about 15 kms from Aurangabad. At this place Mohammed Bin Tughlak built his capital, but soon returned back to Delhi. It was finally captured by Allauddin Khilji. The scenic views, located to the right of the Daulatabad fort are mesmerizing. Today, the fort is not in a very good condition. But some of the parts of the fort like the scary "Bhool Bhulaiya" is still in a better condition.
Mahabaleshwar- A Pristine Hill Resort
Mahabaleshwar, the mesmerizing hill station, overlooks the Krishna and Koyna valleys. It is situated at an altitude of 1372 meters and presents many picture prefect views. This untouched natural paradise is loved by people who admire nature and want to explore it. Specially, the filmmakers adore this place because it provides plenty of beautiful scenes for their films. Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency. Mahabaleshwar is a lovely destination to visit, which has not lost its old charm, despite the increasing crowds that visit the town. There are many mighty mansions built during the days of the British, reminding of the of the British Raj.
Lonavala Hill Station
Lonavala is another famous hill station, providing an enjoyable getaway from the cities of Mumbai and Pune. The specialty of this place is a special candy made of peanut and jaggery which is popular all over the country.
¤ Festivals of Maharashtra
The state of Maharashtra is the hub of many religious and cultural traditions. The fairs and festivals in Maharashtrian villages are a part of life.
Each and every festival has its own significance. People decorate their houses and festivities prevail all around. Though Maharashtra celebrates many festivals, but the most popular festival is the Ganesh Chaturthi. It is famous due to the large processions and the colorful images of Lord Ganesha.
Besides, there are many festivals celebrated with as much enthusiasm and spirit. Some of the important festivals celebrated here are Gudhi Parva, Nariyal Poornima, Parsi new year, Diwali, Holi, etc. Apart from these festivals the tourism department of Maharashtra also organizes many fairs and festivals to promote travel tourism in the state. Some of these festivals are Banganga festival, Kalidas festival, Elephanta festival and Ellora festival, etc.
Each festival has its own color and cuisine. Having their own importance these festivals are a way of life in India, specially in rural India.
¤ Reach Mahatrashtra
By air : Maharashtra has five domestic airports and one international airport at Mumbai. Many of these airports have regular connections through the Indian Airlines and other domestic airlines. Mumbai is the best connected international airport in India and is connected with most of the important international destinations.
By Rail : Mumbai is the center of the railway network in Maharashtra owning three major railway stations and the headquarters of two Railway Zones in India. Mumbai is connected to most of the important cities in India by rail. Many important tourist spots in the state are directly connected to Mumbai by regular trains.
By Road : Maharashtra is said to have one of the beat road ways in India. All the important places within Maharashtra are conveniently connected to each other. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation as well as private operators provide good services connecting all the tourist centers in the state.
Showing posts with label About Maharashtra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About Maharashtra. Show all posts
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Land
Maharashtra means the land of Marathi speaking people. The word Maharashtra has been derived from Maharashtri, an old form of Prakrit. It is located in the north center of Peninsular India. Maharashtra is surrounded by the Arabian Sea in the west and by Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh on the north. It is also encircled by Madhya Pradesh in the east and by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh on the south.
Maharashtra's physical features are quite homogeneous. But the landscape of this state is dominated by a plateau. The western side of this plateau rises up to form the Sahyadri Range and it declines gently towards the east and southeast. The plateau has been carved by the major rivers and their master tributaries, into alternating broad-river valleys. They have also formed the Ahmednagar, Buldana, and Yavatmal plateaux.
¤ Geographical Features
The Sahyadri Range is the highlight of the landscape of Maharashtra. This range is the physical backbone of the state. The average height of the range is around 1000m. Near the Konkan, the range falls to a steep cliff, on the west. There is a transitional area towards the east, where the hill country falls in steps. This area is known as Mawal to the plateau level.
The region between the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri Range is called the Konkan. It is a narrow coastal lowland, hardly 50 km. wide. The average height of Konkan is mostly below 200 m. The landscape here is very uneven. Konkan alternates between narrow, steep-sided valleys and low laterite plateaux.
The Satpuda hills are covered with dense forests. These hill forests are the a major feature of Maharashtra. It is situated along the northern border of the state. The Satpuda hills and the Bhamragad-Chiroli-Gaikhuri Ranges on the eastern border of the state form physical barriers preventing easy movement and also forms the natural border of the state.
¤ Geology and Topography
The landscape of the state is quite uniform and monotonous, except the areas around Mumbai and along the eastern limits of Maharashtra. The geological structure of the state has given way to its topography. The Deccan trap meets the state area, except for the extreme eastern Vidarbha region and parts of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg. Around 60 to 90 yeas ago, the basalt area was formed by the basic lava coming out of the fissures. These are now found in the form of massive, well jointed steel gray cliff due to the variation in their composition and structure. The cliffs are found facing the alternate structural beaches of vesicular amygdaloid lava and ash layers. All these features contribute to the pyramid-shaped hills and crest-level plateau or mesas.
The rivers of state, Krishna, Bhima, Godavari, Tapi-Purna and Wardha-Wainganga have divided it into broad, open river valleys and alternating plateaux, that helps in the formation of the Sahyadri hills. The water falls of the Konkan are hardly a 100 km. long, rushing down as roaring streams. These streams flow in deeply established valleys that end up as tidal estuaries.
¤ Climate
Maharashtra experiences tropical monsoon climate. The state faces extremely hot summers from March onwards till the starting of the rainy season in early June. The lush greenery is the result of monsoon season, which persists during the following mild winters. The state enjoys mild winters and but the season changing month of October is very unpleasant.
The Sahyadri hills receives a heavy rainfall of 400 cm due to the seasonal rains from the western sea-clouds. The Konkan region is also receives torrential rainfall. At the eastern side of the Sahyadri, the rainfall diminishes with the area receiving just 70 cm. of rainfall. The Solapur-Ahmednagar lies in the heart of the dry zone. But later in the season, the rainfall increases towards the eastwards in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. The unpredictable monsoon, some times results in short spells of rainy weather, long dry breaks, floods and droughts making life a little difficult here.
¤ Flora and Fauna
The flora and fauna of Maharashtra is quite diverse. The varied climate and topography has resulted in rich vegetation and a good animal population. The land of Maharashtra has arid desert, tropical rain forest and mountain range with an height of 4000 feet. 17 % of Maharashtra's land is covered with thick virgin forests. The forests found here are mainly evergreen deciduous type. Majority of the forests are in the eastern and Sahyadri regions of the state. Maharashtra has five national parks, three game reserves, and 24 wildlife/bird sanctuaries. Here many different kinds of animals are found like tigers, panthers, bison, deer and antelopes, wild boars, bears and blue bull.
Maharashtra's physical features are quite homogeneous. But the landscape of this state is dominated by a plateau. The western side of this plateau rises up to form the Sahyadri Range and it declines gently towards the east and southeast. The plateau has been carved by the major rivers and their master tributaries, into alternating broad-river valleys. They have also formed the Ahmednagar, Buldana, and Yavatmal plateaux.
¤ Geographical Features
The Sahyadri Range is the highlight of the landscape of Maharashtra. This range is the physical backbone of the state. The average height of the range is around 1000m. Near the Konkan, the range falls to a steep cliff, on the west. There is a transitional area towards the east, where the hill country falls in steps. This area is known as Mawal to the plateau level.
The region between the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri Range is called the Konkan. It is a narrow coastal lowland, hardly 50 km. wide. The average height of Konkan is mostly below 200 m. The landscape here is very uneven. Konkan alternates between narrow, steep-sided valleys and low laterite plateaux.
The Satpuda hills are covered with dense forests. These hill forests are the a major feature of Maharashtra. It is situated along the northern border of the state. The Satpuda hills and the Bhamragad-Chiroli-Gaikhuri Ranges on the eastern border of the state form physical barriers preventing easy movement and also forms the natural border of the state.
¤ Geology and Topography
The landscape of the state is quite uniform and monotonous, except the areas around Mumbai and along the eastern limits of Maharashtra. The geological structure of the state has given way to its topography. The Deccan trap meets the state area, except for the extreme eastern Vidarbha region and parts of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg. Around 60 to 90 yeas ago, the basalt area was formed by the basic lava coming out of the fissures. These are now found in the form of massive, well jointed steel gray cliff due to the variation in their composition and structure. The cliffs are found facing the alternate structural beaches of vesicular amygdaloid lava and ash layers. All these features contribute to the pyramid-shaped hills and crest-level plateau or mesas.
The rivers of state, Krishna, Bhima, Godavari, Tapi-Purna and Wardha-Wainganga have divided it into broad, open river valleys and alternating plateaux, that helps in the formation of the Sahyadri hills. The water falls of the Konkan are hardly a 100 km. long, rushing down as roaring streams. These streams flow in deeply established valleys that end up as tidal estuaries.
¤ Climate
Maharashtra experiences tropical monsoon climate. The state faces extremely hot summers from March onwards till the starting of the rainy season in early June. The lush greenery is the result of monsoon season, which persists during the following mild winters. The state enjoys mild winters and but the season changing month of October is very unpleasant.
The Sahyadri hills receives a heavy rainfall of 400 cm due to the seasonal rains from the western sea-clouds. The Konkan region is also receives torrential rainfall. At the eastern side of the Sahyadri, the rainfall diminishes with the area receiving just 70 cm. of rainfall. The Solapur-Ahmednagar lies in the heart of the dry zone. But later in the season, the rainfall increases towards the eastwards in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. The unpredictable monsoon, some times results in short spells of rainy weather, long dry breaks, floods and droughts making life a little difficult here.
¤ Flora and Fauna
The flora and fauna of Maharashtra is quite diverse. The varied climate and topography has resulted in rich vegetation and a good animal population. The land of Maharashtra has arid desert, tropical rain forest and mountain range with an height of 4000 feet. 17 % of Maharashtra's land is covered with thick virgin forests. The forests found here are mainly evergreen deciduous type. Majority of the forests are in the eastern and Sahyadri regions of the state. Maharashtra has five national parks, three game reserves, and 24 wildlife/bird sanctuaries. Here many different kinds of animals are found like tigers, panthers, bison, deer and antelopes, wild boars, bears and blue bull.
History
Maharashtra was inhibited since the Palaeolithic era, as indicated by the archaeological evidences. Maharashtra's early history information is not well known and its recorded history is as old as the 3rd century BC. It was recorded with the use of the Marathi language, a Prakrit corruption of Sanskrit. Later, Maharashtra was included in the Magadha empire, ruled by the Buddhist emperor Ashoka. The port town of Sopara was the hub of ancient India's commerce, having links with Eastern Africa, Mesopotamia, Aden and Cochin. This port town was situated just north of the present day Mumbai. As the Mauryan Empire degraded, Maharashtra was overpowered by the Satavahanas between 230 BC and 225 AD.
¤ The Early History
Vidarbha, the eastern region of Maharashtra was also conquered by the Vakatakas (250 AD-525 AD), who were then the rulers of the state. Art and religion developed and technology flourished, during this period. By the 6th century, Maharashtra came under the reign of the Chalukyas. Later, in 753, Rashtrakutas ruled the region. This empire spread over most of the Indian peninsular. Rashtrakutas were then defeated in 973 by the Chalukayas, who ruled parts of Maharashtra until 1189, when they lost to Yadavas of Deogiri.
¤ The Islamic Influence
When the Muslim emperors entered India, they established their capital in Delhi. Later, they started to expand towards the south of India. The first Muslim emperors who invaded Maharashtra and conquered some parts of the Deccan in the 13th century were Ala-ud-din Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughluq. When the Tughlaq dynasty fell in 1347, the Bahamani Sultanate overpowered the region and ruled it for the next 150 years.
By the 16th century, central Maharashtra was ruled by numerous autonomous Islamic kingdoms that owed commitment to the Mughals. Meanwhile the coastal region was annexed by the Portuguese, who wanted to control the rich spice trade of the region.
¤ The Maratha Empire
As the 17th century emerged the Maratha Empire began to take root. Shivaji Bhonsle led the Marathas, native to western Maharashtra, he was crowned king in 1674, after a long fought battle with Muslim emperors. The Maratha Empire saw the peak under Shivaji's reign. He included almost the entire Deccan, central India and some parts of modern day Pakistan into Maratha Empire. After defeating the Mughals in 1707, the Marathas became the dominant rulers of India. Bajirao I, in the year 1712, was crowned the next king. He established the Peshwa (Prime Minister) dynasty with Pune as their capital. During his reign Maratha Empire suffered a heavy defeat to the Afghan chieftain Ahmad Shah Abdali, in the third Battle of Panipat in 1761. The loss was so huge that the Maratha Confederacy was reduced to a regional kingdom. As the British East India Company arrived in India and started interfering in the Indian politics, they faced stiff resistance from the Marathas. These two powers fought three major battles, which led to the annexation of Peshwa ruled territory in Maharashtra in 1819. This marked the end of the Maratha empire.
¤ The British Raj
This region was ruled by the British, as a part of the Bombay Presidency. The Bombay presidency included an area from Karachi in Pakistan to most of the northern Deccan. The British Raj saw many social reforms, infrastructure improvement and many revolts due to their prejudiced policies. As the 20th century began, a non-violent struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi started taking shape. The Quit India Movement started by Gandhi in 1942 was marked by a non-violent civil disobedience movement and strikes.
¤ Post Independence (1947)
Many independent princely states in central India joined the Indian Union, after India's independence in 1947. Bombay state was established in the year 1956, which merged the princely states of central India into Bombay Presidency. The state of Maharashtra was established on 1st May 1960, this state included the Marathi-speaking territory of Bombay state. Maharashtra became India's leading state after the favorable economic policies in the 1970s.
¤ The Early History
Vidarbha, the eastern region of Maharashtra was also conquered by the Vakatakas (250 AD-525 AD), who were then the rulers of the state. Art and religion developed and technology flourished, during this period. By the 6th century, Maharashtra came under the reign of the Chalukyas. Later, in 753, Rashtrakutas ruled the region. This empire spread over most of the Indian peninsular. Rashtrakutas were then defeated in 973 by the Chalukayas, who ruled parts of Maharashtra until 1189, when they lost to Yadavas of Deogiri.
¤ The Islamic Influence
When the Muslim emperors entered India, they established their capital in Delhi. Later, they started to expand towards the south of India. The first Muslim emperors who invaded Maharashtra and conquered some parts of the Deccan in the 13th century were Ala-ud-din Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughluq. When the Tughlaq dynasty fell in 1347, the Bahamani Sultanate overpowered the region and ruled it for the next 150 years.
By the 16th century, central Maharashtra was ruled by numerous autonomous Islamic kingdoms that owed commitment to the Mughals. Meanwhile the coastal region was annexed by the Portuguese, who wanted to control the rich spice trade of the region.
¤ The Maratha Empire
As the 17th century emerged the Maratha Empire began to take root. Shivaji Bhonsle led the Marathas, native to western Maharashtra, he was crowned king in 1674, after a long fought battle with Muslim emperors. The Maratha Empire saw the peak under Shivaji's reign. He included almost the entire Deccan, central India and some parts of modern day Pakistan into Maratha Empire. After defeating the Mughals in 1707, the Marathas became the dominant rulers of India. Bajirao I, in the year 1712, was crowned the next king. He established the Peshwa (Prime Minister) dynasty with Pune as their capital. During his reign Maratha Empire suffered a heavy defeat to the Afghan chieftain Ahmad Shah Abdali, in the third Battle of Panipat in 1761. The loss was so huge that the Maratha Confederacy was reduced to a regional kingdom. As the British East India Company arrived in India and started interfering in the Indian politics, they faced stiff resistance from the Marathas. These two powers fought three major battles, which led to the annexation of Peshwa ruled territory in Maharashtra in 1819. This marked the end of the Maratha empire.
¤ The British Raj
This region was ruled by the British, as a part of the Bombay Presidency. The Bombay presidency included an area from Karachi in Pakistan to most of the northern Deccan. The British Raj saw many social reforms, infrastructure improvement and many revolts due to their prejudiced policies. As the 20th century began, a non-violent struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi started taking shape. The Quit India Movement started by Gandhi in 1942 was marked by a non-violent civil disobedience movement and strikes.
¤ Post Independence (1947)
Many independent princely states in central India joined the Indian Union, after India's independence in 1947. Bombay state was established in the year 1956, which merged the princely states of central India into Bombay Presidency. The state of Maharashtra was established on 1st May 1960, this state included the Marathi-speaking territory of Bombay state. Maharashtra became India's leading state after the favorable economic policies in the 1970s.
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