Maharashtra Profile

Maharashtra-literally means “Great Nation” is a prosperous and highly industrialized region of the Indian Union. The verdant hills, scenic coastal plains and massive forts offer a different shape to the geographical map of the state. This is the land of Shivaji, the founder of Maratha Empire and a great fighter against the Mughal Empire.

Maharashtra was known as "Rashtra" in the Rig Veda, "Rashtrik" in Ashoka's inscriptions and “Maharashtra” afterwards, as attested by Huein-Tsang and other travellers. The name appears to have been derived from "Maharashtri" in an old form of Prakrit, an ancient Indian language.

The land situated in the north centre of Indian peninsula is bordered by the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa. The Arabian Sea forms the western coast of the state.

The capital city Mumbai, also the biggest city of India is the second largest producer of films in the world. The cosmopolitan style of living of the people makes it a world class city. The state today has become a major destination for the film stars and cultural celebrities.

The big cities of the state like Mumbai and Pune are famous for their educational institutions and research centres. The modern Maharashtra is a mixed result of indigenous traditions and western education. Tourism and culture are its main heritage and it unifies every community in it with same harmony and love.