MAHARASHTRA : STATIC STATE GK
STATE MAP
- Capital: Mumbai
- Formation: May 1, 1960
- Chief Minister: Eknath Shinde ( 2024 )
- Governor: Ramesh Bais ( 2024 )
- Area: 307,713 square kilometers
- Population: Over 124 million (as per the last census in 2011)
- Density: Approximately 365 persons per square kilometer
- Official Language: Marathi
- Major Rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Tapi, and Bhima
- Highest Point: Kalsubai (1,646 meters)
- Official Animal: Indian Giant Squirrel
- Official Bird: Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
- Official Tree: Mango
- Gateway of India: A historic monument in Mumbai, built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these caves showcase ancient Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain sculptures and paintings.
- Western Ghats: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its biodiversity and scenic landscapes, covering a significant portion of Maharashtra.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this railway station in Mumbai is an architectural marvel.
- Elephanta Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these caves on Elephanta Island contain rock-cut sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Mumbai: The financial capital of India, home to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- Dabbawalas of Mumbai: Known for their efficient and error-free lunchbox delivery system, recognized globally.
- Shani Shingnapur: A village known for its unique tradition where houses do not have doors, and locals believe in the protective power of Lord Shani.
- Lavani Dance: A traditional dance form of Maharashtra, known for its energetic and vibrant performances.
- Jyotiba Temple, Kolhapur: A sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Jyotiba, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
- Pune: Known as the “Oxford of the East,” it is a major educational and cultural hub in Maharashtra.
- Nashik: Famous for the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, and as a prominent wine-producing region in India.
- Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC): Playing a key role in industrial development and infrastructure projects in the state.
- Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary: A paradise for birdwatchers, known for migratory birds, especially flamingos, during the winter months.
- Aurangabad: Named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, it is known for Bibi Ka Maqbara, a tomb resembling the Taj Mahal.
- Solapur: Famous for its textile industry and the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, a haven for the endangered bird species.
- Bhandara Festival: A unique traditional festival in Jejuri where turmeric (Bhandara) is showered on devotees.
- Mumbai Local Trains: Known as the lifeline of Mumbai, the suburban railway network is one of the busiest in the world.
- Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai: A popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, attracting millions of devotees.
- Sindhudurg Fort: A historic sea fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji, known for its architectural brilliance.
- Pune Okayama Friendship Garden: A symbol of friendship between Pune and Okayama in Japan, showcasing Japanese culture.
- Kokan Railway: A picturesque railway route connecting Maharashtra’s coastal region, offering scenic views of the Arabian Sea.
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Located in Mumbai, it is known for its rich biodiversity and the Kanheri Caves.
- Vijaydurg Fort: One of the strongest marine forts on the Konkan coast, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji.
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve: Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park, known for tiger sightings.
- Warkari Movement: Devotees (Warkaris) undertake annual pilgrimages (Dindi Yatra) to Pandharpur, a city associated with Lord Vithoba.
- Lonavala and Khandala: Hill stations near Mumbai, known for scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and the Karla Caves.
- Mumbai Film Industry (Bollywood): The city is the epicenter of the Indian film industry, producing a significant portion of the country’s films.
- Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango: Renowned for its sweetness and flavor, Alphonso mangoes from Ratnagiri are highly prized.
- Bhandardara Dam: A scenic reservoir and dam surrounded by lush greenery and the Arthur Lake.
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: A famous pilgrimage site dedicated to the revered saint Sai Baba in Shirdi.
- Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary: A lesser-known but biodiverse sanctuary known for its wildlife and bird species.
- Ganesh Chaturthi Festival: Celebrated with grandeur in Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai, featuring elaborate processions and idol immersions.
- Satara: Known for the Kaas Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its vibrant flower bloom during the monsoon.
- Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Mumbai: An annual cultural event celebrating visual arts, literature, and performing arts.
- Savitribai Phule Pune University: One of the largest universities in the world, named after social reformer Savitribai Phule.
- Worli Sea Face: A popular promenade in Mumbai, offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the Worli skyline.
Navi Mumbai: A planned satellite city of Mumbai, designed to ease population congestion in the metropolitan region.
Aga Khan Palace, Pune: A historic palace with Italian arches and spacious lawns, associated with the Indian freedom movement.
Mumbai Dabbawala System: The efficient lunchbox delivery system in Mumbai, where dabbawalas deliver thousands of lunchboxes with minimal errors.
Kas Plateau (Kaas Pathar): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique biodiversity and the flowering of numerous wildflowers during the monsoon.
Vasai Fort: A historic fort built by the Portuguese, located in the town of Vasai near Mumbai.
Bhilar, Pustakanche Gaav (The Village of Books): A village near Panchgani transformed into a village of books, with open libraries promoting reading.
Malshej Ghat: A picturesque mountain pass in the Western Ghats, known for its misty landscapes and migratory flamingos.
Pandav Leni Caves, Nashik: Ancient Buddhist caves dating back to the 3rd century, featuring intricate carvings and sculptures.
Kamshet: A paragliding destination near Pune, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Sahyadri Hills.
Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad: Often referred to as the “Poor Man’s Taj,” this mausoleum resembles the Taj Mahal and was built by Aurangzeb’s son.
Palkhi Festival, Pandharpur: An annual pilgrimage wherein the devotees, known as Warkaris, carry palanquins with the footwear of Saint Tukaram and Saint Dnyaneshwar to Pandharpur.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway: India’s first six-lane concrete, high-speed expressway, connecting Mumbai and Pune.
Dajipur Bison Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary known for the Indian bison (Gaur) and other flora and fauna.
Junnar Caves: A group of ancient rock-cut caves, including the Bhaja Caves and Karla Caves, with Buddhist sculptures.
Mumbai Meri Jaan: A phrase meaning “Mumbai, my love,” reflecting the emotional connection people have with the city.
Kokum: A fruit native to the Konkan region, used in traditional Maharashtrian cuisine and known for its health benefits.
Nagpur Orange: Renowned for its sweetness and flavor, Nagpur is famous for its delicious oranges.
Hemadpanthi Architecture: A distinctive architectural style prevalent in Maharashtra during the Yadava dynasty, known for its simplicity and use of black basalt.
Thibaw Palace, Ratnagiri: The exile residence of the last king of Burma, King Thibaw, in Ratnagiri.
Lonar Crater Lake: A unique geological site formed by a meteorite impact, surrounded by temples and diverse flora and fauna.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune: A prominent cricket stadium hosting international and domestic cricket matches.
Phaltan: Known for its windmills, sugar factories, and the historic Phaltan Rajwada.
Lavasa: A planned hill city, developed as a tourist and residential destination near Pune.
Kandhar Fort: A historic fort built by Malik Ambar, known for its architectural grandeur.
Chinchwad Railway Bridge: Also known as the ‘Vivekanand Setu,’ it connects the towns of Chinchwad and Pune.
Mumbai Fire Brigade: One of the oldest and most efficient fire brigades in India, playing a crucial role in disaster management.
Khopoli: Known for the Imagica theme park and as an industrial town in the Raigad district.
Shaniwar Wada, Pune: The historic palace fort of the Peshwas, known for its grand architecture and historical significance.
Dahanu-Bordi Beach: A serene beach known for its clean shores and the cultivation of chickoo (sapota) orchards.
Shivneri Fort: The birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it is a significant historical and architectural site.
Nana Nani Park, Mumbai: A senior citizen’s park in Powai, providing a peaceful space for recreational activities.
Bhandardara Dam and Lake: An artificial reservoir surrounded by hills and waterfalls, providing a tranquil escape.
Karla Caves: Ancient Buddhist caves near Lonavala, known for their rock-cut architecture and chaityas.
Sambhaji Maharaj Statue, Pune: A statue honoring the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire, Sambhaji Maharaj.
Saptashrungi Devi Temple: A temple dedicated to Goddess Saptashrungi, situated atop a hill in Vani near Nashik.
Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board: Promoting khadi and village industries for sustainable rural development.
Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple, Akkalkot: A revered temple dedicated to the saint Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj.
Kolaba Fort: A historic fort in Alibaug, accessible during low tide, known for its strategic location.
Mumbai-Pune Deccan Queen Express: One of India’s oldest and most iconic train services connecting Mumbai and Pune.
Bhavani Mata Temple, Tuljapur: A sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, attracting pilgrims.