Posted on June 20th, 2022.

Maharashtra is one of the wealthiest state in India and it is also the most industrialized state. It is the third largest state by area and second most populous state in India.

Maharashtra has two capitals. Mumbai is the first capital (summer season) and Nagpur is the second capital in winter season. Over 114.2 million people reside in Maharashtra. Out of which approximately 18.41 million stay in Mumbai.

Marathi Language

Marathi and konkani language developed from Maharashtri Prakrit. Maharashtri Prakrit is the dialect of Prakrit language. It is widely spoken in western and southern India. It was spoken in ancient and medieval India. It was spoken from 500 BCE to 500 CE for around 1000 years. It was spoken until 875CE and was the official language of Satavahana dynasty.

• Most linguistic scholars believe that the word Maratha and Maharashtra is derived from Maha (great) and Rashtrika. Rashtrika was the tribe of subordinate chiefs ruling in Deccan region.
• Some scholars also believe that Maharashtra is derived from Maha Rathi or Ratha. Which refers to the skillful northern fighting force which migrated to southern part.
• As per 19th Century British writers in India and Dalit activist Maharashtra means the nation of Mahars.

Maharashtra Cuisine

Maharashtrian cuisines are super delicious, hot and spicy. They can be divided into two styles konkani and varhadi. Maharashtrian cuisines abundantly use coconut, green chillies, peanuts, sesame seeds. The dishes can be very mild to spicy. People everyday consume wheat, rice, jowar, bajra, lentils, green vegetables and lentils. Well known Maharashtrian recipes are

• Kothimbir vadi
• Zunka Bhakri
• Pooran Poli
• Pav Bhaji
• Bharleli Vangi
• Misal Pav
• Amti

Dance forms in Maharashtra

Maharashtra has beautiful culture and traditions. They also have many kind of dance forms.

• Powadas are sung by shahirs. They are ballads which showcase the life time achievements and events in the life of great king Shri Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. People remember their beloved king and want to keep him alive in their memories.
• Lavani and koli dance is very popular in India. It has mesmerizing music and rhythmic movements. Koli dance is performed by fishermen.
• Dhangari Gaja dance is perform by shepherds. To please there god Bhiruba and to get his blessings. These dance depicts the tales of the birth of god Bhiruba.
• Lavani is the tradition folk music dance. It was developed in 16 century. 
• Dindi is a folk dance performed on Ekadashi day falling in the month of karthik. These dance often displays the playful behavior of lord krishna.

source