Test: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Goa (Physical) - 2 - UPSC MCQ

The capital of Maharashtra is Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. Mumbai is located on the western coast of Maharashtra and is one of India's major commercial and industrial centers. It is often referred to as the "gateway of India" and has played a significant role in the country's social and political life.

Maharashtra is bordered by the Indian state of Gujarat to the northwest. It shares its boundaries with several other states, including Madhya Pradesh to the north, Chhattisgarh to the east, Telangana to the southeast, Karnataka to the south, and Goa to the southwest. It is also bounded by the Arabian Sea to the west.

The word "Maharashtra" is derived from the combination of two Sanskrit words: "maha" meaning great and "rashtra" meaning nation or abode. Thus, Maharashtra can be translated as "The Abode of Warriors" or "The Great Nation."

Maharashtra was formed as a state on May 1, 1960. Prior to that, it was part of the larger bilingual state of Bombay, which was divided into the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat based on linguistic and regional considerations.

Maharashtra is famous for its achievements in various fields. It is a leader among Indian states in terms of agricultural and industrial production, trade and transport, and education. The state has a diverse economy and is known for its agricultural productivity, industrial development, and vibrant trade networks.

The predominant language of Maharashtra is Marathi. Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language and serves as the official language of the state. It has a rich literary heritage and has played a significant role in fostering a sense of unity among the people of Maharashtra.

The Western Ghats, a mountain range at the western edge of the Deccan plateau, run almost continuously for 400 miles (640 km) north-south in Maharashtra. These ghats separate the wet Konkan Coast from the dry interior upland region called the Desh. The Western Ghats have a significant influence on the climate and physical geography of Maharashtra.

Pune, located on the Deccan plateau in Maharashtra, is known for its cooler temperatures throughout the year compared to other cities in the state. It is situated at a higher elevation and enjoys a pleasant climate. Pune is a major educational and cultural center in Maharashtra.

The forests in Maharashtra exhibit various types of vegetation. The Western Ghats and its transverse ranges have lush forests with lofty trees, variegated shrubs, and mango and coconut trees. Thorny savanna-like vegetation is found in areas with lesser rainfall, especially in upland Maharashtra. Subtropical vegetation, including bamboo, chestnut, and magnolia, is present on higher plateaus. Mangrove vegetation occurs in marshes and estuaries along the coast.

Maharashtra is home to several national parks, but Tadoba, Chikhaldara, and Borivli are known for their diverse wildlife. These parks offer opportunities to view animals such as tigers, leopards, bison, antelopes, striped hyenas, wild hogs, sloth bears, monkeys, snakes, and a variety of bird species. These parks play a crucial role in preserving the state's rich biodiversity.