Maharashtra is the commercial, entertainment, and financial hub of India. The state is located in the western region of India, having a spectacular combination of lonely forts, cave temples, pristine beaches, and tranquil remains of crumbling. If you decide to explore the state, you will delve deeper into its rich cultural heritage. 

The state of Maharashtra is also home to some of the most developed cities in India, namely Pune, Mumbai, etc. This article will bring you some additional facts about Maharashtra that make it unique and different from the rest of the states. Learn all about the establishment, population, and interesting facts about Maharashtra from the write-up below. 

Establishment of Maharashtra 

  • In 1960, the state of Bombay was divided into two new states, namely Gujarat and Maharashtra. The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 defined the boundaries of both the states under its amendment. 
  • The primary issue of dividing both the states was too many linguistic differences between the people speaking Gujarati, Konkani, and Marathi languages. It raised the demand for an individual state for the Maratha in the year 1940. However, the scuffle took a backseat following the emergence of the Quit India movement and World War 2. 
  • The struggle continued over two decades, along with several commissions debating to separate the state. 
  • In 1956, the former Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru announced that Bombay was turning into Union territory for five years. Later on, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution for bilingual Bombay state. 
  • In March 1960, Lok Sabha put forward the state resolution to resolve all the disputes running over the subject. After one month, the Lower house approved the resolution for Bombay state.
  • After all the hustles, the Maharashtra state came into existence with Bombay to be its capital on May 1, 1960. 
  • Today, Samyukta Mahasabha Organisation holds the charge of the statehood movement in Mumbai. 
  • After the formation of Maharashtra state, the local people of the state celebrate the establishment date through speeches and colourful parades with enthusiasm. Most colleges, schools, and offices remain closed on the date as per the State and Central Government’s jurisdiction. The Governor of Maharashtra makes his speech at the Shivaji Park. Moreover, the Maharashtra state government and the private sectors launch new schemes and projects on this day for development. The state also prohibits the sales of Liquor on Maharashtra Diwas to Indians. 

Population of Maharashtra

  • According to UIDAI, the population of Maharashtra is assessed to be at 12.57 crores in 2022. 
  • After Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra is the second-highest populated state in India. 
  • Maharashtra is India’s most progressive state in terms of its economy, holding a $390 million GDP value between 2018-and 2019 that shares around 15% of its per capita income. 
  • In addition, the total fertility rate of Maharashtra state is 1.8, according to the Niti Aayog report. 
  • As per the estimation, Maharashtra’s population will be around  124,904,071 in 2022. The estimated male population will be around 64,750,685, and the estimated female population will be around 60,153,386. 

The Religious Population of Maharashtra 

  • Hindu population is the majority in Maharashtra state, with 79.83% followers. Muslims form the second-highest populated community in the state, with 11.54% devotees. 
  • Next, the Christian religion followers constitute about 0.96% population in the state, Jainism holds 1.25% population, Sikhism and Buddhism form 0.20 % population, and the rest 0.16 % are other religions. 

Interesting Facts about Maharashtra 

  • The mysterious Lonar Lake- Maharashtra is the only state with a saline soda lake created 52000 years ago after a meteor hit the earth. 
  • Massive roadway- Maharashtra state consists of the most extensive roadway in India. The road length is over 2,67,500 km. 
  • No door No worries- The Shani Shingnapur’s houses of Maharashtra do not have doors at their residence. People of Shani Shingnapur believe that anyone stealing from their places will have to face the wrath of Lord Shani Maharaj. 
  • The station of two states- Navapur Railway station is built in two states. The first half is in Gujarat and the other half in Maharashtra. 
  • A strike for a right cause- Mumbai’s Dabbahwallahs first went on strike in 2011 to extend their support for Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption campaign. 
  • Honest populaces- The state of Maharashtra consists of many Taxpayers in India. 
  • Friendly cobras- The Shetpal village of Maharashtra provides a separate space for cobras to live in its ceilings. Surprisingly, the state hasn’t recorded any single case of cobra bite to date. 
  • Land of Saints- Maharashtra is also known as the land of saints. The famous saints’ names are Narsing Maharaj, Shree Gajanan Maharaj, Shree Sai Baba, Shree Swami Samarth, and Tembe Swami. 

Conclusion 

The majestic state of Maharashtra is the second most populated state in India. It was established on May 1, 1960, after the lower house proposed the resolution of separating the state. Today, the local people of Maharashtra celebrate the Maharashtra Diwas in Shivaji Park by organising colourful parades and speeches by the state governor. 

Maharashtra is a perfect epitome of religious and cultural beliefs. It is the entertainment, financial and commercial hub of the country. Being the commercial hub, Maharashtra is the most urban city in India, with an estimated population of 124,904,071 in 2022.