The State Symbols of Maharashtra

Maharashtra has a cosmopolitan soul. Maharashtra is believed to have originated from the word rathi, which implies the chariot driver. Maharashtra first appears in written history in the 2nd century BC. Maharashtra first arose in the 7th century in the travelogue of a contemporary Chinese traveller, Huan Tsang. Coming to the symbols, they represent a wide range of concepts. Every religion has a greeting symbol, every expression has a symbolic meaning of creative tradition, and every mark embodies the right information at the right time, such as a tick for acceptance and a cross for rejection. 

Symbols, in addition to communicating simple meanings, have many other aspects such as encouragement, perception, and hidden repercussions. Symbols were used by ancient kingdoms for a variety of strategic purposes. So each nation has a symbol that articulates its strategy. Similarly, each state in India has a symbol that conveys its affluence and virtues. Each state in India has its own unique set of symbols to represent the country’s rich diversity. These are the authorised symbols that represent each state’s individuality in cultural terms and national resources. State symbols include things like the state animal, state bird, state flower, state tree, and so on. Some states also have state fruits, fish, butterflies, and so on. The animals, birds, flowers, trees, or fruits chosen as state icons are all native to that specific state. States and Union Territories create their symbols to express their diversity. Adoption of emblems requires consent from the central government. 

All these factors have a major influence on defining the state symbols of Maharashtra:

• State emblem – Emblem of Maharashtra
• State foundation day: May 1
• State motto: Pratipaccandralēkhēva vardhiṣṇurviśva vanditā mahārāṣṭrasya rājyasya mudrā bhadrāya rājatē – This means, the glory of the Maharashtra government seal will grow like the first day of the moon. It will be worshipped by the entire world and will shine solely for the benefit of its people.
• State animal: Indian giant squirrel
• State bird: Yellow-footed green pigeon
• State flower: Giant crape-myrtle/Jarul
• State butterfly: Blue mormon
• State tree: Mango tree 

State animal of Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s state animal is the Indian giant squirrel. The Indian giant squirrel’s habits and habitat include mixed deciduous and moist evergreen forests, as well as tropical and rainforests. The state animals of Maharashtra are arboreal, spending the majority of their hours during the day and night on trees. 

• The Indian giant squirrel weighs between 1.5 and 2.5kg. 
• The length of the head to the body is approximately 25 cm to 45 cm. 
• The tail length varies between 20 cm and 40 cm. 
• The body colour ranges from deep red to brown, with white furs on the belly. 
• The forelegs and underparts are typically cream or dirty white. 

An Indian Giant Squirrel’s ears are round and short. The cheeks, chest, underpants are cream, white, or orange. The eyes are either bright dark brown or light brown, while the lips and nose are pink. They have very long hair surrounding the mouth and behind the nose. They have a powerful, long tail, and the colour ranges from creamy white to light brown at the tip. During the breeding season, males are actively engaged in competing for females, and pairs can stay together for extended periods. They are naturally shy and wary. Breeding occurs all year, or at least several times a year. They usually have one or two offspring.

State bird of Maharashtra

The yellow-footed green pigeon is the state bird of Maharashtra and it is also known as the Hariyal bird. Treron phoenicoptera, the yellow-footed green pigeon, is an Aves species, as are all other bird species. According to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the yellow-footed green pigeon is a Schedule-I – IV bird and is categorised as Least Concern by the IUCN. This species sustains on fruit, primarily Ficus species, and forages in groups. The legs are of vibrant yellow colour. Male and female appearances are similar.

Hariyal birds are found in Southern Asia. It is distinguished by a grey-coloured stripe on each shoulder. The forehead and lores were frequently infused with pale olive green. They have a lilac patch on their shoulders and a prominent yellow bar in their blackish wings. The neck is dark golden olive-yellow with a greenish undertone, the shoulder patch is mauve, and wing coverts have bright yellow fringes. The abdomen is a dull green colour with greyer flanks and bright sulphur-yellow lower belly and leg feathers. The average life expectancy of the yellow-footed green pigeon is six years.

State flower of Maharashtra

Lagerstroemia speciosa, identified as the giant crape-myrtle, is also known as the Pride of India and is the state flower of Maharashtra. This ornamental plant is native to southern Asia’s tropical and subtropical regions, including India and the Philippines. The plant’s leaves are used to make tea, and it is also one of the herbal plants widely promoted by the Philippine government for its medicinal value. The plant represents enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism. Jarul, also known as “Taamhan” in Marathi, was named after a Swedish naturalist. The flower’s meaning is spectacular or showy. Jarul is a member of the Lythrum family, also known as Lythraceae. The flower is significant because it is used in the preparation of medications and other healthcare products.

Conclusion

A state’s national symbols reflect the values and essence of its identity. They instil pride and patriotism in the people’s hearts. They are established over time and aim at promoting human unity. They also give people the strength to work together and aid in learning more about the specific state and our country.