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The region that makes up the present-day state of Maharashtra has been the seat of several kingdoms and dynasties over centuries, including the Mauryas, Bahmani, and the Marathas. Every dynasty has left its impression on the region in the form of architecture, inscriptions, caves, art, and more. One will be amazed to know that this Indian state has about 350 forts, innumerable caves and rock carvings, etc. This is why knowing about Maharashtra’s cultural heritage is crucial, as it contributes to Indian culture and history. These different structures reflect the cultural variations that Maharashtra has witnessed, like the beautiful carvings of deities on cave walls, high pillars with inscriptions in the Maratha forts, and more.
A Walkthrough of Maharashtrian History
The richness of the cultural heritage of Maharashtra is the result of four major historical eras the state has witnessed. Let’s understand what these periods were and how they impacted the culture of this region:
- Middle Kingdoms: During this time, the state saw the rise of several dynasties, one after the other, that took it to its zenith. Starting from the 6th century, Maharashtra was ruled by the Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas, followed by the emergence of the Yadav dynasty in the 12th century.
- Medieval period: From 1206 CE to 1858 CE, the state saw the rise of Bahmani and the Deccan sultanates. There were five different sultanate regions – Ahmadnagar sultanate, Bijapur, Golkonda, Bidar, and Elichpur.
- Maratha Empire: This golden period witnessed great development in arts, music, literature and more. This empire was founded by the brave and ferocious Indian ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji. In 1760, the Maratha empire flourished and expanded under the reign of Peshwa.
- British Raj: British colonialism lasted in the country for about two centuries, and Bombay (Mumbai, the present-day capital of Maharashtra, was a vital trading port and financial centre.
Top Heritage Sites in Maharashtra
The speciality of Maharashtra lies in the rich collection of cultural and natural heritage sites, which have been listed in the below section.
Ajanta Caves: The Ajanta caves were constructed between the 2nd century CE and the 6th century CE. Here, a series of caves are interconnected through tunnels. These caves feature mural paintings and rock carvings. During the Vakataka Period, at least 29 rock monuments were constructed that are still in perfect shape. Most of the carvings are based on Gautama Buddha and Jataka stories.
Elephanta Caves: The Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas constructed the Elephanta caves on Elephanta Island. Most sculptures are based on the Hindu religion, depicting the gods and goddesses worshipped during the reigns of two dynasties. Out of all the caves, the first one is believed to be the main centre of worship for people living here till the 16th century.
Janjira Fort: The Janjira Fort is considered one of the best places to reflect light on the cultural heritage of Maharashtra. The Koli chief built this fort in the 15th century to keep an eye on the pirates and ships coming toward the Indian subcontinent.
Sinhagad Fort: Even though Singhagad Fort is still in ruins, there is no denying that the place has witnessed several battles, the most famous being the Battle of Sinhagad in 1671 CE. It was constantly captured by several rulers during the Sultanate Period and later on by Aurangzeb.
Pratapgarh Fort: Standing at the height of 1080 meters above sea level, the Pratapgarh Fort is considered one of Maharashtra’s natural beauties. It is located in the Satara district and was constructed under the rule of Shivaji Maharaja. The famous Battle of Pratapgarh took place between Shivaji and Afzal Khan in 1659.
Pandavleni Caves: With a series of 24 caves, the Pandalveni caves are known for their Buddhist rock sculptures and other beauties. It is believed that Buddhist monks used these caves for meditation and as a place to rest. Built during the reign of Satavahanas, some of these caves feature outstanding carvings depicting stories, characters and messages from the Buddhist religion. Inscriptions and carved statues of Gautama Buddha are still present in the Pandavleni caves.
Conclusion
The cultural heritage of Maharashtra is a major draw of for tourists around the world, and is a major contributor to the tourism economy. Different dynasties thriving in the state led to the creation of a large number of heritage sites. These heritage sites are living examples of the beauty and speciality of that time in history. For example, the presence of several centuries-old Buddhist temples explain how this religion thrived in Maharashtra during the Mauryan empire. Similarly, the rock caves depict the master art of sculptors and tell several stories of the culture, religious beliefs, administration, and lifestyle of the past. This is why Maharashtrian cultural heritage is considered the epitome of enigma, wonder, and awe. Initiatives are being taken to restore, preserve, and manage these these structures for generations to come.
