Historical Information of Maharashtra
Maharashtra was inhibited since the Palaeolithic era, as indicated by the archaeological evidences. Maharashtra's early history information is not well known and its recorded history is as old as the 3rd century BC. It was recorded with the use of the Marathi language, a Prakrit corruption of Sanskrit. Later, Maharashtra was included in the Magadha empire, ruled by the Buddhist emperor Ashoka. The port town of Sopara was the hub of ancient India's commerce, having links with Eastern Africa, Mesopotamia, Aden and Cochin. This port town was situated just north of the present day Mumbai. As the Mauryan Empire degraded, Maharashtra was overpowered by the Satavahanas between 230 BC and 225 AD.
¤ The Early History
Vidarbha, the eastern region of Maharashtra was also conquered by the Vakatakas (250 AD-525 AD), who were then the rulers of the state. Art and religion developed and technology flourished, during this period. By the 6th century, Maharashtra came under the reign of the Chalukyas. Later, in 753, Rashtrakutas ruled the region. This empire spread over most of the Indian peninsular. Rashtrakutas were then defeated in 973 by the Chalukayas, who ruled parts of Maharashtra until 1189, when they lost to Yadavas of Deogiri.
¤ The Islamic Influence
When the Muslim emperors entered India, they established their capital in Delhi. Later, they started to expand towards the south of India. The first Muslim emperors who invaded Maharashtra and conquered some parts of the Deccan in the 13th century were Ala-ud-din Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughluq. When the Tughlaq dynasty fell in 1347, the Bahamani Sultanate overpowered the region and ruled it for the next 150 years.
By the 16th century, central Maharashtra was ruled by numerous autonomous Islamic kingdoms that owed commitment to the Mughals. Meanwhile the coastal region was annexed by the Portuguese, who wanted to control the rich spice trade of the region.
¤ The Maratha Empire
As the 17th century emerged the Maratha Empire began to take root. Shivaji Bhonsle led the Marathas, native to western Maharashtra, he was crowned king in 1674, after a long fought battle with Muslim emperors. The Maratha Empire saw the peak under Shivaji's reign. He included almost the entire Deccan, central India and some parts of modern day Pakistan into Maratha Empire. After defeating the Mughals in 1707, the Marathas became the dominant rulers of India. Bajirao I, in the year 1712, was crowned the next king. He established the Peshwa (Prime Minister) dynasty with Pune as their capital. During his reign Maratha Empire suffered a heavy defeat to the Afghan chieftain Ahmad Shah Abdali, in the third Battle of Panipat in 1761. The loss was so huge that the Maratha Confederacy was reduced to a regional kingdom. As the British East India Company arrived in India and started interfering in the Indian politics, they faced stiff resistance from the Marathas. These two powers fought three major battles, which led to the annexation of Peshwa ruled territory in Maharashtra in 1819. This marked the end of the Maratha empire.
¤ The British Raj
This region was ruled by the British, as a part of the Bombay Presidency. The Bombay presidency included an area from Karachi in Pakistan to most of the northern Deccan. The British Raj saw many social reforms, infrastructure improvement and many revolts due to their prejudiced policies. As the 20th century began, a non-violent struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi started taking shape. The Quit India Movement started by Gandhi in 1942 was marked by a non-violent civil disobedience movement and strikes.
¤ Post Independence (1947)
Many independent princely states in central India joined the Indian Union, after India's independence in 1947. Bombay state was established in the year 1956, which merged the princely states of central India into Bombay Presidency. The state of Maharashtra was established on 1st May 1960, this state included the Marathi-speaking territory of Bombay state. Maharashtra became India's leading state after the favorable economic policies in the 1970s.
Located, in the north center of Penunsular India, Maharashtra is the 2nd populous state in India. The state is surrounded by Arabian seas in the west, Gujarat and Madhya Padesh in the North, Chattisgarh in the east and Goa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the South.
History
The archaeological findings point the earliest history of Maharashtra to the Palaeolithic man who led a nomadic existence, and subsisted on wild game, fruit and plants. The recorded history of this region can be traced to approximately the 3rd century BC, which is when the Maharastri language, a Prakrit corruption of Sanskrit was in use. Marathi evolved from Maharashtri and became the language of the people of this area from the 10th century onwards. In the course of time, the term 'Maharashtra' was used to describe this region.The expansion of Mauryan empire southwards led to flourishing trade and the development of Buddhist learning in the region. The construction of its first Buddhist caves, still stand as a symbol of the era. With the disintegration of the Mauryan Empire, Maharashtra came under the rule of the Satavahanas (230BC - 225AD) which was a significant phase in the political, cultural and social history of Maharashtra.The Vakatakas (AD 250 - 525) brought the Vidarbha region under their rule and, during that period, Maharashtra witnessed an overall development in the fields of learning, arts and religion. The best known of the Ajanta caves (caves 16, 17, and 19) belong to the Vakataka period.
Chalukyas, who rose to power in Karnata in the 6th century AD with Vatapi (present Badami) as capital, consolidated their power over Maharastra under Pulikesin II (609-642) and conquered nearly the whole of Deccan. By 753 AD, Dandidurga laid foundation for a new dynasty called Rastrakutas. The Rastrakutas Empire extended from south Gujarat, Malva and Baghalkhand in the north to Tnajore to the south. The famous Kailash cave temple (Ellora) was built under the patronage of the Rashtrakutas. In 973 Tailia II, a descendent from the early Chalukyas, overthrew the dynasty. The Chalukyas continued to rule parts of Maharashtra up to AD 1189, when the Yadavas of Deogiri took over. Buddhism was almost entirely supplanted throughout the entire country by the twelfth century. Ala-ud-din Khalji penetrated the Deccan in AD 1296 and defeated the Yadavas whose supremacy ended in AD 1310. Muhammad Tughluq (1324-1350), followed Ala-ud-din Khalji's example and extended his authority up to Madurai.
The fall of the Tughluqs gave rise to Bahamani dynasty in 1347 that lasted nearly 150 years. In order to preserve political authority, these rulers employed the local people in civil, military and diplomatic services. One of them, Maloji Bhosale, Grandfather of Shivaji, served the Nizam of Ahmednagar as a Sardar. In 1595, Bahadur Nizam II honoured him as 'Raja' for his courage in a battle with Mughals and gave him the estates of Pune and the fort of Chakan, near Pune. This is generally considered as the starting point of the Maratha history.
The rise of the Maratha power played an important role in the second half of the 17th century. In the middle Ages, the Marathas upheld the national cause under the Yadavas of Devagiri. But in the 17th century they were organised into a national state. In 1629, Shivaji's father Shahaji disengaged himself from the service of the Nizamshahi and joined the Adilshahi in Bijapur, which was soon to emerge as the most important power in the region.
Shivaji Bhosale was the hero of the Maratha national movement. He was born in 1627. His mother Jiji Bhai groomed him by infusing high and inspiring ideas of heroism, spirituality and chivalry into Shivaji's mind. In 1646 he captured the fortress of Torna. Since then he raided, sacked acquired and annexed many forts and territories. With cunning planning and shrewdness, he always outwitted his enemies and opponents. By 1673, he had control over most of western Maharashtra and had made 'Raigarh' his capital. In 1674 Shivaji was crowned king at Rajgarh. When he died on 14th April 1680 at the age of 53, nearly whole of the Deccan was under his rule.
Shivaji's son Sambhaji succeeded him who was executed by Mughals in 1689. Rajaram, Sambhaji's younger brother succeeded him and his death in 1700 seemed to end the power of the Marathas. But Tarabai, the elder widow of Rajaram, enthroned her young son Shahu, and stood up against Aurangaseb. The fight against the Mughals ended only with the death of Aurangaseb in 1707. After Aurangaseb, Mughal power declined in India and balance of power shifted in favour of Marathas.
In 1712, when Shahu died, his prime minister or peshwa, Balaji Vishwanath (1712-1721) accented to the throne and established the Peshwa Dynasty. Balaji was succeeded by his son Bajirao (1721-1740). Historians regard Bajirao the founder of Greater Maharashtra, because it was under his reign that Maharashtra became the centre of Indian politics. During Bajirao's reign, Pune became the capital of Maratha and remained capital until 1818. His son Nanasaheb (1740-1761) succeeded him. During the Peshwas, an alliance was formed between the Mughals and the Marathas.In 1761, Ahmadshah Abdali defeated the Marathas at the third Battle of Panipat, which was a fatal blow to the rising Maratha power from which they never recovered. The Peshwa rule of Maratha continued with mixed tidings until 1804, when the British declared the Deccan a chaotic region and enforced military rule. The role of Peshwa became figurative and in 1819 the British took over Maratha from the Peshwa who fled after losing the war at Kirkee to the British.
In the early 20th century, the whole of India was in revolt against the British under Mahatma Gandhi. India became Independent in 1947 and western Maharashtra and present-day Gujarat were joined as Bombay state. The eastern districts were then part of Hyderabad State, but were later added to Bombay in 1956. The present state was formed in 1960 when the Marathi and Gujarati linguistic areas of former Bombay state were separated. Bombay city became the capital of the new state.
Culture of Maharastra
Cultural heritage of Maharashtra is rich and sustained over centuries by waves of settlers and its diverse and rich geography, biology, people and customs. Its long tradition in arts have flourished from the cave paintings at Ajanta to today's Warli paintings and handicrafts of Maharashtra are beyond comparison. The arts and crafts of Maharashtra are exciting and compelling.
Folk Arts
Dindi and Kala
Dindi and Kala are two religious devotional dances performed in Maharashtra. These dances describe the playfullness of Lord Krishna. Dindi is a small drum like a 'Tamate'. The musicians are gathered in the centre; a 'Mridangam' accompanied with a vocalist gives the dancers the necessary musical background. Around the musicians, the assembled men and women dance joyfully. This is usually prformed on the Ekadashi day in the month of Kartik.Crafts
Sawantwadi Crafts
The craft of lacquer ware was introduced into Sawantwadi around the end of the 17th century. During the 18th and the 19th centuries, various schools of this craft were started in Sawantwadi. Many of the artisans were moved from nearby Goa. The painting of mythological figures show three distinct styles, roughly divided into the Chitrakatha, Temple and Ganjifa styles. Now-a-days Sawantwadi lacquer ware has a large range of products and concentrates on traditional hand painted and lacquered furniture and light fittings.Bidri Works
Bidri ware, another one of Aurangabad's ancient crafts, is made from a combination of zinc and copper. It usually involves intricate workmanship of pure silver, either embossed, overlaid or inlaid on the metal surface. Originally, Bidri ware items were used as hookahs or paan daans. Nowadays they are more often sold as souvenirs.Leather Works
Kolhapur is most famous for its hand-made leather sandals or chappals. These leather sandals are very popular all over the world. they are simple in styles and comfortable to wear. Depending up on the quality of leather and design, the cost may vary but in general Kolhapuri chappals are good value for the money.Weaving
Maharashtra has a strong textile history and has different types of saris or materials that is typical of a particular area or region, such as Kolhapur, Pune and Paithan, Aurangabad.Mashru and Himru
Mashru and Himru are two types of fabrics made of cotton and silk with lusture of satin. Aurangabad is famous for these fabrics. Himru shawls of Aurangabad is a less expensive type of brocade in which both silk and cotton threads are used to produce the multi-colored designs. The actual ornamental design is formed on the principle of extra weft figuring. Because of this extra layer of loose silk weft, the Himru shawls are soft, and almost feel like silk. It is believed that Mohamed-bin-Tughlak brought weavers to Aurangabad from Ahmedabad, Banaras and Gujarat, which led to the start of the Himru industry.Paithani Saris
The art of weaving Paithani saris is 2000 years old. The yarn used is pure silk and the zari or gold threads are drawn from pure gold. A heavily brocaded Paithani sari takes anywhere from six months to one and a half years to weave.Narayan Peth
Narayan Peth sari is a traditional Maharashtrian sari from around Sholapur, beautifully woven in silk with a contrasting zari border, generally with 'rudraksha' motifs.Painting
Warli Paintings
The Warlis are tribal people who live in the Thane district, north of Mumbai. Traditionally, Warli paintings or chawk were made by women folk during wedding rituals, using rice paste and straw those were then smeared on the walls of their huts. Presently Warli paintings are also done on paper and sold all over India. The themes of these Warli paintings are strangely ascetic. They are painted in white on an austere brown surface decorated with occasional dots in red and yellow. Men, animals and trees form a loose, rhythmic pattern across the entire sheet.Cuisine
The cuisine of Maharashtra is largely influenced by the landscape, the people and the crops grown in various regions. It is not only memorable for its subtle variety and strong flavours, but also because of the legendary hospitality of Maharashtrians.The exotic Konkani food of the West coast of Maharashtra, be it the mild, naturally fragrant vegetable mixture served with local papads, or a spicy-hot fish and meat curry with a coconut milk base, is a gourmet's dream come true.
Vidarbha's cuisine is spicier and more exotic than that of the coastal and southern regions. The ingredients commonly used are besan, or chickpea flour, and ground peanuts.
The food of Peshwas and Brahmin communities of Pune is delicate, sparsely designed and entirely vegetarian. 'Puneri misal', 'thalipeeth', 'puri bhaji' and 'dalimbi usal' are not only tasty and nutritious, but inexpensive to make.
Kolhapur is famous for its spicy meat curries. Popularly called 'Matnacha rassa', red-hot meat dish is served with robust chappatis, a white gravy to dilute its pungency or a chilli gravy for the bravehearts.
Aurangabad's food is much like Moghlai or Hyderabadi food, with its fragrant pulaos and biryanis. Meat cooked in fresh spices and herbs is a speciality, as are the delectable sweets.
The Nagpur food is generally spicy, with a good amount of ghee, and peanuts, dried copra and dal are often the basis of the flavours.
Festivals in Maharastra
Maharashtra celebrates traditional, religious, state and national festivals. Other than the traditional fairs, recently established state festivals that involve dance, music and other events have been specially organised for the tourists. Some of the known fairs celebrated in different parts of Maharashtra are given below.
MTDC Organized Festivals
Banganga Festival (Jan)
The Banganga Festival is a musical extravaganza organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in January at the atmospheric Banganga tank at Walkeshwar. Top artistes from around the country perform live classical music concerts and cultural enthusiasts attend the festival and feast the soul as well as the mind.Elephanta Festival (Feb)
The Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. These caves are located at a distance of 11-km from Mumbai.In February Elephanta Island comes to fervour as the site of the Elephanta Festival. Organized by MTDC, every year, renowned dancers and musicians perform outside the caves, beneath a star-studded sky, to a select and appreciative audience. Special launch services and catering arrangements are provided for visitors.
Pune Festival (Aug - Sep)
The Pune Festival is a celebration of art and culture, song and dance, custom and tradition. Originally conceived as a localised cultural event, it has evolved into one of the few festivals that has been actively promoted abroad by the government of India, as a major tourist attraction. While Pune Festival has provided a unique platform for exponents of classical music and dance, keeping pace with changing times, it has also helped to promote modern trends in the performing arts, notably the dramatic arts and the traditional art of rangoli. The week-long Pune Festival provides a feast of entertainment for visitors who can participate in traditional and modern sports events, shop for exquisite textiles and handicrafts and rejoice in the colourful customs of Maharashtra.Kalidas Festival (Nov.)
MTDC organize Kalidas Festival in November every year at Nagpur, to commemorate one of the greatest poets of all times, 'Kalidasa' (4th century AD) who had enriched Indian literature with his works of 'Abhijnanasakuntalam', 'Meghadootham', 'Raghuvamsam' and 'Kumarasambhavam'. some of the greatest exponents of music, dance and drama perform in the picturesque setting of Ramtek, celebrating its glorious heritage over two exciting days and nights.Ellora Festival (Dec)
Every year MTDC organises the Ellora Festival in December, at Ellora caves near Aurangabad, where renowned artistes display their virtuosity in music and dance surrounded by 1,400-year old caves and rock carvings. Artistes perform in this magnificent ambience to enchant the gods, goddesses and human lovers of art. The Kailas temple, sculptured out of one huge rock, is one of the most beautiful backdrops for this event.Religious Festivals
Holi (March)
Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year. Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi has several traditional links with legends. It is also a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. Holi announces the arrival of spring and the passing of winter. Young and old alike are drenched with colours. People in small groups are seen singing, dancing and throwing colours on each other. Men, women and children all participate in this merry making.Gudhi Padava (Mar-Apr)
Gudhi Padava is the Maharashtran New Year's Day celebrated on the first day of Chaitra (Mar-Apr). This day marks the start of the Hindu solar year. It is a day of great festivity and rejoicing. People get up early and clean their houses, decorating them with intricate rangoli designs. Bamboo staffs (gudhi) decorated with silk cloths and topped with a brass goblet or kalash are erected. These are supposed to drive away evil from the houses.Nariyal Poornima (Aug)
Nariel Purnima or coconut day in August is a festival to honor the sea god Varuna and it marks the end of the monsoons and is celebrated by Maharashtra's fisher folk. Boats are painted, little oil lamps lit and set afloat amidst the waves and carried in the boats, and coconut are broken against their bows as an offering to the Sea God and the seas are set afloat with garlands of flowers as the new fishing season begins.Raksha Bandhan (Aug)
Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated on this day. On this day, sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of their brothers to protect them against evil influences. This is also the day set apart for Brahmins to change their sacred thread they wear.Parsi New Year (Aug-Sep)
Pateti in August is the Parsee New Year, significant because it was on this day that the Shahenshahi Zoroastrian community landed in India while migrating from Persia. The Parsees celebrate at the fire temple, and the community bonds are strengthened through feasts and the meeting of friends and relatives.Ganesh Chaturthi (Aug-Sep)
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the month of Aug.- Sep., as the birth anniversary of Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom. The festival is so popular in Maharashtra that the preparations begin months ahead. Images of Ganesha are installed and elaborate arrangements are made for lighting and decoration and celebrations are held for 7-10 days. The Chaturthi is the last day dedicated to the elephant-headed god, and thousands of processions converge on the beaches and river banks carrying the idols of Ganesha, to be immersed in water. This immersion is accompanied by drumbeats, devotional songs and dancing and marks the end of the festival. Diwali(Oct-Nov)
Diwali is a five day Festival to celebrate home coming of Lord Rama and his consort Sita, a festival of lights symbolising the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. Twinkling oil lamps or diyas light up every home and firework displays are common all across the country. The goddess Lakshmi who is the symbol of wealth and prosperity, is also worshipped on this day. This festive occasion also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Crackers and fireworks illuminate the sky and people pray for a prosperous coming year.Maharashtra Day is celebrated in commemoration of the formation of the Maharashtra State on the 1st of May.
Makara Samkramana, Sri Ramanavami, Sri Krishna Janmashtami are some of the other Hindu festivals celebrated in devotion together with other regions of the country.
Like other regions of the country, Muslims celebrate religious festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Milad-un-Nabi and Moharrum.
Christian festivals like Christmas, Easter, Good Friday etc are also celebrated along with the rest of the nation.
Buddha Poornima and Mahaveera Jayanthi are celebrated in certain regions of the State.
Places of Interest
Aurangabad
Aurangabad, named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, is the gateway to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora. Lying along the right bank of the Kham River, the city is the district headquarters, which offers visitors all the modern comforts and amenities. There are three museums housing the art treasures of the region namely the Sunheri Mahal Museum, the University Museum and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum. A visit to the pleasant confines of the Bani Begum Gardens will be rejuvenating.Aurangabad is located 388km from Mumbai. Aurangabad has a domestic airport connecting Mumbai, Pune and other cities to it. The city is connected by good paved roads and rail to other parts of the state.
Bibi - ka - Maqbara
Bibi Ka Maqbara is the mausoleum of Dilras Banu begum, the queen of Aurangaseb. Built in 1679 in the centre of a garden, the Maqbara is a poor imitation of the Taj Mahal. While the Taj is lavished with fine quality of marble and exuberant with a variety of arabesque and fine inlay work, the Maqbara has fine stucco work. It is worthwhile to visit the Maqbara and it is most atmospheric at night when floodlit. Panchakki
Panchakki, meaning water wheel, is a calm and peaceful place that visualizes the life that existed in the medieval period. The complex of Panchakki had been a place of external abode of the great Sufi Saints who flocked to India in 12th century AD. The Muslim Sufi Saint Baba Shah Musafir is buried here. Panchakki takes its name from the water mill built in the early 17th century which was considered an engineering marvel at that time. The mill was driven by water and used to grind grain for pilgrims. The water flows down through earthen pipes from a river at a distance of 10km.Aurangabad Caves
Carved out of the hillside around 6th and 7th century AD, these Buddhist caves are located about 2km north of Bibi-ka-Maqbara. There are ten caves in all; caves one to five forming the western group, while one km away, caves six to ten form the eastern group. Cave 4 of the western group is the oldest and is a Hinayana chaitya. Other caves in this group are viharas. Cave 3 is square and has 12 ornate columns. The eastern group of caves has sculptures of women with exotic hair styles and ornamentation. To the left of cave 7 there is a huge sculpture of praying Bodhisatwa.Around Aurangabad
Ajanta
In 1819, a group of tiger hunting British army officers discovered a series of carved caves those were used as monsoon retreats or varshavasas by Buddhist monks. Altogether there are thirty caves and these caves were continuously occupied from 200 BC to 650 AD. Of the thirty caves, five are chaityas or temples and the rest are viharas or monasteries.
The Ajanta caves were built in two phases, separated from each other by four hundred years. These architectural phases coincide with the two schools of Buddhist thought, the older Hinayana sect where the Buddha was represented only in symbols and the later Mahayana sect where Buddha was represented in human form.The more prominent Hinayana caves are chaitya caves 9 and 10 and vihara caves 8, 12, 13 and 15. The sculpted figures in these caves are dressed and coiffed in a manner reminiscent of the stupas at Sanchi and Barhut, indicating that they date back to the first or second century BC.
The Mahayana chaityas are in caves 19 and 26 while others are monasteries. A path of modern construction connects the caves, but in ancient times, each cave was accessed from the riverfront by individual staircases.
The sculptures and paintings in the caves detail the Buddha's life as well as the lives of Buddha in his previous births. Court scenes, street scenes, cameos of domestic life and even animal and bird studies are painted on the walls of these caves.
Ellora
The cave temples of Ellora in the lap the Chamadari hills, lay 30km north-west of Aurangabad. Carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, the site also lay on a trade route that connected Paithan with other parts of northern and eastern India. Like Ajanta, Ellora was never lost; and is referred to in the travel accounts of the Arab and the European travellers who visited India during 9th and 10th century AD.The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are the finest specimens of cave temple architecture. They house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures represent the three faiths of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist; the 17 caves in the middle are dedicated to Hinduism, while the 5 caves to the north are Jain. The Buddhist caves were carved during 6th and 9th century AD and the Hindu caves were hewed during 7th and 10th century AD, while the Jain temples belong to 8th and 12th century AD.
The sculptures in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace and serenity inherent in Buddha. Caves 6 and 10 have images from both Buddhist and Hindu faith. Cave 10 dedicated to Vishwakarma is a Chaitya and a Vihara with a seated Buddha placed in the stupa. Its two-storey structure has a colourful pageant of dwarfs, dancing and making music.
The Kailasa temple in Cave 16, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an architectural wonder, the entire structure having been carved out of a monolith. This mountain-abode of Lord Shiva is, perhaps, the world's largest monolith. The gateway, pavilion, assembly hall, sanctum and tower, all are carved out of a single rock. Though Gigantic, it remains one of the most delicate and intricate ancient works of art.
The Jain caves are about a mile away from the Kailasa temple. The cave 32, the two-storey Indrasabha temple with a courtyard, houses a beautiful shrine adorned with fine carvings of a lotus flower on the roof, and a yakshi on a lion under a mango tree. Caves 32 and 34 contain grand statues of Parasnath. The other Jain caves house images of Tirthankaras, and one of them, has a seated figure of Mahavira as well.
Daulatabad
Rising over 600 ft above the Deccan plain, the fort at Daulatabad, once known as Devgiri, was the capital of Yadavas. In the 13th century, Mohammed bin Tughlak, the Sultan of Delhi, made it his capital and renamed it Daulatabad, or City of Fortune. It is one of the best preserved forts of medieval times, virtually unaltered. Its defence systems comprised fortifications of double and even triple rows of massive walls. The most notable structures at Daulatabad are the Chand Minar, Jami Masjid and royal palaces. The Jami Masjid was a mosque built by the Khilji ruler of Delhi, Qutub-ud-din Mubarak. The palaces consist of spacious halls, pavilions and courtyards. Daulatabad can be accessed by private taxi or by the local bus that runs between Aurangabad and Ellora.Khuldabad
In the 14th century, several Sufi saints of the Chishti order chose to settle in Khuldabad. The dargah of Moinuddin Chishti, the spiritual guide of Aurangzeb, is within this sacred complex. The austere emperor himself rests nearby, in a simple grave in striking contrast to the grand mausoleums of his predecessors. Khuldabad can be accessed by road.Anwa Temple
A Shiva temple built in the 12th century, and consists of a sanctuary and a mandapa with decorated pillars, stands in the village of Anwa, 10 kms east of Golegaon. The niches have exquisitely sculpted images of Vishnu, Ganesha and other deities. Located on the main road leading from Aurangabad to the Ajanta Caves, Anwa Temple can be reached by taking a well-marked diversion at Golegaon. Private car or taxi is probably the best mode of transport.Pitalkhora Caves
Pitalkhora Caves, consists thirteen Buddhist excavations from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD, are located about 40 km north-west of Ellora. These caves, cut into the side of a secluded ravine, are mainly viharas and they form the largest group of Hinayana Buddhist structures in Maharashtra. Pitalkhora is best accessed by road from Aurangabad.Lonar Crater
The village of Lonar is situated about 170km from Aurangabad. Over 30,000 years ago, a meteorite struck the area creating the world's largest impact crater in basaltic rock. Botanists have recently discovered vegetation life forms, not found anywhere else on this planet, in the lake that formed in the crater. There are many small temples along the shore, which are constructed in the Hemadpanti style. Visitors will encounter with migrant and resident birds like peafowl, peacocks, kingfishers, orioles and minivets in the crater. Lonar can be accessed by road from Aurangabad.Paithan
Paithan is famous for the beautiful Paithani saris that are prized by all Indian women. The town is also famous for the Dnyaneshwar Udyan, which is the largest garden in Maharashtra, and a museum with a good collection of art work. The Jaikwadi Dam nearby is a bird-watchers delight. 51km south of Aurangabad, Paithan can be best accessed by road from Aurangabad.Kolhapur
Kolhapur is a city with a rich cultural, historical and mythical past. A peek into the past reveals that Kolhapur has lived through the regimes of various rulers from the mythical past to the modern age. The magnificent temples of Kolhapur were built during the periods of the Satavahanas and the Shilaharas. The Marathas controlled this area from 1700 to 1849, and in 1849 Kolhapur changed hands to the British.In 1945, archaeological excavations close to a hill named Brahmagiri on the banks of the river Panchaganga revealed the existence of an ancient town dating back to the Roman times. Today, Kolhapur combines its artistic past with a dynamic present and is a modern, industrial city. Kolhapur is located about 450km from Mumbai and can be accessed by Road and rail. The nearest airport is Goa.
Maharaja's Palace
The Maharaja's new palace, designed in Indo-Saracenic style and built in 1881, houses the Shahaji Chatrapati Museum. The palace has an array of old maharaja's possessions of his cloths, hunting photos, silver elephant saddles , trophies of his passion for hunting those include variety of stuffed animals, animal skins, and other articles with animal parts.Mahalaxmi Temple
This exquisitely carved temple attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India and is an important spiritual centre. The temple is dedicated to Mahalaxmi or Amba Bai. The temple complex has artistically sculpted structures and has shrines of other deities. The Chalukya ruler, Karandev initiated the construction of this temple in the 7th century AD.Around Kolhapur
Panhala
Panhala is the largest of all Deccan forts. Built during AD 1178-1209, it was the seat of the Shilahara dynasty. Since AD 1190 it was held successively by the Yadavas and Bahamanis. The history of Panhala Fort is also the history of the Marathas. This is one of the few forts in which Shivaji stayed more than a year. Three double-walled gates guard the entry to the fort. Inside the fort is the huge granary, Amberkhana, said to contain 50,000 mounds of corn poured into it from symmetrical gaps in the ceiling. The nearest railhead is Kolhapur cant. Panhala is 20km from Kolhapur and 428km from Mumbai, by road.The Konkan Coast
The Konkan coast is a narrow strip between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. It is an area with deserted beaches and abandoned forts. It is known for its produce of fish, avocados and alphonso mangos.Chaul
Chaul is a Portuguese settlement built in 1522. They built a fortified township with numerous churches, factories and a governor's house. But the Marathas sacked them and they eventually gave up Chaul to Marathas. Chaul is situated on the north shore of the Roha River. One can reach Chaul from gateway of India by ferry service. The journey will be approximately for one hour.Murud-Janjira
Janjira is the 16th century capital of the Siddis of Janjira. Located 160km south of Mumbai, the island fortress is one of Maharashtra's most commanding coastal forts. The fort's 12m high walls made it impregnable to everyone. Shivaji tried to conquer it from the sea and it is said that his son Sambhaji tried to take it by tunnelling to it. The fort is accessible only by local boats from Murud.Kashid
Kashid is a beach resort located about 20km north of Janjira. It is a 3km stretch of unspoilt beach which is clean and promises good swimming. Kashid can be accessed by a four hour bus journey from Mumbai.Ganpatipule
Located 375km from Mumbai, Ganpatipule is known for its swayambhu monolithic Ganpathi which attracts thousands of devotees from all over India. It is also one of the serene beaches of Maharashtra.Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is located 19km south of Ganpatipule and it is the largest town in the Konkan coast. It is also the main transport hub and the birthplace of Lokamanya Tilak, the freedom fighter. Konkan railway is the best way to reach Ratnagiri and Ganpatipule. The nearest airport is Belgaum, in Karnataka at 64km.Matheran
Matheran is the nearest hill station to Mumbai. Situated at an altitude of 800m above sea level, it is an undulating hilltop with shady trees and walking tracks. On a clear day one can have a breadth taking view of Mumbai from Hart point. Discovered by Huge Malet in 1850, it soon became a popular hill station during the British Raj.In Matheran, motor vehicles and bicycles are not permitted. The best season to visit materan is from Nov-Feb and from April-June. The two hour journey to Matheran by the narrow gauge train through the scenic surroundings will be thrilling and something to remember. A variety of accommodation facilities are available in Matheran.
Lonavala & Khandala
Located 106km south-east of Mumbai, Khandala and Lonavala are two hill stations, 5 kms apart, on the Mumbai-Pune highway at an altitude of 625m. They are very popular with Mumbaities and they also alternate as getaways and health resorts. Though not much to see in the towns, it is the most convenient base from which one can visit the Karla and Bhaja caves.Pune, 66 kms away, is the nearest airport. All trains from Mumbai to Pune and the South stop at Lonavala. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available in Lonavala and Khandala. Accommodation in a number of luxury and budget hotels is also available in Khandala and Lonavala.
Karla caves
Built around 80 BC, Karla, 12 km from Lonavala, is the site of the largest rock cut chaitya (temple) caves in India. Amongst the best-preserved Buddhist temples in India, they are the finest examples of this style of temple architecture. The temple is carved by monks and artisans from the rock imitating the wooden architecture. The 37 pillars those form the isles are topped by kneeling elephants. An Ashoka Pillar topped by four back to back lions stands outside the cave.Bhaja caves
About 3 kms from the main road is the more peaceful setting of the Bhaja Caves. Dating from around 200 BC, 10 of the 18 caves here are viharas (monasteries) while Cave 12 is an open chaitya earlier than the chaitas of Karla. Lohagad Fort and Visapura Fort, old and atmospheric, are located on the hills above the caves.Mumbai
The island city of Mumbai is situated off the west coast of India, south of the tropic of Cancer. Because of a wide bay between the city and the mainland, Mumbai has been a natural harbour and trading centre. Mumbai is the gateway to India from the west. Being the commercial capital of the country, Mumbai has all infrastructures for domestic and international travel. Domestic and international airlines connect Mumbai with all parts of the country and the world. Major raiways and highways connect Mumbai to the rest of the country. For More Information Around Mumbai
Bassein
Bassein Fort, now in ruins, was a Portuguese fortified city from 1534 to 1739 when it was sacked by the Marathas. The ruins of the Portuguese Fort still stand almost hidden by brushwood and palm groves. Some of the walls and churches can still be seen. About 10km to the north-west lays Nalasopara village, the capital of the Konkan region from 1500 BC to AD 1300. Many Buddhist relics were discovered here. Vajreshwari Temple and Akoli Hot Springs are an hour by bus from Bassein. Also easily accessible is Ganeshpuri with the Sadguru Nityanand Maharaj Samadhi Mandir, the Bhimeshwar Temple and other ashrams.From Mumbai, Bassein Fort can be reached easily by local train up to Bassein or Vasai Road station on the Western Railway and then by auto-rickshaw or taxi. By road, it is 77 kms along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway.
Elephanta Island
Located at a distance of 11-km from Mumbai, the Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. Once known as Gharapuri, or the Fortress City, the caves are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visited by hundreds of tourists, they contain some of the finest rock-cut sculptures in India.Kanheri Caves
Situated on the side of a thickly wooded valley in the middle of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the well-known Kanheri Cave Complex that was built between the 2nd and 9th centuries by the Buddhist monks of Hinayana faith. The 109-cave line is one of the largest monastic settlements in India.The most impressive cave is the 2nd century Cave No. 3, whose entrance is flanked by two huge statues of Buddha carved in the 6th century. The interior has an arcade of pillars with intricate carvings of lions and elephants with a 5m stupa in the rear.
Nagpur
Situated on River Nag, in the centre of India, Nagpur is India's orange growing capital. The present city was founded in the early 18th century by Bhakt Buland, a Gond prince of the kingdom of Deogad in the Chhindwara district. By the mid 18th century, it came in possession of the Marathats. By 1817 the British took control of Nagpur. In 1861 it became the capital of the Central Provices. After independence it was incorporated in Maharashtra. Nagpur celebrates the conversion of Dr. Ambedkar to Buddhism on the 18th of every year and thousands of Buddhists join the celebration.Nagpur has a domestic airport and it is connected to Mumbai and Delhi by air. National highways and state highways connect the city to other parts of the country. It is a major train junction and trains originate from Nagpur to all major centres of the country.
Pune
Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is located about 170km from Mumbai. It has been a bastion of the powerful Maratha Empire for over one hundred years. In 1818, Pune was taken over by the East India Company who made it as a military base. It has one of India's oldest universities and numerous colleges catering to Indian and international students. Pune is an important commercial and educational centre. Pune is connected with the rest of the state by air, highways and rail.Raja Kelkar Museum
The museum exhibits the personal collection of Sri Dinkar Gangadhar. This fascinating museum has a collection of more than 17000 artworks and curios. They include Peshwa and other miniatures, musical instruments, carved doors and windows, and other unique articles.Osho Commune International
For many westerners, the city'a main attraction could be Bhagavan Rajaneesh's Osho Commune International. It is located in northern suburb of Pune.The commune has facilities like swimming pool, sauna, tennis and basketball courts, massage and beauty parlour and a five hectre Zen garden known as Osho Treeth. The commune runs courses in traditional meditation as well as new age techniques. Casual visitors can take an hour tour and video presentation for a normal fee.Gandhi National Memorial
Built as a palace in 1892, this memorial, set in 6.5 hectares of gardens, originally was the palace of Aga Khans until 1956. In 1969, it was donated to India by Aga Khan IV. In 1942 after Gandhiji initiated his quit India movement, the British imprisoned him and other leaders here for two years. Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma's wife and Mahadoebhai Desai, his secretary for 35 years died during this period. Their ashes are kept in memorial tombs in the garden. Photographs highlighting Mahatma's career with his simple personal effects are also displayed here.Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute
Those who are serious to learn Hata yoga can do so at this institute under the guidance of legendary BKS Iyengar. The institute is 5km west of Pune Centre.Around Pune
Sinhagad
Sinhagad or the lion fort is located 24km southwest of Pune and it is ideal for a day trip. While recapturing the fort from the forces of Bijapur, Tanaji, Shivaji's general died. A grieving Shivaji is known to have said, "Gad ala pan sinh gela" (The fort is won but the lion has gone). And this is how the fort got its name - sinh (lion's) gad (fort). Though the fort is in ruins, one can visit the memorial to Tanaji, the tomb of Shivaji's son Rajaram and the warehouses where the Pune merchants used to store their wealth in the past. The fort can be scaled from its many approaches. One can trek from Donaje up to the top. Donaje can be reached by bus from Pune. Another shorter and less steep climb is from Kalyan village past the Kalyan Darwaza.Mahabaleshwar
120km from Pune, Mahabaleshwar is Maharashtra's most popular hill station. Located at an altitude of 1372m, it is an escape from the noise and fumes of Mumbai and Pune. Founded in 1828 by Sir John Malcolm, it was the summer capital of Bombay Presidency during the British Raj. One can while away the hours boating or fishing at the placid Venna Lake or explore the walks or the thirty points that offer panoramic views of the valley and the sea. The crystal waters of the numerous waterfalls are delight to bathe in.Panchgani
Located 19km east of Mahabaleshwar at a height of 1334m is another hill station but not as popular as Mahabaleshwar. It is a residential hill station with an old world charm. This can be seen in the architecture of the British buildings, the Parsi houses and the boarding houses that have been around for a century or more.Raigad
80km northwest of Mahabaleshwar, Raigad was the capital of Shivaji's kingdom. The fort is strategically balanced atop a wedge-shaped block of hill, split off from the Western Ghats and is inaccessible from three sides. Shivaji crowned himself Chhatrapati here. For six years upto his death, Raigad remained the capital of the Marathas. The fort has broad gates and magnificent monuments. Parts of Raigad are in ruins. One can also visit Gangasagar Lake, the nearby Jagadishwar Temple and Shivaji's Samadhi. Raigad can also be an adventure-filled day excursion from the hill station of Mahabaleshwar or from Pune.Pratapgarh
Pratapgarh fort is also associated with Shivaji. Located 24km west of Mahabaleshwar, The fort was built in 1656 and has spectacular views. Regular buses from Mahabaleshwar take about one hour to reach Pratapgarh. It takes a further five hundred step climb to reach the fort.Bhimashankar
Located 125km from Pune, Bhimashankar is the Shiva temple with one of the five jyotirlingas found in Maharashtra. Constructed during the Peshwa period, the Temple has fine carved wooden entrance. Mahashivratri is celebrated with great pomp and tens of thousands of devotees attend the fair. One can also visit Bombay Point, Gupta Bhimashankar-the origin of Bhima River, Hanuman Tank and Nagphani Point.Nashik
Nashik is a city of forts, temples and holy sites. The famous pilgrimage centre of Shirdi is situated in Nashik. River Godavari flows through Nashik and its Northern part is called Panchavati. It is said that lord Ram and Sita along with Laxman stayed at Panchavati for some time during his exile. Nearby is Sita Gumpha (cave) where Sita is said to have stayed. Nashik has always been a major centre of commerce and trade in the past. Leading researchers are said to believe that it was probably the country's largest market place.Today, Nashik is a bustling township with a blend of the ancient and the modern. It is the home to many industries. The Security Printing Press of the Indian Government is located here. Nashik is connected with the rest of the state by rail and good roads. The nearest airport is Mumbai at 190km.
Sita Gumpha
The Gumpha (Cave) is near the five Banyan trees in Panchavati. One can enter the cave with the help of a very narrow ladder. The cave has the idol of Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita. To the left, another cave has the Shiva Linga. Devotees believe that Ravan kidnapped Sita from this place.Ramkund
The most important place in Panchavati is Ramkund. It is so called because Lord Rama is believed to have taken bath there. A dip in this sacred kunda is considered to purify the devotee and help attain salvation. The Gandhi Lake is nearby and has a memorial made out of white marble, in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji's ashes were immersed in Ramkund after his death.Kala Rama Mandir
Built by Peshwas in the 18th century, the Kala Ram Mandir is another sacred temple in Nashik. During Ramnavami, Dasara and Chaitra and Padwa there are festivities in the temple. The temple was built with black stones brought from Ramshej. It is said that 2000 workers toiled for 12 years to build the temple. The apex of the temple is made of gold.Sundarnarayan Temple
The Sundarnarayan temple was built in 1756.The architecture of the two Mandaps is attractive and the dome is made with ornate cordons. The arched recesses are in Mughal style. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. A remarkable feat of the construction of the temple is that on 21st March, rays of the rising sun fall first on the idols.Around Nashik
Trimbakeshwar
36km from Nashik, the village of Trimbak is renowned for the Trimbakeshwar temple and as the source of the Godavari River. Trimbakeshwar temple is one of India's most sacred with one of 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to Shiva. At the Kushavarta Teertha, devotees dip into the waters to purify themselves of all sins before entering the temple. It is also believed that bathing in the waters of the Godavari will bring salvation. The annual festival of Shivratri attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India.Shirdi
Shirdi is 122 kms from Nashik and is the abode of Sai Baba of Shirdi. Sai Baba preached tolerance towards all religions and the message of universal brotherhood.Every activity at Shirdi revolves around the vast temple complex and devotees queue up in the dawn to seek the blessings of Sai Baba. There are various rest houses for pilgrims and eating rooms providing boarding and food at nominal rates. Budget and luxury hotel accommodation is also available.
Pandav Lena Caves
Pandav Lena caves are located on a small hillock, 2.5km from the Taj Residency hotel on the Bombay-Agra Road. This group of 24 Buddhist caves belonging to the Hinayana faith, who worshipped Buddha in symbolical form, dates back to the 1st Century BC and the 2nd Century AD. The images of Buddha carving in some of the caves are additions by the Mahayana faith during 4th - 6th Century AD.All caves in the group are Viharas (monasteries) except cave No. 18, which is a well sculptured Chaitya (Temple). Cave No. 3 is a large vihara with a shrine and cisterns and was excavated at the orders of the Mother of the famous Satvahana King Gautamiputra Satkarni. Cave No 10 is also a vihara identical to cave no 3, but it is much older and finer in its details.
Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg
Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg bear testimony to Maharashtra's martial supremacy during Shivaji's reign. Vijaydurg was strengthened around the 17th century by Shivaji, who built the triple line of walls, numerous towers and massive interior buildings. Shivaji constructed Sindhudurg in 1664, at a site personally selected by him and no efforts were spared in its construction. Within its vicinity are temples of Maruti, Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimai, Mahapurush and also of Shivaji. Once seized by the British Sindhudurg was renamed Fort Augustus.Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg beaches offer the visitors one of the most serene and beautiful coastal views in India. Rajapur and Kudal are the nearest railheads on the Konkan Railway to Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg respectively. Vijaydurg is 425km and Sindhudurg is 510km from Mumbai via the Goa highway.
Dhananjay Godbole
Excellent collection on Maharastra & good reading for people coming to the state for the 1st time.
ReplyDeleteRajesh
Thanks a lot for sharing Maharastra history.Wish you all a joyful Raksha bandhan.
ReplyDeleteCheers!!
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