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The 3rd largest state in the country,
Maharashtra is a region of remarkable diversity. The region
is characterized by a 700 km narrow coastal strip - the Konkan that
extends to the Western Ghats. The Satpura hills along the northern
border and the Bhamragad - Chiroli - Gaikhuri range in the east
serve as natural limits while in between lies the ancient Deccan
Plateau. The Sahyadri range that's part of the Western Ghats are one
of the oldest in the world and the rivers Bhima, Godavari and
Krishna originate from here. Long before, the regions forests were
home to a wide variety of animals including 6 species of elephants.
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Ruled by diverse
dynasties, each has added to the cultural flavour of the region,
leaving behind their own distinctive mark. In fact, its said that
Hiuen Tsand, the famous Chinese pilgrim, visited Maharashtra in AD
640. Since the 2nd Century BC, this state has been an important
centre for Buddhism. It was in the 12th Century that Hinduism became
more popular and the poet saints of Maharashtra spread the message
and took the movement forward. |
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Though one of the most
industrialized states, even in agriculture, Maharashtra does not lag
behind. Evidence from the Tapt river valley suggests that 4000 years
ago people were cultivating Cereals. The black soil of Vidharbha is
ideal for cotton. Sugarcane cooperatives are a major financial and
political force and the state is the second largest sugar producer
in the country. Alphonso the king of fruits, grows in
Ratnagiri and is exported. |
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Maharashtra the Land of
Chattrapathi Shivaji. Maharashtra, the true commercial State
of India. It has major business centers like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik
etc. It has small hill stations like Lonavala for a quick getaway
and Mahabaleshwar for a full hill station holiday. It has wonderful
beaches in Mumbai, and a nice weekend retreat at Chiplun away from
the hustle bustle. Pune has developed as a major commercial
centre, and might soon be having a international airport. Matheran
the hill station with a difference is a short distance from Mumbai
the commercial capital. |
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