HISTORY OF MAHARASHTRA

Maharashtra is a state in the western region of India. It is the third-

most popular state and third-largest state by area. The major cities of
Maharashtra are Mumbai (earlier Bombay), Pune, Nashik and
Nagpur. The region that comprises the state has a long history dating
back to the 4th century BCE, although the present day state was not
established until 1960 CE.
From the 4th century BCE until, Maharashtri Prakrit and its
Apabhramsas (dialects) were the dominant language of the region.
The language Marathi language, which evolved from Maharashtri
Prakrit, has been the common language from 9th century. The oldest
stone inscriptions in the Marathi language date to around 975 AD.
Maharashtra was historically the name of a region which consisted
of Aparanta, Vidarbha, Mulak, Assaka (Ashmaka) and Kuntala. Tribal
communities of Bhil people inhabited this area, also known as
Dandakaranya, in ancient times. There was also an ancient race
called "Rattha", who referred to themselves as "Maharattha" (Maha
is Great). The name Maharashtra first appeared in the 7th century in
the account of a contemporary Chinese traveller, Huan Tsang.
In the early modern period, the region of Maharashtra came under
the rule of several Islamic dynasties, including the Deccan Sultanates
and Mughal Empire. For part of 17th century and most of 18th
century, the region became a base for the Maratha Empire, which
conquered large parts of India before being defeated by the British.
The British ruled parts of Maharashtra for more than a century until
1947. After independence from the British, the state of Maharashtra
was formed in 1960 after a prolonged campaign to create a Marathi.
Speaking state in the 1950s.
 The name Maharashtra, first appeared in a 7th-century
inscription and in the account of Xuanzang, a Chinese traveler
at that time.
 According to one interpretation, the name derives from the
word maharathi (great chariot driver), which refers to a skillful
northern fighting force that migrated southward into the area.
 several Hindu kingdoms During early period: Satavahana,
Vakataka, Kalacuri, Rashtrakuta, Chalukya, and Yadava.
 Muslim dynasties ruled after 1307.
 Shivaji, was born in 1627. Shivaji showed astonishing prowess
by founding a large Maratha empire that shook Delhi-based
Mughal rule to its foundations.
