In the post-Independence India , in accordance with the policy of formation of states based on language, Maharashtra state was shaped in anew form on I May, 1960 based on Marathi language. The triangular shaped state ranks 3rd in terms of area and 2nd in respect to population among all the states of India . The Marathi speaking areas of former Bombay Presidency and Gujarat merged into this new form. Not only in geographical shape-had the name also changed from the Bombay of the past to Maharashtra state-derived from the Marathi word Maharashtri. However there are also alternative opinions about the source of the name. Though the exact origin of the name Maharashtra is not yet known, yet reference to Maharashtra is available in 7th century literature. Legend goes that the name Maharashtra is derived from the great charioteer (Maharathi) of the chariot.

The entire western coastline is hemmed by Arabian sea, Goa to the south and Daman to its north-the coastal line is stretched to 500 km. Andhra and Chhattishgarh are to its east, while to the south are Goa and Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are to its north. Geographically the current Maharashtra has been developed into three distinct divisions. (l00x80) sq km coastal areas are known as Konkan Coastal low land; Western Ghat mountain ranges (1400 m) stand like a wall between the sea and southern plateau, railways and roadways go through the Western Ghat which is also the sources of number of rivers, the vast land of the state is on 250-350 m high Decan plateau formed by lackish volcanic lava. The history of Maharashtra is very old-the mythological Vidarbha Kingdom was in current Maharashtra . Rukmini the wife of Sree Krishna, Indumati the wife of Aja and Damayanti, the wife of Nal were the princess of Vidarbha.

Mumbai Fast Facts

Area	437.71 Sq.km
Population	119.78 Lacs (Yr. 2001)
Altitude	Sea Level
Climate	Temperate (Humid)
Monsoons	June to September
Average Rainfall	210 cm.
Best period for tourism	October to March
Temperature	Max Min Summer 340C 230C Winter 280 C 160 C
Languages Spoken	Marathi, Hindi, English, Gujarati.
Means of transport	Western Railway Central Railway Harbour Railway BEST Buses, Taxies, Private Taxies Rickshaws (In Suburbs Only)
Number of BEST Buses	3500
Daily Average Of Passengers	45 Lakh
BEST Bus routes	432
BEST Bus Depot	26
Markets / Bazar	117
Shops	About   2.27 lakhs
Commercial Enterprises	About 1.51 Lakhs
Hotels	About 953
Cinema Houses	415
Auditoriums	27