Maharashtrian

Maharashtrian refers to a person from the Indian state of Maharashtra or to anything related to the state, including its language and culture. The term most commonly designates Marathi-speaking people, who form the largest linguistic and cultural group in the state. The Marathi language, an Indo-Aryan language with official status in Maharashtra, has several dialects, including Standard Marathi, Malvani, and Varhadi.

Geography and administration: Maharashtra is located in western India and is bordered by Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Karnataka, and the Arabian Sea. Its capital is Mumbai, the country’s financial and commercial hub, and major cities include Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and Aurangabad. The state was formed on May 1, 1960, following the States Reorganisation Act, rearranging boundaries on linguistic lines to create Maharashtra from the former Bombay State.

Culture and identity: Maharashtrian culture encompasses literature, music, dance (such as lavani and bharud), art, and regional traditions across urban and rural areas. The community is diverse, with multiple religious and social groups contributing to regional practices and festivals. The concept of Maharashtrian identity can incorporate various dialects, cuisines, and customary practices tied to different districts and communities within the state.

Cuisine: Maharashtra’s food traditions include iconic dishes and street foods, such as vada pav and pav bhaji, as well as regional specialties like misal and bhakri with curries. These culinary practices reflect the state’s agricultural diversity and urban influences.

The term Maharashtrian thus denotes a regional identity tied to Maharashtra’s language, culture, geography, and demographic composition.