Maharashtra and Gujarat, two vibrant states in India, observed their statehood day on the 1st of May, 2020. This significant day was marked by commendations from the Prime Minister and other prominent figures, who recognized and lauded the substantial contributions by these two states to the advancement of the country.
Background: The Birth of Maharashtra and Gujarat
Historically, on May 1st, 1960, the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960, led to the bifurcation of the bilingual state of Bombay. This resulted into the creation of two separate states: Maharashtra for the Marathi speaking populace and Gujarat for those speaking Gujarati. With this act, Gujarat emerged as the 15th state within the Indian Union.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra, with its capital city Mumbai, has a sex ratio of 929 females per 1000 males, slightly lower than the national standard of 943. The state boasts a high literacy rate of 82.34%, which is higher than the national average of 74.04%. On the geographical front, the Arabian Sea flanks Maharashtra’s western edge, whereas Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh border its northern side. Chhattisgarh lies towards the east of Maharashtra, while Karnataka and Telangana share its southern boundary lines.
Regarded as the nation’s powerhouse, Maharashtra has Mumbai at its heart, operating as India’s commercial and financial hub. The state is equipped with two key ports, Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP), both situated within Mumbai harbour. The India State of Forest Report (ISFR)-2019 reveals that Maharashtra has a forest coverage of 16.50% of the state’s geographic region. In terms of ethnicity, Bhil, Gond-Madia, Katkari, Koli, Oraon, and Warli represent the chief tribes of Maharashtra.
Gujarat
Gujarat’s capital, Gandhinagar, is home to a population with a sex ratio of 919 females per 1000 males, again slightly below the national average. The literacy rate in Gujarat stands at 78.03%, higher than India’s average of 74.04%. In terms of geography, the state is surrounded by the Arabian Sea in the west, with Pakistan and Rajasthan towards the north and northeast, respectively. Madhya Pradesh verges on the southeast, and Maharashtra borders the south.
Gujarat has the distinction of being the nation’s first state to institute a separate department dealing with ‘climate change’ — an initiative directed towards combating global warming. Kandla Port, along with 41 minor ports, marks the state’s maritime prowess. Gujarat is also home to significant tribes such as Gamit, Bhils, Dhodias, Bawcha, and Kunbi. As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR)-2019, Gujarat has the largest wetland area within Recorded Forest Area/Green Wash (RFA/GW) nationwide, followed by West Bengal.
These states continue to be vital contributors to the progress of the country, extending beyond their celebration of statehood day.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024