Maharashtra-Specific Knowledge
Maharashtra-Specific Knowledge tests state formation, culture, society, districts, and administration. Questions often link saints, festivals, art forms, and constitutional bodies to the state.
Core facts
- Maharashtra was formed on 1 May 1960 under the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960; Mumbai is the capital.
- 36 districts and 6 divisions: Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Amravati, Nagpur.
- Legislature: Vidhan Sabha 288 elected members; Vidhan Parishad 78 members, a permanent house with one-third retiring every two years. High Court at Mumbai, benches at Nagpur and Aurangabad.
- Culture: Gudi Padwa (Marathi new year); Ganesh Chaturthi; Ashadhi Ekadashi and the Pandharpur Wari; Lavani, Tamasha, Povada, Bhajan, Keertan.
- Saints and reformers: Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, Tukaram; Jyotiba Phule; Dr B. R. Ambedkar; Shivaji Maharaj.
Worked example
Question: Dhule district belongs to which Maharashtra division? Reasoning: the Nashik division comprises Nashik, Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, and Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar). Answer: Nashik division.
Traps that cost marks
Do not say 35 districts; Maharashtra has 36. Aurangabad was renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad became Dharashiv in 2023. The Vidhan Parishad is not directly elected. Do not confuse Gudi Padwa with Ganesh Chaturthi. Pandharpur Wari is associated with Vitthal and the Varkari sect.