Maharashtra vs. Gujarat: Differences Between Colorful Indian States

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Difference between Maharashtra and Gujarat

The states of Gujarat and Maharashtra are located in West India. Gujarat has played a crucial role in the Indian economy throughout the history of the country as it has one of the fastest growing economies. Some of the major ports are located in Gujarat, which makes this state one of the most important commerce and trade centers in India. Maharashtra, on the other hand, is the richest Indian state. It is second on the list of most populous states and is third largest state by area with Mumbai (Bombay) as its capital city. It is the largest city and also the financial capital of India.

Maharashtra
Gujarat

Geography

Gujarat is located on the Indo-Pak border. It has the Arabian Sea to the southwest and Maharashtra to its south, Madhya Pradesh to east and Rajasthan to its northwest. Gujarat is rich in forests and wildlife. It has some of the major mountain-ranges of India such as Aravalli, Vindhya and Satpura. Narmada and Tapi are the major rivers flowing through Gujarat.

The Arabian Sea forms the west coast of Maharashtra and a hilly range called the Western Ghats run parallel to the coast. Many south Indian rivers originate from Western Ghats including the Godavari and Krishna rivers. The soil of Maharashtra is rich in humus and is well suited for cotton and is thus called the black cotton soil.

Economy

As mentioned above, Gujarat is one of the most important trade and commerce centres. It has the world’s largest ship breaking yard. It also has world’s largest grass root refineries owned by Reliance Industries Limited founded by Dhirubhai Ambani. About 90% of roads in Gujarat are asphalt surfaced. Gujarat produces maximum gas based thermal electricity in India.

As far as Maharashtra is concerned petroleum, chemical, electrical, machinery and textile are the major industries of the region. Mumbai, the capital city, hosts the headquarters of many major financial institutions, banks, insurance companies and mutual funds in India. The Bombay Stock Exchange is Asia’s oldest stock exchange. Maharashtra ranks first in nuclear electricity generation.

Language

Gujarati is the chief language in Gujarat. Mahatma Gandhi and Mohammad Ali Jinnah had Gujarati as their first language. Hindi and Urdu are the other popular languages in Gujarat. Most of the Muslims in Gujarat, around 90 percent, speak Gujarati.

The official language of Maharashtra is Marathi. It is the mother tongue of around 70% of its population. Kannada and Hindi are the other major languages spoken here.

Similarities and Differences

Maharashtra

  • It is the richest Indian state.
  • Mumbai (capital) is largest city and also the financial capital of India.
  • Soil of Maharashtra is rich in humus and is well suited for cotton.
  • Bombay Stock Exchange is Asia’s oldest stock exchange.
  • Official language of Maharashtra is Marathi.

Gujarat

  • Some of the major ports are located in Gujarat, which makes this state one of the most important commerce and trade centers in India.
  • Aravalli, Vindhya and Satpura are its major mountain ranges.
  • Narmada and Tapi are the major rivers flowing through Gujarat.
  • World’s largest grass root refineries owned by Reliance Industries Limited are in Gujarat.
  • Gujarat produces maximum gas based thermal electricity in India.

 
 

comments 5 Comments

  • SG Shevade . 3+ yrs. ago

Electric power is one of the main hurdles ofprogress in Maharashtra. Last seven years we are suffering load shedding for 5-8 hrs a day, except Bombay. In 2009 we experienced a total power fai;ure of 20 hrs. in Baroda. Water the main requirement od aam adami, is in short in Maharashtra. Thanks to Narmada project Gujarat is comparatively better off. Gujarat has only 15 minister's ministry as against 85 ministers in Maharashtra. Gujarat is comparatively free from corruption. This is a major achievement of CM Narendra Modi.

  • Joshi Pathik . 3+ yrs. ago

I born in Gujarat, but my nationality is Indian, not Gujarati. Maharashtra is our neighbor and Gujarati proverb is "Pelo sago te padoshi. (Neighbor is our first relative.)"

"Gujarati Marathi Bhai Bhai"

  • pranit m . 3+ yrs. ago

yes

marathi gujrati bhau bhau

bt u gujratis need to learn how to give respect to marathi language, marathi people in Maharashtra(Mumbai).

if maharashtrian who are lived in gujrat can speak fluent gujrati then why not gujjus in mh speak marathi.

  • kapil Vairagi . 3+ yrs. ago

I think there are more Marathi's in Gujarat that Gujarati's In Maharashtra.60% of people in Baroda is Marathi speaking. A large Marathi speaking stay in Navsari,Vapi,Surat and Ahmadabad. Also I have seen Maharashtrians settled in Gandhi Dham,Bhuj and Mumdra and even in Saurashtra. Gujarati's mostly stay only in Mumbai. As both the languages are sisters so even Gujjus staying in Mumbai can speak good Marathi.

  • Therva . 3+ yrs. ago

It's indeed true that Marathi and Gujarati are close sisters.

But for perspective, Marathi and Konkani are even closer sisters than Marathi and Gujarati. This applies to various Konkani flavours spoken in different regional parts: Goa, Konkan districts of Maharashtra, Konkan districts of North Karnataka like Karwar etc.

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