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.
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.
