How Many District in Maharashtra 2024? List and Overview

November 12, 2024
how many district in maharashtra
Quick Summary

Quick Summary

  • Maharashtra, one of India’s largest states, has 36 districts, each with its unique cultural and geographical significance.
  • These districts are grouped into six divisions: Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Amravati, and Nagpur.
  • Major districts include Mumbai, known as the financial capital; Pune, famous for its education and IT sector; Nagpur, known as the Orange City and Aurangabad, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ajanta and Ellora caves.
  • Each District in Maharashtra contributes to the state’s rich heritage, diverse economy, and vibrant cultural landscape.

Table of Contents

Maharashtra is India’s third biggest state with a total area of 307,713 km2. But how many district in Maharashtra are there? There are a total of 36 districts in Maharashtra, each with a different population, size, economy, and level of development.

Now, think of these districts as puzzle pieces that make up the state. Each district has a leader called a district collector who looks after things in that area. They then divide these districts into smaller parts like talukas, villages, and towns. This setup helps the government run things smoothly, make sure everyone is safe, and deliver services to people who live in these areas

Exploring Maharashtra

1. Historical Origins

On May 1, 1960, the state of Maharashtra, meaning “The Great State,” was established. But its history goes way back. Many ancient empires like the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas, and the powerful Marathas have ruled this land. Chhatrapati Shivaji, a legendary figure, led the Maratha Empire and left a lasting legacy. This rich history is a big part of what makes Maharashtra what it is today.

2. Geographical Diversity

Maharashtra is a fascinating state with a mix of beautiful nature and bustling city life. From the famous skyline of Mumbai to the peaceful hills, it offers a wide range of experiences. Do you have any specific questions about Maharashtra? Its diversity helps create vibrant agriculture and unique landscapes.

3. The Western Ghats

The Western Ghats in Maharashtra are a beautiful mountain range with lots of plants and animals. It’s a great place for people who love nature and want to go trekking. It’s a peaceful escape from city life.

4. Urban Hubs

In Maharashtra, you’ll find lively cities like Mumbai and Pune. People know Mumbai as the “City of Dreams” and recognize it as a major hub for finance and entertainment. It’s a diverse and bustling place with a big film industry. Pune is famous for its schools and is a center for new ideas and technology.

5. Vidarbha’s Arid Landscapes

Vidarbha, in the eastern part of Maharashtra, looks very different with its dry landscapes. The area has some challenges because of its semi-dry climate, but it’s still an important place for farming. Farmers in Vidarbha are good at growing crops in these conditions, which helps the state’s agriculture.

6. Agricultural Wealth

Maharashtra has different types of land for farming. They grow rice and sugarcane in the flat areas and grapes and oranges in the hilly areas. Maharashtra is really important for India’s food. It has cities and nature, like the Western Ghats, and dry places. Maharashtra shows how India can be different and still do well.

7. Economic Powerhouse

Mumbai, situated in Maharashtra, holds the title being India’s financial capital. Maharashtra contributes 14% to India’s total economic output, known as Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Its strong economy comes from its location, industries, business centers like Mumbai, and services sector.”

8. Historical Treasures: The Forts

The state of Maharashtra has 350 forts. Each of these forts has its own story and history. Some famous ones are Raigad, Sinhagad, and Pratapgad. These forts are like time machines that take us back to different times and battles. They’re not just old walls; they’re like windows to the past.

In a nutshell, Maharashtra is a land of history, diverse landscapes, economic strength, and an abundance of forts. It continues to play a crucial role in India’s growth and has a rich cultural tapestry that’s worth exploring.

Administrative Divisions of Maharashtra

The Maharashtra state is divided into 6 revenue divisions, each consisting of multiple districts:

1. Amravati

  • Akola
  • Amravati
  • Buldhana
  • Washim
  • Yavatmal

2. Aurangabad

  • Aurangabad
  • Beed
  • Hingoli
  • Jalna
  • Latur
  • Nanded
  • Osmanabad
  • Parbhani

3. Konkan

  • Mumbai City
  • Mumbai Suburban
  • Palghar
  • Raigad
  • Ratnagiri
  • Thane
  • Sindudurgh

4. Nagpur

  • Bhandara
  • Nagpur
  • Chandrapur
  • Gadchiroli
  • Gondia
  • Wardha

5. Nashik

  • Ahmednagar
  • Dhule
  • Jalgaon
  • Nandurbar
  • Nashik

6. Pune

  • Kolhapure
  • Pune
  • Sangli
  • Satara
  • Solapur

How Many District in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region?

Marathwada is a proposed state and geographical area of Maharashtra, India. During the Nizam regime, it became a part of the then Hyderabad state. The region is the same as the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Its historical and cultural importance defines its location in the southeastern part of the state.

Here are the districts of the Marathwada region:

Marathwada District List

Districts Area (km2)
Aurangabad10,100
Beed10,693
Jalna7,687
Dharashiv7,569
Nanded10,528
Latur7,157
Parbhani6,251
Hingoli4,526

Maharashtra District List

If you are curious about how many districts in Maharashtra are there. Here is a table showing the list of 36 districts in Maharashtra state, along with their sizes and populations.

NoDistrictArea (in sq. km)Population
1Ahmednagar17,0484,543,159
2Akola5,4311,818,617
3Amravati12,2352,888,445
4Aurangabad10,1003,695,928
5Beed10,6932,585,303
6Bhandara3,8191,200,334
7Buldhana9,6612,586,258
8Chandrapur11,4432,204,307
9Dhule8,0632,050,862
10Gadchiroli14,4121,072,942
11Gondia5,4311,322,331
12Hingoli4,5261,177,345
13Jalgaon11,7654,224,442
14Jalna7,7181,959,046
15Kolhapur7,6853,876,001
16Latur7,1572,454,196
17Mumbai City1573,085,411
18Mumbai Suburban3699,356,962
19Nagpur9,8924,653,171
20Nanded10,5293,361,292
21Nandurbar5,0991,648,295
22Nashik15,5306,107,187
23Osmanabad7,5691,660,311
24Palghar8,3952,990,116
25Parbhani6,2241,835,982
26Pune15,6429,426,959
27Raigad7,1522,634,200
28Ratnagiri8,2081,612,672
29Sangli8,5722,822,143
30Satara10,4803,003,741
31Sindhudurg5,207849,651
32Solapur14,8954,317,756
33Thane9,55811,060,148
34Wardha6,3091,300,774
35Washim5,1501,196,714
36Yavatmal13,5822,772,348

Maharashtra Map with Districts

36 District in Maharashtra

Timeline of District in Maharashtra

The government of Maharashtra added a few more districts over time to the 26 district in Maharashtra that existed in the newly created Indian state of Maharashtra in 1960. Here’s the Maharashtra district timeline.

How Many District in Maharashtra in 1960

There were about 26 Districts in Maharashtra before 1960 and below is the Maharashtra district list.

YavatmalWardha
ThaneSolapur
SataraSangli
RatnagiriRaigad
PuneParbhani
OsmanabadNashik
NandedNagpur
Mumbai CityKolhapur
JalgaonDhule
BhandaraBeed
AurangabadAmravati
AhmadnagarAkola
ChandrapurBuldhana

Maharashtra Districts added after 1960

YearDistricts in Maharashtra added after 1960
1981Districts of Jalna and Sindhudurg were added.
1982The districts of Latur and Gadchiroli were included.
1990The district of Mumbai Suburban was created.
1998Washim and Nandurbar districts were added.
1999Hingoli and Gondia districts were established.
2014The district of Palghar was included

Smallest District in Maharashtra

Mumbai City District is the smallest district in Maharashtra, covering just 157 square kilometers. It’s home to Mumbai, India’s financial hub, and has a population of about 21.3 million people. The financial sector, Bollywood, and historical landmarks like the Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus make the district well-known.

The Mumbai City District may be small, but it has a big impact on Maharashtra and the whole country. It’s an important financial and cultural center with a large population, making it a standout district in Maharashtra.

Mumbai City district, smallest district of Maharashtra

Largest District in Maharashtra: Ahmednagar

Ahmednagar is the largest district in Maharashtra, known for its rich history and culture. It’s famous for the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, a popular pilgrimage site. The district also has forts, monuments, and historical sites from the Maratha Empire. People also know Ahmednagar for its agriculture. It’s a great place to explore Maharashtra’s diverse heritage.

Ahmednagar, largest district of Maharashtra

Also Read:-

How Many Districts in Karnataka? | An Overview

How Many Districts in West Bengal? Brief Overview

How Many Districts in India: State Wise List of Districts

New Districts in Maharashtra

Maharashtra, a state known for its diverse landscape and growing population, is thinking about creating new districts to make governing and administration easier. Here’s the Maharashtra district list, along with some details about each:

1. Nashik District (from Malegaon and Kalwan):

The proposed Nashik District will emerge from parts of Malegaon and Kalwan.

2. Thane District (from Mira-Bhainder and Kalyan):

Thane district, an important district in Maharashtra, will expand further by incorporating areas from Mira-Bhainder and Kalyan.

3. Buldana District (from Khamgaon):

Buldana, a proposed district, will encompass regions currently part of Khamgaon. This area is notable for its agricultural activities and cotton production.

4. Achalpur District (from Amravati district):

Achalpur, a proposed district in Maharashtra, would form from Amravati. Amravati itself is known for its educational institutions and cultural heritage.

5. Sakoli District (from Bhandara district):

Sakoli will become a new district in Maharashtra, separating from Bhandara. This region is rich in natural resources and forestry.

6. Chimur District (from Chandrapur district):

The proposal suggests separating Chimur from Chandrapur. Chandrapur is known for its coal mines and wildlife sanctuaries.

7. Aheri District (from Gadchiroli district):

Aheri would be created from Gadchiroli. This region is a significant part of Maharashtra’s tribal belt.

8. Bhusawal District (from Jalgaon district):

Bhusawal, formed from Jalgaon, is an important agricultural and industrial hub in Maharashtra.

9. Udgir District (from Latur district):

Udgir aims to become independent by separating itself from Latur. Latur is known for its historical and cultural heritage.

10. Ambejogai District (from Beed district):

Ambejogai, carved out of Beed, is a region with religious and historical significance.

11. Kinwat District (from Nanded district):

Kinwat as a district would be separated from Nanded, which has a rich historical background.

12. Mandesh District (from Satara district):

Mandesh aims to be a new district within Satara, a region famous for its strawberries and cultural heritage.

Geographical, Economic, and Cultural Significance of Maharashtra District list

DistrictGeographical SignificanceEconomic SignificanceCultural Significance
Mumbai CityCoastal area, India’s financial hubFinance, entertainment industryCosmopolitan lifestyle, center for Bollywood
Mumbai SuburbanUrban sprawl along the coastResidential zones, commercial centersCultural diversity, bustling urban environment
ThaneCoastal and hilly regionsIT sector, industrial developmentHeritage sites, vibrant festivals
PalgharCoastal belt with forest coverTourism, industrial expansionTribal heritage, scenic beauty
RaigadCoastal area with fortsAgriculture, tourism, and industriesHistorical monuments, coastal lifestyle
RatnagiriScenic beaches along the coastMango farming, fishing, tourismKonkan cuisine, traditional arts
SindhudurgPristine beaches, coastal environmentAgriculture, fishing, tourismAncient forts, temples, local crafts
PuneHilly region with fertile plainsEducation, IT, manufacturingRenowned for classical music and institutions
SataraHilly and fertile terrainAgriculture, tourism, industriesHistorical sites, hill stations
SangliRiverbank location, fertile plainsSugarcane farming, industriesReligious festivals, temples
KolhapurFertile land, known for heritage sitesAgriculture (jaggery), manufacturingWrestling culture, Kolhapuri cuisine
SolapurArid plains, historic importanceTextiles, agricultureReligious fairs, local festivals
NashikHilly area, vineyardsWine production, agricultureKumbh Mela, pilgrimage tourism
DhuleAgricultural landscape, riversideCotton farming, small industriesLocal crafts, traditional fairs
NandurbarHilly region, tribal populationHandicrafts, agricultureTribal traditions, festive events
JalgaonAgricultural plains by riversBanana and cotton farming, industriesAjanta caves, pilgrimage sites
AhmednagarFertile plains with heritage landmarksGrapes and sugarcane farming, industriesHistoric monuments, religious events
AurangabadHilly area, UNESCO heritage sitesTourism, auto-manufacturing sectorCultural festivals, heritage tourism
JalnaAgricultural land, historical relevancePharmaceutical industries, agricultureHistoric monuments, cultural festivals
BeedArid region with historical importanceAgriculture, small industriesAncient forts, cultural heritage
OsmanabadArid plains with notable landmarksSmall-scale industries, agricultureFolk arts, historic sites
NandedFertile land, pilgrimage significanceReligious tourism, agricultureSikh pilgrimage center, historical significance
LaturArid plains with educational relevanceAgriculture, educational institutionsHistoric forts, traditional music
HingoliArid terrain with historic landmarksSmall industries, agricultureLocal festivals, cultural heritage
ParbhaniArid plains, historic backgroundEducation, agricultureCultural events, monuments
AmravatiRiver plains, cotton-growing regionAgriculture, manufacturingCultural activities, historical sites
AkolaPlains along riversCotton industries, agricultureCultural festivals, monuments
YavatmalPlains and riverside terrainCotton and soybean farming, industriesFolk arts, local celebrations
BuldhanaAgricultural land along riversIndustry, agricultureReligious and historical sites
WashimPlains by riversAgriculture, small industriesLocal fairs, historical landmarks
NagpurCentral location, “Orange City”Trade, education, industriesCultural events, historic landmarks
WardhaAgricultural land with historic sitesTextile industries, agricultureGandhian heritage, cultural events
BhandaraForested land near riversAgriculture, industryWildlife sanctuaries, tribal culture
GondiaForested area by riversAgriculture, small-scale industriesTraditional crafts, wildlife sanctuaries
ChandrapurForested terrain with mineralsMining, agriculture, industryWildlife sanctuaries, local festivals
GadchiroliDense forests with tribal populationsAgriculture, forest produceEco-tourism, tribal culture

Some Interesting Facts About Maharashtra

  • The Ajanta and Ellora caves, renowned for their exquisite Buddha and Hindu god carvings, represent the pinnacle of Indian art.
  • Most UNESCO Sites: Of all the states, Maharashtra has the most with five UNESCO historic sites.
  • Mumbai serves as the hub of Bollywood, the Hindi film industry. With about production 2,000 films every year.
  • The Mahabaleshwar region earns the title “Strawberry Capital” due to its production of 85% of all strawberries in India.
  • Maharashtra is India’s top producer of sugar, accounting for approximately 35% of the country’s total output.
  • India’s center for banking and finance, Mumbai is home to the RBI, SEBI, and other large banks.
  • When it opened in 1861, the Mumbai Zoo bore the name Victoria Gardens, honoring Queen Victoria.
  • 720 kilometers of stunning beaches, cuisine, forts, and harbors along the coast.
  • After Rajasthan, Maharashtra is the second largest state in India, covering an area of over 3 lakh sq km and 36 districts.

Conclusion

In summary, the article gives a detailed explanation of how many district in Maharashtra are there. The districts offer a mix of culture, history, and diversity. From the busy city of Mumbai to the peaceful villages along the Konkan coast, each district has its own unique character and importance. Maharashtra’s districts are not just administrative areas; they hold heritage, economic activity, and natural beauty. Maharashtra values both tradition and progress, as seen from its districts, ranging from the largest district of Ahmednagar, renowned for its religious significance and agriculture, to the proposed new districts aimed at enhancing the state’s administration.

FAQ’s: District in Maharashtra

How many districts are there in Maharashtra?

There are 36 districts in Maharashtra, further divided into 6 revenue divisions. These 36 districts are further divided into 109 sub-divisions of the 357 talukas.

Which is the biggest district in Maharashtra?

Ahmadnagar district is the biggest district in Maharashtra with an area of 17,048 sq. km.

What are the 7 divisions of Maharashtra?

Maharashtra is divided into 6 administrative divisions: Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Amravati, and Nagpur. These divisions are further divided into 36 districts.

Which is the richest district in Maharashtra?

Mumbai Suburban, with a GDP per capita of more than $13,000, is regarded as the wealthiest district in Maharashtra.

Which is the smallest district in Maharashtra?

The smallest district in Maharashtra in terms of area is Mumbai City, which is only 157 square kilometers.

Which district is the newest in Maharashtra?

Palghar is Maharashtra’s newest district. On August 1, 2014, the Maharashtra government created this new district.

Which Districts Are Economically Weaker in Maharashtra?

Districts such as Washim, Gadchiroli, Yavatmal, and Buldhana in Maharashtra face economic challenges, with per capita incomes below ₹1.5 lakh in 2022-23. In contrast, urban centers like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Nagpur reported incomes above ₹3 lakh.

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