India State Story | Maharashtra | A2 size poster

• Visual story of the evolution of each state (or combination of states/ UTs for joint posters) pre and post Independence , along with key figures involved 
• Map of district evolution for large states and UTs
• Interesting features on name changes and district splits
• Alluvial chart tracing the changes in districts from 1951 onwards
• Interesting, did you know.

Visual Story of Maharashtra’s Evolution

This poster captures the historic journey of Maharashtra—from the multilingual Bombay Province under British rule to the formation of a unilingual Marathi-speaking state in 1960. Post-independence, efforts to unite Marathi speakers under one administrative umbrella were driven by the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, which sought to integrate the regions of Marathwada, Vidarbha, and western Maharashtra. The formation of the bilingual Bombay State in 1956, with both Marathi and Gujarati-speaking populations, led to widespread protests. Intense political and social mobilization followed, marked by the iconic Hutatma Chowk agitation, where over 100 people lost their lives demanding Bombay’s inclusion in Maharashtra. Responding to growing demands and electoral pressure, the central government finally bifurcated the state—leading to the creation of Maharashtra and Gujarat on May 1, 1960.

Spatial Dynamics and District Evolution

The poster maps Maharashtra’s administrative evolution through district-level changes, showcasing how new districts like Gadchiroli, Palghar, and Washim were created better to manage governance across its vast and diverse regions. The alluvial chart tracks district bifurcations, name changes (such as Aurangabad to Sambhaji Nagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv), and reorganizations from 1951 to the present. These shifts reflect both logistical considerations and cultural assertions. “Did You Know?” insights highlight pivotal moments—like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s early advocacy for a divided Maharashtra and Morarji Desai’s controversial opposition to merging Bombay. Together, the visuals and narratives illuminate how Maharashtra’s statehood was forged through linguistic identity, regional pride, and a powerful legacy of people’s movements.