Complete Static GK 2026 : Maharashtra State

Maharashtra: The Powerhouse of India – Ultimate Static & Current G.K. Guide (2026)

Known as the “Gateway to India” and the nation’s financial backbone, Maharashtra is a land of diverse landscapes—from the rugged Sahyadri mountains to the bustling streets of Mumbai. For students preparing for MPSC, Police Bharti, Talati, or ZP exams, mastering the General Knowledge of Maharashtra is your blueprint for success. With the recent appointment of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in late 2024 and the state’s top rank in NITI Aayog’s 2026 Export Preparedness Index, staying updated is more important than ever.

This blog post provides a comprehensive, exam-oriented breakdown of Maharashtra’s G.K. as of January 2026.

1. Administrative & Leadership Hub (2026)

The leadership of Maharashtra is currently focused on infrastructure mega-projects like the Navi Mumbai International Airport and AI-driven governance.

• Capital (राजधानी): Mumbai (Financial Capital of India); Nagpur (Winter Capital)

• Chief Minister (मुख्यमंत्री): Shri Devendra Fadnavis (Took oath on 5 December 2024)

• Governor (राज्यपाल): Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan

• Formation (स्थापना): 1 May 1960 (Maharashtra Day)

• High Court: Bombay High Court (Principal Seat: Mumbai; Benches: Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Goa)

• Chief Justice (मुख्य न्यायाधीश): Justice Shree Chandrashekhar (Sworn in September 2025)

2. Geographical & Demographic Profile (भूगोल एवं जनसांख्यिकी)

Maharashtra is the third-largest state by area and the second-most populous.

3. Legislative & Judicial Structure

• Legislative Assembly (विधानसभा): 288 Seats

• Legislative Council (विधान परिषद): 78 Seats (Bicameral Legislature)

• Lower House (लोक सभा): 48 Seats

• Upper House (राज्यसभा): 19 Seats

• Number of Districts: 36 (Divided into 6 Revenue Divisions: Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Amravati, and Nagpur)

4. Hydrology: Rivers, Lakes & Dams (जल संसाधन)

Maharashtra’s river systems are the lifeblood of its massive agricultural and industrial sectors.

• Major Rivers: Godavari (Dakshin Ganga), Krishna, Tapi, Bhima, and Wainganga.

• Famous Lakes: Lonar Lake (Crater lake/Ramsar site), Venna Lake (Mahabaleshwar), Rankala Lake (Kolhapur).

• Major Dams (बांध):

  • Koyna Dam: Satara (Called the ‘Lifeline of Maharashtra’).

  • Jayakwadi Dam: Paithan, Aurangabad (On Godavari River).

  • Ujjani Dam: Solapur (On Bhima River).

  • Totladoh Dam: Nagpur (On Pench River).

5. Culture: Festivals and Folk Dance (संस्कृति)

• Festivals: Ganeshotsav (Started by Lokmanya Tilak), Gudi Padwa (Marathi New Year), Narali Purnima, and Pola (Farmer’s festival).

• Folk Dances (लोक नृत्य):

  • Lavani: The most popular folk dance of the state.

  • Koli Dance: Performed by the fishing community.

  • Dhangari Gaja: Performed by shepherds of Solapur.

  • Povada: Ballads sung in praise of leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

6. National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries

• National Parks: Tadoba Andhari (Chandrapur – Oldest), Gugamal, Pench, Navegaon, Sanjay Gandhi (Borivali), and Chandoli.

• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Radhanagari (Bison), Bhimashankar (Giant Squirrel), Phansad, and Tipeshwar.

• Note: Maharashtra has the highest number of sanctuaries and parks in Western India.

7. Energy Sector: The Power Hub

Maharashtra is a leader in thermal capacity and is rapidly transitioning to decentralized solar.

• Thermal Power Plants: Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (Largest in MS), Koradi (Nagpur), Tirora (Gondia), and Amravati TPS.

• Nuclear Power: Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS): Palghar (India’s first nuclear power plant).

• Solar Power (सौर ऊर्जा):

  • Decentralized Solar Project 2026: Target to complete 16,000 MW capacity by March 2026 under MSKVY 2.0.

  • Sai Sansthan Solar Project: Shirdi (One of the world’s largest solar steam cooking systems).

• Jaitapur Nuclear Project: Proposed 9,900 MW plant in Ratnagiri (Ongoing development in 2026).

8. Current Affairs Highlights (2025-2026)

• Export Preparedness Index 2026: Maharashtra secured 1st place among large states in NITI Aayog’s ranking (January 2026).

• Navi Mumbai International Airport: CM Devendra Fadnavis officially announced the naming of the airport after the local leader D.B. Patil (January 2026).

• Bhoomi Pujan of ‘Mumbai-Goa’ High-Speed Rail: Preliminary work for the high-speed corridor saw a major boost in the 2025-26 state budget.

• Vadhvan Port: Progress on the ₹76,000 crore mega-port project in Palghar is a major current affairs topic for industrial development.

Conclusion

Maharashtra’s G.K. is a blend of historical bravery and modern economic dominance. For 2026 aspirants, focus on the 16,000 MW Solar Project, the Export Preparedness Index, and the details of the Bombay High Court leadership. These topics are highly likely to appear in the MPSC and other state-level papers this year.