History of Maharashtra

 History of Maharashtra
Despite the fact that specialists have successfully identified several remains dating from the Paleolithic era, the Indian state of Maharashtra was officially recognized only in the second century BC, right after the first Buddhist caves were constructed. These incredible structures still exist nowadays and are situated in places of amazing natural beauty.

The name of this state was firstly noticed on a 7^th century inscription. It is almost unanimously believed that it has originated from a local language in the area, known under the name of rathi, which included this term to define “chariot driver”. The name was probably adopted because a great number of the inhabitants had chariot driving as their main interest. It is also believed that these people used to fight together as one, being known as the “fighting force”. One of the most important moments in the history of this territory was the one when Vedishri, a local king, established Junnar as the capital of the kingdom he ruled.

Later on, in the sixteenth century, the key moment was undoubtedly the prominence establishment of several powers controlled by the Muslims. Several groups like Qutubshahi, Nimzamshahi or Adilshahi dominated the entire state, including the region of Maharashtra. After this moment there was a period of great instability that developed in the following century. It all started when the ruler of that time, Shivaji, had to abandon the kingdom and was replaced by Sambhaji, his son. Even though in most of the moments he showed great vigor, just as his father, he was eventually taken as a prisoner and executed in 1689, after a long series of mistakes he had made.