Maharashtra vs. Gujarat — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 29, 2023
Maharashtra and Gujarat are neighboring states in western India, each with distinct languages, cultures, and histories.
Difference Between Maharashtra and Gujarat
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Both Maharashtra and Gujarat are prominent states in the western region of India. Maharashtra, with Mumbai as its capital, is the financial hub of India. Conversely, Gujarat, having Gandhinagar as its capital, is known for its industrial growth and as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.
Linguistically, Maharashtra predominantly speaks Marathi, while Gujarat is predominantly Gujarati-speaking. Both languages have their own scripts and literary traditions, contributing richly to Indian literature.
Culturally, both Maharashtra and Gujarat have distinctive celebrations and festivals. For instance, Maharashtra is famous for its Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, while Gujarat is globally renowned for its Navratri festival and the Garba dance associated with it.
Historically, Maharashtra was a major part of the Maratha Empire, which played a pivotal role in Indian history. In contrast, Gujarat has a rich history of maritime trade and was a gateway for various invasions and migrations into India.
Economically, Maharashtra is often associated with the Bollywood film industry and the financial institutions of Mumbai. Gujarat, on the other hand, is noted for its thriving business community, textile industry, and the Gir Forest, home to the Asiatic lion.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Capital
Mumbai
Gandhinagar
Primary Language
Marathi
Gujarati
Famous Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi
Navratri
Historical Significance
Part of the Maratha Empire
Maritime trade and birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi
Notable Economic Aspect
Bollywood and financial institutions
Business community and textile industry
Compare with Definitions
Maharashtra
Hosts the famous Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
The streets of Maharashtra come alive during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Gujarat
The birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.
Kirti Mandir in Gujarat commemorates the birthplace of the father of the nation.
Maharashtra
A state located in western India.
Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is a major metropolitan city.
Gujarat
Predominantly Gujarati-speaking state.
Gujarati cuisine from Gujarat is famous for its sweet and savory flavors.
Maharashtra
Home to India's financial and entertainment hub.
Maharashtra contributes significantly to India's GDP and cinema.
Gujarat
A state on India's western coastline.
Gujarat has a long history of maritime trade and exploration.
Maharashtra
Predominantly Marathi-speaking region.
The literature and arts of Maharashtra are deeply influenced by Marathi culture.
Gujarat
Known for its industrious and entrepreneurial spirit.
The business community from Gujarat has a global presence in various sectors.
Maharashtra
Known for its historical Maratha Empire.
Maharashtra played a crucial role in resisting foreign invasions in India.
Gujarat
Celebrated for its Navratri festival and Garba dance.
During Navratri, Gujarat becomes a focal point of cultural celebrations in India.
Maharashtra
A historical area in west-central India
Gujarat
Gujarat (, Gujarati: [ˈɡudʒəɾɑt] (listen)) is a state on the western coast of India with a coastline of about 1,600 km (990 mi) – longest in the country, most of which lies on the Kathiawar peninsula – and a population of 60.4 million. It is the fifth-largest Indian state by area and the ninth-largest state by population.
Gujarat
A region of western India north of Bombay (bordering the Arabian Sea) where Gujarati is spoken
Gujarat
An industrialized state in western India that includes parts of Bombay
Common Curiosities
Is Marathi the primary language spoken in Gujarat?
No, the primary language of Gujarat is Gujarati.
Which state is known for its lion sanctuary, Maharashtra or Gujarat?
Gujarat is home to the Gir Forest, known for its Asiatic lions.
Which state, Maharashtra or Gujarat, has a longer coastline?
Gujarat has the longest coastline of aany Indian state.
Is the financial hub of India located in Gujarat?
No, the financial hub, Mumbai, is in Maharashtra.
Which state, Maharashtra or Gujarat, is known for its textile industry?
Gujarat is renowned for its textile industry.
Is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel statue located in Maharashtra?
No, the statue is located in Gujarat.
Which state is larger in terms of area, Maharashtra or Gujarat?
Maharashtra is larger in terms of area compared to Gujarat.
Which state, Maharashtra or Gujarat, celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi on a grand scale?
Maharashtra is renowned for its grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Is the Bollywood industry primarily located in Gujarat?
No, Bollywood is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Is the Rann of Kutch located in Maharashtra?
No, the Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located in Gujarat.
Which state, Maharashtra or Gujarat, was primarily a part of the Maratha Empire?
Maharashtra was a significant part of the Maratha Empire.
Is Navratri predominantly celebrated in Maharashtra?
No, Navratri is especially celebrated in Gujarat.
Between Maharashtra and Gujarat, which state is known for its maritime history?
Gujarat has a rich maritime history.
Are the Ajanta and Ellora caves located in Gujarat?
No, the Ajanta and Ellora caves are in Maharashtra.
Which state, Maharashtra or Gujarat, has Gandhinagar as its capital?
Gandhinagar is the capital of Gujarat.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Arab vs. Pakistani
Next Comparison
Militant vs. TerroristAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
