Maharashtra In today’s article we will tell you what are the state symbols of Maharashtra and we will share the complete list. So first of all let’s talk about where did the word Maharashtra come from? The word Maharashtra comes from the word Rathi which means Rath Chalak.
Maharashtra was first mentioned in the seventh century. Does each state of India have a symbol which studies its prosperity and qualities? The symbols of a state include state animals, state birds, state flowers, politicians and many more things. Some states also have fruits, fish, titlis etc.
All these factors have a major influence on defining the state symbols of Maharashtra:
- State emblem – Emblem of Maharashtra
- State foundation day: May 1
- State motto: Pratipaccandralēkhēva vardhiṣṇurviśva vanditā mahārāṣṭrasya rājyasya mudrā bhadrāya rājatē – This means, the glory of the Maharashtra government seal will grow like the first day of the moon. It will be worshipped by the entire world and will shine solely for the benefit of its people.
- State animal: Indian giant squirrel
- State bird: Yellow-footed green pigeon
- State flower: Giant crape-myrtle/Jarul
- State butterfly: Blue mormon
- State tree: Mango tree
State animal of Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s state animal is the Indian giant squirrel. The Indian giant squirrel’s habits and habitat include mixed deciduous and moist evergreen forests, as well as tropical and rainforests. The state animals of Maharashtra are arboreal, spending the majority of their hours during the day and night on trees.
- The Indian giant squirrel weighs between 1.5 and 2.5kg.
- The length of the head to the body is approximately 25 cm to 45 cm.
- The tail length varies between 20 cm and 40 cm.
- The body colour ranges from deep red to brown, with white furs on the belly.
- The forelegs and underparts are typically cream or dirty white.
An Indian Giant Squirrel’s ears are round and short. The cheeks, chest, underpants are cream, white, or orange. The eyes are either bright dark brown or light brown, while the lips and nose are pink. They have very long hair surrounding the mouth and behind the nose. They have a powerful, long tail, and the colour ranges from creamy white to light brown at the tip. During the breeding season, males are actively engaged in competing for females, and pairs can stay together for extended periods. They are naturally shy and wary. Breeding occurs all year, or at least several times a year. They usually have one or two offspring.
State bird of Maharashtra
The yellow-footed green pigeon is the state bird of Maharashtra and it is also known as the Hariyal bird. Treron phoenicoptera, the yellow-footed green pigeon, is an Aves species, as are all other bird species. According to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the yellow-footed green pigeon is a Schedule-I – IV bird and is categorised as Least Concern by the IUCN. This species sustains on fruit, primarily Ficus species, and forages in groups. The legs are of vibrant yellow colour. Male and female appearances are similar.
Hariyal birds are found in Southern Asia. It is distinguished by a grey-coloured stripe on each shoulder. The forehead and lores were frequently infused with pale olive green. They have a lilac patch on their shoulders and a prominent yellow bar in their blackish wings. The neck is dark golden olive-yellow with a greenish undertone, the shoulder patch is mauve, and wing coverts have bright yellow fringes. The abdomen is a dull green colour with greyer flanks and bright sulphur-yellow lower belly and leg feathers. The average life expectancy of the yellow-footed green pigeon is six years.
State flower of Maharashtra
Lagerstroemia speciosa, identified as the giant crape-myrtle, is also known as the Pride of India and is the state flower of Maharashtra. This ornamental plant is native to southern Asia’s tropical and subtropical regions, including India and the Philippines. The plant’s leaves are used to make tea, and it is also one of the herbal plants widely promoted by the Philippine government for its medicinal value. The plant represents enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism. Jarul, also known as “Taamhan” in Marathi, was named after a Swedish naturalist. The flower’s meaning is spectacular or showy. Jarul is a member of the Lythrum family, also known as Lythraceae. The flower is significant because it is used in the preparation of medications and other healthcare products.
Conclusion
A state’s national symbols reflect the values and essence of its identity. They instil pride and patriotism in the people’s hearts. They are established over time and aim at promoting human unity. They also give people the strength to work together and aid in learning more about the specific state and our country.