Maharashtra was inhibited since the Palaeolithic era, as indicated by the archaeological evidences. Maharashtra's early history information is not well known and its recorded history is as old as the 3rd century BC. It was recorded with the use of the Marathi language, a Prakrit corruption of Sanskrit. Later, Maharashtra was included in the Magadha empire, ruled by the Buddhist emperor Ashoka. The port town of Sopara was the hub of ancient India's commerce, having links with Eastern Africa, Mesopotamia, Aden and Cochin. This port town was situated just north of the present day Mumbai. As the Mauryan Empire degraded, Maharashtra was overpowered by the Satavahanas between 230 BC and 225 AD.
The Early History
Vidarbha, the eastern region of Maharashtra was also conquered by the Vakatakas (250 AD-525 AD), who were then the rulers of the state. Art and religion developed and technology flourished, during this period. By the 6th century, Maharashtra came under the reign of the Chalukyas. Later, in 753, Rashtrakutas ruled the region. This empire spread over most of the Indian peninsular. Rashtrakutas were then defeated in 973 by the Chalukayas, who ruled parts of Maharashtra until 1189, when they lost to Yadavas of Deogiri.
The Islamic Influence
When the Muslim emperors entered India, they established their capital in Delhi. Later, they started to expand towards the south of India. The first Muslim emperors who invaded Maharashtra and conquered some parts of the Deccan in the 13th century were Ala-ud-din Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughluq. When the Tughlaq dynasty fell in 1347, the Bahamani Sultanate overpowered the region and ruled it for the next 150 years.
By the 16th century, central Maharashtra was ruled by numerous autonomous Islamic kingdoms that owed commitment to the Mughals. Meanwhile the coastal region was annexed by the Portuguese, who wanted to control the rich spice trade of the region.
The Maratha Empire
Maharashtra was inhibited since the Palaeolithic era, as indicated by the archaeological evidences. Maharashtra's early history information is not well known and its recorded history is as old as the 3rd century BC. It was recorded with the use of the Marathi language, a Prakrit corruption of Sanskrit. Later, Maharashtra was included in the Magadha empire, ruled by the Buddhist emperor Ashoka. The port town of Sopara was the hub of ancient India's commerce, having links with Eastern Africa, Mesopotamia, Aden and Cochin. This port town was situated just north of the present day Mumbai. As the Mauryan Empire degraded, Maharashtra was overpowered by the Satavahanas between 230 BC and 225 AD.
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