The Chinese pilgrim, Hiun Tsang, visited Maharashtra during AD 640-641 and was very impressed by the prosperity of the country, the efficiency of the administration and the character of the people. He called the land Mo-ho-lo-cha (Moholesh), and was perhaps the first person to discuss the region and its people.

He says: "The soil is rich and fertile and it is regularly cultivated and very productive. Men are fond of learning and studying both heretical and orthodox books. The disposition of the people is honest and simple; they are tall in stature and of a stern and vindictive character. To their benefactors, they are grateful; to their enemies, relentless. If they are insulted, they will risk their lives to avenge themselves. If they are asked to help one in distress, they will forget themselves in their haste to render assistance."

The antiquity of this region can be traced to approximately the 3rd century BC, which is when the Maharastri language, a Prakrit corruption of Sanskrit from which the term 'Maharashtra' is derived, was then in use. Marathi, which evolved from Maharastri-Prakrit, has been the lingua franca of the people of this area from the 10th century onwards.

And, in the course of time, the term 'Maharashtra' was used to describe a region which consisted of Aparanta, Vidarbha, Mulak, Ashmak and Kuntal. The tribal communities of Nags, Munds and Bhils inhabited this area, also known as Dandakaranya, in ancient times.

They were joined by the Aryas, the Shakas and the Huns, who came from the North, as well as by foreigners, who arrived by sea. The Dravidians from the South colonised the land, joining a group which collectively became known as 'Marathas'.

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Ajanta Caves  The Ajanta Caves In Aurangabad District Of Maharashtra, India Near Jalgaon, Just Outside The Village Of Ajinṭhā Are 29 Rock-cut Cave Monuments. The Caves Include Paintings And Sculptures Considered To Be Masterpieces Of Buddhist Religious Art (which Depict The Jataka Tales) Well As Frescos Which Are Reminiscent Of The Sigiriya Paintings In Sri Lanka. The Caves Were Built In Two Phases Starting Around 200 BCE, With The Second Group Of Caves Built Around 600 CE. The Ajanta Caves Have Been A UNESCO World Heritage Site. These Caves Were Discovered By An Army Officer In The Madras Regiment Of The British Army In 1819 During One Of His Hunting Expeditions. Instantly The Discovery Became Very Famous And Ajanta Attained A Very Important Tourist Destination In The World. The Caves, Famous For Its Murals, Are The Finest Surviving Examples Of Indian Art, Particularly Painting. These Caves Are Excavated In Horse–shoe Shaped Bend Of Rock Surface Nearly 76 M In Height Overlooking A Narrow Stream Known As Waghora. The Location Of This Valley Provided A Calm And Serene Environment For The Buddhist Monks Who Retreated At These Secluded Places During The Rainy Seasons. This Retreat Also Provided Them With Enough Time For Furthering Their Religious Pursuits Through Intellectual Discourses For A Considerably Longer Period. The Caves Were Excavated In Different Periods (circa. 2nd Century B.C. To 6th Century A.D.) According To The Necessity. Each Cave Was Connected To The Stream By A Flight Of Steps, Which Are Now Almost Obliterated, Albeit Traces Of Some Could Be Noticed At Some Places. Open From 9 A.M. To 5 P.M. Closed On Monday , , 15,Feb 2012