Mughal power dominated much of central and southern India in the 16th centuary until the Deccan became the epicentre of the Maratha empire in the 17th century. With a relatively small army, Shivagi established a base at Pune and later Raigad. From the early 18th century the Maratha empire was controlled by the Peshwas who retained power until they upset the British in 1817.

Maharashtra also has strong links with Gandhi and India's Independence. Gandhi was interned by British in Pune for two years after the Quit India declaration, and his ashram is at Sevagram in the state's far east.

After Independence, western Maharashtra and Gujrat were joined to form Bombay state. Today's state, with Mumbai as capital, was formed in 1960 when the Marathi and Gujrati-speaking areas were again seperated.