One app for all your study abroad needs
Maharashtra a state in western India, has been a cultural and political powerhouse for centuries. The rich history and diversity of Maharashtra have given many iconic figures who have made significant contributions in various sectors. From influential politicians and social reformers to poets and writers, Maharashtra has grown a galaxy of stars who have left a remarkable mark on the sage of the world. Let’s get started with the famous personalities of Maharashtra.
Table of Contents
List of Famous Personalities of Maharashtra
| Name | Occupation |
| B. R. Ambedkar | Economist, Professor, Social Reformer and Lawyer. |
| Sachin Tendulkar | Cricketer |
| Bal Gangadhar Tilak | Teacher, Journalist, and Independence Activist |
| Savitribai Phule | Teacher, Poet, Social Reformer |
| Lata Mangeshkar | Playback singer, composer, film producer |
| Anna Hazare | social activist |
| Dadasaheb Phalke | Film director, Producer, Screenwriter, Editor, Art director, Costume designer, Make-up artist |
All about Famous Personalities of Maharashtra
Maharashtra a state in western India has given a big bunch of stars. These stars have made the people of India proud many times and in many ways. Let’s get to know about them in detail below about their lives and achievements-
B. R. Ambedkar
Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mow, India. He was also referred to as the “Baba Saheb”. He was the one leader and social reformer who championed the rights of the marginalised castes in India, known as Dalits. He obtained scholarships and eventually earned degrees from prestigious universities which include Columbia University. He became a great figure in Indian politics and social activism leading many movements to address the systematic discrimination faced by Dalits.
| About B. R. Ambedkar | |
| Name | Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar |
| Born | 14 April 1891 |
| Died | 6 December 1956 |
| Education | University of Mumbai (BA, MA) Columbia University (MA, PhD, LLD) |
| Awards | Bharat Ratna (1990), Maharshi Valmiki Award, Mahatma Gandhi Award, United Nations Human Rights Award, International Dalit Solidarity Award |
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar a great Indian cricketer in Indian history was born on April 24, 1973. He is a legendary Indian cricketer who began his career in cricket at a young age and made his international debut at just 16 years old. Due to his batting technique, he is admired by his fans and fellow cricketers.
| About Sachin Tendulkar | |
| Full Name | Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar |
| Born | 24 April 1973 |
| Nickname | Little Master, Master Blaster |
| Role | Top order Batter |
| Awards | Padma VibhushanPadma ShriMaharashtra BhushanKhel Ratna AwardArjuna Award |
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born on July 23 1856 in a small village called Chikhali in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. He received his early education from a local school. His quest for knowledge led him to the prestigious Deccan College in Pune where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Tilak was the strongest and first advocate of Swaraj and a strong radical in India. He is known for his well-known quote which is in Marathi: “ Sawaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”.
| About Bal Gangadhar Tilak | |
| Name | Bal Gangadhar Tilak |
| Other names | The Father of the Indian UnrestThe Maker of Modern India |
| Born | 23 July 1856 |
| Died | 1 August 1920 |
| Occupation(s) | Author, politician, freedom fighter |
| Political party | Indian National Congress |
| Political Movements | Led the Swadeshi movement and the Boycott movement. |
Get To Know About – Famous Personalities of Maharashtra
Savitribai Phule
Savitribai Phule was a social reformer, educator and poet from Maharashtra. She was born on 31 January 1831. With her husband she husband named Joyotirao Phule she played an important in taking a major step for women’s rights and education. Savitribai extended her activism beyond education. She was a fierce advocate against social injustice such as child marriage, infanticide and caste discrimination.
| About Savitribai Phule | |
| Name | Savitribai Phule |
| Born | 3 January 1831 |
| Died | 10 March 1897 |
| Occupation(s) | Teacher, activist, social reformer |
| Known for | Girl’s education, Women’s emancipation |
| Notable work | Bavankashi Subhodh Ratnakar |
| Awards Named After Her | Savitribai Phule Award |
Lata Mangeshkar
Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929, in Mumbai and was a legendary playback singer. Her career was started in 1942 with her first recorded song for a Marathi film. Due to her unique voice, she earned various awards like Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour. Throughout her whole life, she recorded over 50,000 songs in multiple languages.
| About Lata Mangeshkar | |
| Name | Lata Mangeshkar |
| Born | 28 September 1929 |
| Died | 6 February 2022 |
| Other names | Queen of MelodyVoice of the Millennium |
| Occupations | Playback singer, composer, film producer |
| Awards and Honours | Padma Bhushan (1969) Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1989) Maharashtra Bhushan (1997) Padma Vibhushan (1999) Bharat Ratna (2001) Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour (2006) |
Anna Hazare
Anna Hazari is an Indian social activist well-known for his unmatchable commitment to fighting for promoting transparency in government and corruption. He was born in Maharashtra, India in 1937. His journey as an activist started with his dedication to the development of rural. He earned international recognition for his leadership in the Indian Against Corruption movement, which successfully influenced the government to enact stronger anti-corruption laws.
| About Anna Hazare | |
| Name | Kisan Baburao “Anna” Hazare |
| Other Name | Kisan Baburao Hazare |
| Born | 15 June 1937 |
| Occupations | social activist |
| Awards | Padma Shri (1990) Padma Bhushan (1992) |
| Years of service | 1960–1975 |
Read About – Famous Global Personalities Who Have Indian Origin
Dadasaheb Phalke
Dadasaheb Phalke was born on April 30 1870 in Trimbak Maharashtra. He was celebrated as the “Father of Indian Cinema”. His pivotal moment came after watching the silent film “ The Life of Christ” which inspired him to create India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra. Phalke’s contribution to cinema was recognised with the establishment of the Dadasaheb Phalke Awards in 1969.
| About Dadasaheb Phalke | |
| Name | Dhundiraj Govind Phalke |
| Born | 30 April 1870 |
| Died | 16 February 1944 |
| Occupations | Film director, Producer, Screenwriter, Editor, Art director, Costume designer, Make-up artist |
FAQs
Famous personalities in Maharashtra are Bal Gangadhar Tilak, B.R. Ambedkar, Shivaji Maharaj, Lata Mangeshkar, and Pandit Birju Maharaj.
5 personalities greatly contributed to the formation of Maharashtra -Bal Gangadhar Tilak, B.R. Ambedkar, Dadasaheb Phalke, Shivaji Maharaj, and S.M. Joshi.
Famous female personalities of Maharashtra Baiza Bai, Savitribai Jyotirao Phule, Ushabai Dange, Godavari Parulekar, Sumati Morarjee, Dagdabai Devrao Shelke.
Relevant Reads
This was all about famous personalities of Maharashtra. If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!