Why are cotton textiles important to Maharashtra’s manufacturing economy?

The manufacture of cotton textiles holds a foundational position in Maharashtra’s economy, serving as both the oldest and the largest industry in the state.1

Its significance is rooted in its role as a primary agriculturally based industry, which has been a key driver in the state's broader industrialization efforts. The industry is geographically widespread, with major factory centers established in key urban hubs including Mumbai, Nagpur, Solapur, Akola, and Amravati. By leveraging these regional centers, the textile sector continues to be a vital component of Maharashtra's manufacturing landscape, contributing to the state's status as one of the most developed and prosperous in India.12