 In its phonology, it contrasts apico-alveolar with alveopalatal affricates and alveolar with retroflex laterals ( and (Marathi letters and respectively).Marathi is primarily spoken in Maharashtra (India), and parts of neighbouring states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka (particularly the bordering districts of Belgaum, Bidar, Gulbarga and Uttara Kannada), Telangana, union-territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.The former Maratha ruled cities of Baroda, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Tanjore have had sizable Marathi speaking populations for centuries.