Pune (pronounced /ˈpuːneɪ/, Marathi: पुणे) is a city located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. Capital of Pune District and the 8th largest urban agglomeration in India with a population of 4.5 million, it is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra. It is located roughly 150 kilometers east of Mumbai at an altitude of 560 meters above sea level. It is situated at the eastern edge of the Western ghats on the Deccan plateau. Pune is widely considered cultural capital of Marathi-speaking Maharashtrians. Pune has several reputed colleges and other educational institutions — for this reason it is called the Oxford of the East (or 'Oxford of India'). It has a very strong presence in the automobile sector and is on its way to consolidate its position as the 'Detroit of India' too. It is now home to many software and IT companies.It is also called as "Queen of Deccan".