Situated in the heart of India, the country’s second largest state offers visitors the temples of Khajuraho, the serenity of Marble Rocks, stupas of Sanchi, and tigers of the Kanha National Park As its name implies the state of Madhya Pradesh (central province) is situated in the heart of India. The second largest of the 29 states of the Indian Union, the huge geographical sprawl (308,252 sq. km) of MP (as it’s popularly known) offers visitors a multiplicity of leisure and travel options. Whether it is the exquisite statuary and sculptures of the temples of Khajuraho, the ancient stupas of Sanchi, seat of Buddhism, the serene and peaceful waters of Marble Rocks or the Kanha National Park famous for its tigers, MP has plenty to offer business and leisure travellers. Though given its size state-wide tours are a tall order, its major cities Bhopal (the admin capital), Jabalpur, Indore and Gwalior offer numerous excursion options. The recorded history of Madhya Pradesh dates back to the time of venerated emperor Ashoka (300 BC). Subsequently a major portion of central India was incorporated into the Gupta Empire (300-550 AD). In the first half of the seventh century it was incorporated into the domain of emperor Harsha. In the early 11th century when Central Asian Muslims started invading central India, Mahmud of Ghazni and then Mohammad Gori integrated several parts of the state into the Delhi Sultanate. It was also part of the Mughal Empire during the rise of the Marathas. Until the death of Madhoji Scindia in 1794, the Marathas ruled supreme in central India, but subsequently several independent and smaller states came into being. The disintegrated smaller states paved the way for British sovereignty. Around that time, fabled women rulers ruled over Central India and these include Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, Rani Kamla Devi and Rani Durgawati. When India became independent in 1947, the British Indian Central Provinces and Berar were consolidated into Madhya Pradesh. Boundary changes followed and the state of Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000. Forty percent of the tribal population of India, including large numbers of the Bhil and Gond tribes eke out a living in India’s second largest state also noted for its ravines and forests. The state hosts notable cultural events such as the annual Kalidas Samaroh (performing and fine arts) in Ujjain; the Tansen Samaroh (music) in Gwalior, and the Khajuraho Dance Festival, a unique extravaganza of performing artistes. Comments Renu Diwan, a Mumbai-based physician who has visited MP several times: “The contrast between different places within Madhya Pradesh is immense, not only in terms of natural beauty and scenic spots, but also in infrastructure and hotel facilities.” Bhopal The picturesque capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is set around a lake and is renowned for its archaeological wealth. It is sited on a 11th century city, Bhojapal, named after Raja Bhoj. But the founder of Bhopal was Dost Mohammed, an Afghan soldier. Contemporary Bhopal represents a multi-faceted…
