OVERVIEW
Madhya Pradesh lies in the centre of India and hence is named ‘Madhya Pradesh’ which means Central Province. Nicknamed -“the heart of India”, it the second largest state in India and fifth-largest state in population, with Bhopal as the state capital. It shares its border with Uttar Pradesh in the Northeast, Chhattisgarh in Southeast, Maharashtra to the South, Gujarat to the West and Rajasthan to the Northwest.
Hindi is the main language of communication, whereas near the borders the locals also speak Marathi, Bhojpuri and Gujarati, or a dialect that is a mix of these languages.
Madhya Pradesh is a cluster of various topographic and climatic distribution, consisting of innumerable districts. It is famous for its wonderful art, architecture, music, dance and craft. It houses enormous Vindhyan mountain ranges, valleys, plains and also has a good number of coal mines that has a good influence on the economy of the country.
Madhya Pradesh is the homeland of singer Tansen, one of the nine jewels of Mughal Samrat Akbar’s court. It was also home to the legendary poet Kalidasa. The innumerable monuments, stupas, carved temples, palaces and forts on hilltops signify the diverse sense of empires and kingdoms, of great warriors and builders, musicians and poets, philosophers and saints.
The Gondwanaland that forms the current coal deposits, lays beneath the very land of Madhya Pradesh. That’s why coal and iron are the most important minerals of this state. Agriculture is a major source of income.
The scenic beauty that paints the land canvas of Madhya Pradesh ranges from historic times to recent urban planning. It is famous for its tourist destinations such as majestic fort of Gwalior, the temples of Khajuraho, Buddhist stupas of Sanchi and many other wildlife sanctuaries in this state. Panchamarhi, a hill station that gives the panoramic of Vindhyan formation is breathtaking as well as exhilarating at the same time.
The culture and tradition in Madhya Pradesh are majorly formed around the tribes that have been settled here since early times. The Gonds, the Bhils and Oraons are found in the jungles, living apart from the mainstream India. The state is famous for its hand printing and Chanderi sarees, some with gold checks and rich gold borders along with golden Pallavs that give each saree a special touch. The skilled craftsmanship of Madhya Pradesh displays an array of embroidered articles. Maheswari sarees with checks also reflects the distinctive craftsmanship.