In this article, we provide detailed information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist attractions of Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh is a state that beautifully blends history, culture, and nature. Known as the “Heart of India” due to its central location, it is home to a wealth of historic landmarks like the ancient Khajuraho temples, the magnificent Sanchi Stupa, and the impressive Gwalior Fort.
| About: | Madhya Pradesh is a state in central India that has Bhopal as its capital and Indore as its largest city. Other major cities of Madhya Pradesh include Jabalpur and Gwalior. Madhya Pradesh is an Indian state that covers the second largest area after Rajasthan and holds a fifth position in population, with more than 72 million residents. It lies to the north-eastern side of Uttar Pradesh, the east of Chhattisgarh, the south of Maharashtra, the west of Gujarat, and to the northwestern part of Rajasthan. The second largest state of India is considered the economic tiger in the emerging category within the country. It owes a radical change in economic and social development, with an impressive rate of decadal 11.26% in GSDP. Madhya Pradesh is centrally located and borders the states of Uttar Pradesh to the north-east, Chhattisgarh to the south-east, Maharashtra to the south, Gujarat to the west and Rajasthan to the northwest. It’s central location creates a strategic advantage to enter 50% of Indian population through its states by or adjacent to. This location advantage of the state is complemented through strong roads crossing above 3,50,000km, having 40+ national highways and more than 550 trains rolling daily in their way across the state. |
| History: | The history of Madhya Pradesh can be divided into three periods – the ancient period, the medieval period and modern period. During the ancient period, the region was dominated by the Nanda Empire, the Maurya Empire, and the Gupta Empire. The medieval period saw the rise of Rajput clans including the Paramara and Chandela Tomar clans, the latter is known for constructing the temples of Khajuraho. By the 14th century, the Malwa Sultanate ruled the region. The modern period in Madhya Pradesh saw the rise of the Mughal Empire, Maratha Empire, and British Empire. The princely states of Gwalior, Indore, and Bhopal, became a part of modern Madhya Pradesh. India gained independence in 1947 from the British, and British influences ceased then. The state of Madhya Pradesh was formed in 1956, and Chhattisgarh was carved out from the state in 2000. |
| Economy: | The Madhya Pradesh economy is 10th-largest in all of India with a gross state domestic product (GSDP) amounting to ₹9.17 trillion (approximately US$110 billion) and has India’s 26th highest per-capita income of ₹ 109,372 per capita. Madhya Pradesh ranks 23rd among Indian states on the human development index.[11] Madhya Pradesh is rich in mineral resources and holds the largest reserves of diamonds and copper in the country. 25.14% of its area is forest-covered. The tourism industry has flourished immensely in their state and their state was awarded most in the National Tourism Awards during 2010-11. The state has been improving its growth rate above the national average in recent years. GSDP for the state was recorded at 9.07 in 2019-20. Madhya Pradesh is also the second wealthiest state in terms of its mineral resources. Mainly an agrarian economy, it is concentrated on industrial development in a few pockets like Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, and Jabalpur. The mineral industry has made Madhya Pradesh contribute a significant portion of the entire mineral production of India. Manganese and iron ore are found in huge reserves under this state. Some 45% of Bauxite produced in the country is also produced in this State. Coal deposits are also extensive in the northeastern and Satpura ranges of this state. The state is the only diamond-producing state in the whole of India since it has diamond mines in the Panna district. |
| Geography: | Madhya Pradesh has rich forests. It is the State with largest forest area i.e. 94,689 Sq. Kms which is over 30% of the State’s total area and 12.38% of India’s forest area. The abundantly found trees include Teak, Sal, Bamboo and Tendu. State has 25 Sanctuaries, 10 National Parks including 6 Project Tiger Reserves. |
| Country : | India |
| Region: | Central India |
| Capital: | Bhopal |
| Largest City: | Indore |
| Language: | Hindi |
| Population: | 72,626,809 (2011) |
| Literacy rate: | 69.32% (2011) |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | 1. Khajuraho Temples (UNESCO World Heritage Site) 2. Gwalior Fort 3. Sanchi Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage Site) 4. Orchha 5. Mandu 6. Kanha National Park 7. Bandhavgarh National Park 8. Pench National Park 9. Satpura National Park 10. Ujjain 11. Omkareshwar and Maheshwar 12. Amarkantak 13. Bhedaghat (Marble Rocks) 14. Pachmarhi (Satpura Range) 15. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (UNESCO World Heritage Site) |
