The state retains landmarks from different eras of Indian history: Sites such as Bhimbetka, Adamgarh, Pachmarhi, Raisen, Jaora, etc. Dynastic history dates back to Ashoka, the Kushans, and then the Satvahanas. Post-independence, a large number of princely states were reorganized to form the present-day Madhya Pradesh.
Madhya Pradesh is positioned in the heart of India and spans an area of 308,252 km2 (119,017 sq mi). It is the second-largest state in India in terms of land. Bhopal is the capital. It has a population of 72,626,809 as per the 2011 Census, ranking fifth among Indian states in terms of population. Madhya Pradesh contributes a chunk to India's mineral production.
Hindi is the language spoken in Madhya Pradesh. Besides that, people also utter various regional dialects like Malvi in Malwa, Nimadi in Nimar, Bundeli in Bundelkhand, and Bagheli is spoken in Bagelkhand. Other languages spoken are Telugu, Gondi, Bhilodi (Bhili), Korku, Nihali (Nahali), and Kalto (Nahali), which are the languages of the tribal groups. The Marathas had ruled this place. Therefore a substantial number of people speak Marathi as well.
There are 52 districts in Madhya Pradesh, grouped into ten divisions - Bhopal, Chambal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Narmadapuram, Rewa, Sagar, Shahdol, and Ujjain. Nilwari became the 52nd district of Madhya Pradesh (split from Tikamgarh district), created on 1 October 2018.
Several national highways pass through the state. Some of them are NH-3, NH-12A, NH-26, NH-25, NH-59, NH-27, NH-69, and others.
Some significant rivers pass through Madhya Pradesh are Betwa, Chambal, Dhasan Mahi, Narmada Parbati, Sone Tapi (Tapti), Wainganga, and so on. The narrow and long Narmada-Son valley runs almost through the entire state from east to west, making the area fit for agricultural activities.
Geographically Madhya Pradesh comprises three physical divisions: Central Highland, Satpura, and Maikal Ranges and Eastern Highland. The triangular plateau between the Narmada and Son valleys and the Aravalli range is known as the middle, highland.
Economy
Madhya Pradesh is replete with natural resources - fuel, minerals, agriculture, and biodiversity. It is a solitary diamond-producing state in the country. Diamond production in Madhya Pradesh stood at 38,437 carats in 2018-19. Key industries in the state are-Auto and auto components, textiles, cement, agro-based industries, pharmaceuticals, mineral-based industries, manufacturing, tourism, IT and ITeS, logistics, warehousing, and others. The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Madhya Pradesh was Rs 8.26 trillion (US$ 118.18 billion) for 2019-20.
Tourist Attractions
- Kandariya Temple
- Sanchi Stupa
- Man Singh Palace
- Pachmarhi
- Bandhavgarh
- Dhuandhar Falls
- Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
- Marble Rocks
- Mahakaleshwar
Best Time to Visit
Madhya Pradesh is also known as the 'Tiger State' and has six wildlife Sanctuaries. If you do not want to miss out on the reserves in the state, then you should plan your trip between October and June, which is the ideal time to roam and watch all the destinations.
How to Reach
By Air:
The state is well-connected by air. The major airports of Madhya Pradesh are in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur. Bhopal is an international airport too.By Rail:
The rail network within Madhya Pradesh is extensive, which means you can travel to this state from almost all the cities of this country.By Road:
There are government as well as private buses that run from and to Madhya Pradesh. Bus services are available to and from all the desired destinations in the state.| Madhya Pradesh State Information | |
|---|---|
| Capital | Bhopal |
| Date of formation | 01/11/56 |
| Governor | Mangubhai C. Patel |
| Chief Minister | Mohan Yadav |
| Tourist attractions | Sanchi Stupa, Gwalior Fort, Orchha Fort, Khajuraho, Ujjain |
| Festivals | Gana-Gour, Ganga, Dashami, Hareli |
| Major dance and music forms | Gaur Dance, Muria Dance, Relo Songs |
| Arts and crafts | Wall paintings or bhitti chitras; Chippa bagh or hand-block printers; battubai dolls. |
| Languages | Hindi |
| Size | 308,252 km2 (119,017 sq mi) |
| Population (Census 2011) | 72626809 |
| Rivers | Narmada, Tapti, Betwa, Son, Chambal |
| Forests and wildlife sanctuaries | Bandhavgarh NP, Kanha NP, Pench NP, Indrawati Tiger Reserve, and others |
| State animal | Swamp Deer |
| State bird | Paradise flycatcher |
| Major crops | Rice, wheat soybeans, spices |
| Factoids | One half of Bhawani Mandi station on the Mumbai- Delhi railway line lies in Madhya Pradesh and the other half lies in Rajasthan. |
| Pench and Kanha forests in the Satpura ranges, and Bandhavgarh in the Vindhyas, are all tiger reserves. | |
| No. of District | 52 |
Maps in Other Regional Languages
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Last Updated on: January 24, 2024Travel to Madhya Pradesh
Places to visit in Madhya-pradesh