Madhya Pradesh (commonly abbreviated as MP) is a state in the plains of India. The name "Madhya Pradesh" means "central region", and derives from its geographical position. It is one of the few states of India that is completely surrounded by other states, having neither a border with another country nor a coastline. To its north is Uttar Pradesh. To its west lie Rajasthan and Gujarat, to its south is Maharashtra and to its east is Chhattisgarh, a state that used to be a part of MP till 2000.
MP has been rather neglected as a travel destination, but in reality, it has a rich feast for those who seek prehistoric paintings, historic forts, religious erotica, or tribal culture. On the flip side, the tourist infrastructure is not very well-developed.
Cities
- Bhopal - the state capital
Other destinations
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Bhimbetka
- Kanha National Park
- Mahakaleshwar
- Panna National Park
- Pench National Park
- Satpura National Park
- Khajuraho
- Pranpur
Understand
Madhya Pradesh is the central part of India. It was divided in two parts in 2000, one remained Madhya Pradesh and the other became Chhattisgarh. The undivided Madhya Pradesh was formed on November, 1,1956. The capital of MP is Bhopal. It has five major cities, Indore, Bhopal the capital, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Ujjain and is divided into many divisions, fifty district, two hundred Block. Each Block has fifty village and each division has twelve districts. The population was 60,385,118 in the 2001 census with about fifty percent being men. The geographical area is 4434459 Km.( 1 Mile = 1.6 KM)
One of the oldest district is Dhar, which is the ancient city of Madhya Pradesh and king Bhoj was the ruler there, so the name of the district had been Bhoj. In ancient times Vairisimha II was the king and the capital was Ujjain. When King Bhoj again became king the he moved the capital the Dhar, during the independence war fort Dhar became important part in the freedom fight and has produced many freedom fighters. Many tribes played an important role like the Bhils, Rajpurohit, and Rajptut. The authority of the state was in opposition to the British who took revenge on the local people. They dragged civilians from their houses, fields and killed them. They looted their properties. The ladies were dishonored after the revolt. The Dhar district was the main target of British during the freedom fight.
Madhya Pradesh has many large tribes and castes like the Bhill, Gonds, Chamar, Kalal, Rajpurohit, Khols ,and many more. The rest population of Hindu, including, Rajput (land lord) and many more mixture in Hindu. The caste system is prejudiced in this state. With fixed places for tribes and schedule caste are there. Every caste has its own festivals, customs and food. There is one important festival of Bhils, where they cut the animal in front of their God. They believe that if they sacrifice an animal to God he will be happy and their wishes will come true.
Madhya Pradesh is the heart of India. Many kinds of crops and vegetables grow here, therefore the second name for Madhya Pradesh is Green Malaw. Eighty percent of the population depends on agriculture. Wheat, corn, peas, grain, cotton and soybeans are the most important crops. Many dense forests are an important resource of timber providing Bambo, Teak and Sal. Millions of hectares of land are under the forest department, which is active here. The state government implements many policies for the forest. The district is full of natural resources. Coal and iron are two important resources. There are many cement factories and one regional name, “Panna”, is world famous for diamonds. The handicraft items of Madhya Pradesh are famous. Many government organizations and individual organizations are working for the handicraft industry and promoting the work of craftsmen.
Madhya Pradesh has beautiful cities and historical places are here. One temple is in Indore famous which made of glass. Indore is a commercial center of the agriculture region. The main industries of cotton and Jewelry are in Bhopal. India’s largest Mosque is there. Modern Bhopal was founded in 1970. A king Mohammad in earliest eighteen century ruled there,also Bhopal was the capital of the former princely state of Bhopal. Jain cliff carving is in Gwalior Mansingh was ones the king and a Sikh temple is here.
Ujjain is a famous place in the world as it is the one of sacred city for the Hindus. In the eight century AD it was the center of Sanskrit learning and many famous temples are here. Every twenty year a big fair, Kumb, is organized. The city Raipur was founded in fourteen century by Rai Brahma Deo of the Ratnapura dynsty and many major foods processing industries are here. Sanchi is world famous place. It is known for Sputa, Monasteries, Temples and pillars.The Sachi sputa one was originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka.
See
- Bandhavgarh National Park - Madhya Pradesh has the highest density of tigers in the world, and it's one of few places where you are almost certain of seeing a tiger in its natural habitat.
- Khajuraho - Khajuraho is the best attraction of Madhya Pradesh. Every year many people visit Khajuraho they are not only from India but also from all over the world. Khajuraho is famous for the art.
Eat
As elsewhere in Central India, you can have the delicacies of regional cuisines from all over India in Madhya Pradesh. Besides, local Central Indian cuisine (Malwi food) is breathtakingly delicious: local Poha and Daal Baflae of certain places such as Ujjain Indore and Ratlam are very delicious.
Dal bafla is a common meal in the region, consisting of a steamed and grilled wheat cake dunked in rich ghee which is eaten with daal and ladoos. The culinary specialty of the Malwa region of central Madhya Pradesh is poha (flattened rice), usually eaten at breakfast with jalebi.
- Bhopal - Bhopal is known for meat and fish dishes, such as rogan josh, korma, keema, biryani, pilaf, and kebabs. There is street named "Chatori Gali" in old Bhopal where one can find traditional Muslim non-veg fare like Paya Soup, Bun Kabab and Nalli-Nihari to name a few local specialities.
- Gwalior - Famous for chaat named as Bedmi (dal stuffed suji puri with aloo ki teekhi sabji) , a favorite morning breakfast of Gwaliorites.
- Morena- a famous sweet Gajak (from Morena) generally eaten in winter season.
- Indore - The street food of Indore is renowned, with shops that have been active for generations. There is an evening market, which is treat for foodies. Sarafa market which houses jewellery shops during the day, turns into a paradise for food lovers in the evening.
Famous for Butta Kees, Sabudana Khichdi and petis. 'Chappan' is another set of chat shops which treat our buds well.
- Ratlam - Famous for Namkeen, especially Ratlami Senv (spicy snacks) and Dal bafla
Indore is also famous for dish made of corn that is Bhutta Kees. Also Gwalior is famous for a chat known as Bedmi , while famous for sweet named as Gajak mainly from one district Morena near by Gwalior) made up of Seasme and Jaggery specially manufactured in the winter season and is very good for your health.
