Madhya Pradesh, a state which is known as the Heart of India. It is the oldest part of this sub-continent known as the Home of Gonds i.e. Gondwana. Some of the Paleolithic aged paintings are preserved safely and naturally in some pre-historic caves at Bhimbetka near Bhopal which are as old as the specimen of Pyrenees. In the esteem of painted rock-shelters, Madhya Pradesh is the richest state of India.
Madhya Pradesh is an essential part of all the historic currents from all the directions of the country; moreover, this land is graced by rich archeological prosperity which can be found very easily here throwing light on its past. As Guptas were rising during 4th century, this region too came into the dominance of colonial Guptas and consequently bent as the division of Harshvardhan’s Empire.
As the colonial power had shown their downfall the state was broken up into undersized princedoms challenging one another to set up their domination. After the Third Anglo-Maratha war most of the states of Indore, Bhopal and other diminutive states became a part of the princely states of British India. These princely states were governed by the Central India Agency.
The environmental features of Madhya Pradesh can be characterized by a sub-tropical weather. It is hot and dry in summer season, which are followed by monsoon, and a pretty cool in winter. Madhya Pradesh is densely sheltered by forests which report for one third of the state’s geographical area. Narmada, which is the fifth longest river in India rinse through Madhya Pradesh while Chambal, Tapi, Mahanadi rivers are the supporting ones. Above all, Hirakund Dam, one of the largest dams in India is built on Mahanadi River.
These rivers help in the irrigation and agriculture as they drain a large part of the state. Madhya Pradesh hosts almost one-fifth of India’s forests and teakwood, Sal and rosewood are uniquely initiate in the forests of Madhya Pradesh.
Every community of Madhya Pradesh has urbanized its diverse lifestyle. This lifestyle makes the culture miscellaneous and pulsating. Such culture can be visualized in the different art forms and customs, which are adept and celebrated in Madhya Pradesh. The dominance of tribal community in Madhya Pradesh is enormous, but three major tribal groups here are Gonds, Bhils, Oraons, and Gonds who are synchronized with each other. They are found in central Madhya Pradesh, in western Madhya Pradesh, and in the eastern part of the state respectively. Bhils, Gonds, Oraons are the key tribal groups and they own their unique languages, art forms and festivals like Bhagoriya, Madai, etc. that are renowned by the people of these groups.
Sela, Kaksar, Gaur and Karma, are some of the variety of dances which are enjoyed by the tribal groups. Without these colorful tribal art and festivals, Madhya Pradesh ethnicity might have lost the majority of its magnetism. Besides all these impressive tribal festivals, there are many old-fashioned fairs and other festivals which color the living in Madhya Pradesh with cheerful hues. Even today, a variety of art forms are practiced extensively by the tribal communities. In Ujjain, Nagavanshi community practice the art of Papier Mache and it is the core centre for this practice. The vibrant handicrafts and artistic works in Madhya Pradesh add to its mystique charm. Handicrafts and diverse fabric techniques have given increase to an affluent variety of costumes of Madhya Pradesh.
These diverse techniques and patterns of fabric include tie and dye, batik and weaving. To make various printings on the fabrics threads are tied, dipped in multi-colored dyes. This consequential printed fabric is Bandhani, which is reasonably famous in India. Tribes of Madhya Pradesh have generated a fascinating pattern of costumes for various occasions like beads made ornaments, whereas the integral part of their costumes are cowries and feathers. Ghungroos are close to the varied clothes which provide them a tinkling effect.
Madhya Pradesh offers a number of exciting tourism options. The Khajuraho Temples, shows an eternal masterpiece which is engraved in stone, for the centuries to get fascinated in admiration and speculation and the Sanchi Stupas specially made by the Emperor Asoka. The crescent domes of Sanchi Stupas too are the premium examples of Buddhist structural design. Both of these heritages have been declared as the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Khajuraho Temples are prominent for hosting of the annual dance festival, which attracts renowned dancers and danseuse from within India and outside. The air of romance always flows and sounds with many of the cities of Madhya Pradesh, as Mandu, Gwalior and Bhopal.
Bhopal is the capital of Madhya Pradesh which offers an exhilarating union of yesterday and today. The famous sightseeing of this state is Bharat Bhawan, Gohar Mahal, Moti Masjid, Van Vihar, and the Lower and Upper Lake. The forts of Gwalior cannot be ignored while touring to Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh has been remaining an innovator state in the national movement for preservation of flora and fauna. Madhya Pradesh holds numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Some of the National Parks are as Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Panna National Park, Pench National Park, Satpura National Park, Sanjay National Park, Madhav National Park, Vanvihar National Park and Fossil National Park which are located in various districts of Madhya Pradesh.
The cuisine of Madhya Pradesh has a little touch of Rajasthani and Gujarati cuisines. Bhutte ki kees and Chakki ki shaak are the most famous dishes of this state. The most favored non-vegetarian delicacies are the spicy Rogan josh. If we look at the sweet dish delicacies, they are mouth-watering since they are prepared by keeping milk as their base. Kusli is the specialty of Madhya Pradesh.
So, what else an individual can ask for tour to Madhya Pradesh tries to fulfill every type of demand. Become a part of Madhya Pradesh and get enthralled with its eternal cultural and traditional charm.
