Madhya
Pradesh is called the 'heart of India', not only because of its location in
the centre of the country, but also because, it has been home to the cultural
heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, forts and palaces are peppered all over the state - glorious reminders of emperors and kings, warriors and builders, poets and musicians, saints and philosophers.
The natural beauty of the state is equally varied. Consisting largely of a plateau, the state has everything - awesome mountain ranges, meandering rivers, and miles and miles of dense forests.
The rich folk culture and tribal traditions of this fascinating state, are manifested in the umpteen exuberant festivities, and Statue of Rani Jhansi, Gwaliorfairs of its colourful people.
One of the best parts about Madhya Pradesh is its accessibility. Bordered by seven states, it is equally close to major tourist destinations in the north, south, east and west.
Whether you are in Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras) or Calcutta, you're never very far from Madhya Pradesh.
Madhya Pradesh is the richest state in the country in respect of painted rock-shelters, the majority of which have been found in the districts of Sehore, Bhopal, Raisen, Hoshangabad and Sagar.
During
the ascendancy of the Guptas the whole region came under the domain of the
imperial Guptas and subsequently formed part of Harshvardhan's empire.
With the decline in imperial power the province was broken up into small principalities
contending forever to establish their supremacy over one another.
Chandels were one such dynasty claiming descent from the moon, who carved
out a strong prosperous kingdom for themselves after the decline of the great
empire.
There was a short spell of inspired construction activity under the Chandels
in the 10th to 11th centuries. They are the ones who have left behind the
cluster of matchless temples at Khajuraho.
Chandels were followed by Pratihara and Gaharwar Rajput dynasties claiming
mythical origins relating their scions to the gods or heroes in the epics.
They lived and died by a difficult code of chivalry, wasted away scarce resources
in an expensive feudal life style and 
could
not ultimately keep at bay the expanding Muslim power.
Rulers of Malwa fought a running battle with the subedars of Gujarat or the
commanders of the Sultan of Delhi throughout the sultanate period.
The grand Moghul Akbar succeeded in subduing most of them and his sterner
grandson Aurangzeb broke through the last pockets of resistance in this region.
Madhya Pradesh Places to See
Bandhavgarh
This is a small National Park; compact, yet full of game. The density of the
Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in india.
Bhopal
Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh combines scenic beauty, historicity and
modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of an 11th century city,
Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja.
Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot,
'the hill of many wonders', nestles peacefully in the northern spurs of the
Vindhyas, a place of tranquil forest glades and quiet rivers, and streams
where calm and repose are all pervading.
Panna
The only Diamond City in india is Panna. Panna is beautifully calm and serene
: roll-on meadows dotted with evergreen trees, rocks, hills, forests Panna
is famous for its temples which strikes a very fine blend of Hindu and Muslim
architecture.
Gwalior
Steeped in the splendour of its past, the ancient capital of Gwalior has yet
made a successful transition into a modern indian city, vibrant and bustling.
A multitude of reigning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas,
Kacchwahas and Tomars have left indelible etchings of their rule in this city
of palaces, temples and monuments.
Kanha
Kanha's sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams
stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour which form the core of
the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger.
Khajuraho
in the temple architecture of india, the Khajuraho complex remains unique.
One thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela
Rajput kings of Central india, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly
carved, came up on one site, near the village of Khajuraho.
Orchha
Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy
to the ages.in this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and
the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries
retain much of their pristine perfection.
