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About Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is called the "heart of India" only because
of its location in the centre of the country. It has been home
to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and
Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples,
stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the State. The
natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh is equally varied.
Consisting
largely of a plateau, the State has everything. Spectacular
mountain ranges, meandering rivers and miles and miles of
dense forests. In fact, one third of the State is forested,
offering a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in sylvan
surroundings.
Madhya Pradesh, in its present form, came into
existence on November 1,2000 following its bifurcation to
create a new state of Chhattisgarh.The undivided Madhya
Pradesh was founded on November 1, 1956.Madhya Pradesh,
because of its central location in India, has remained a
crucible of historical currents from North, South, East and
West Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic,
Chalcolithic and Iron Age Cultures have flourished in the
state along Narmada Valley and other river valleys.
Rich
archaeological wealth has been unearthed in various parts of
the state throwing light on its history.Evidences of earliest
human settlements have been found in Bhimbethika and other
places of Raisen district. Over 600 rock shelters have been
discovered in Bhimbethika. About 500 caves have rock
paintings, which depict the life of pre-historic
cave-dwellers. Sanchi in Raisen district is a world renowned
Buddhist centre known for its stupas, monuments, temples and
pillars dating from 3rd century B.C. to 12th century
A.D.
The most famous Sanchi stupa was built by the
Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, then governor of Ujjain. Bhojpur, in
the same district is famous for its incomplete but marvelous
Shiva temple, built by legendary Parmar King of Dhar, Raja
Bhoj (1010-53).Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district is renowned
the world over for its unique temples. Built by Chandela
rulers from 950-1050 A.D., in a truly inspired burst of
creativity these temples are a unique gift to the world.
Orchha in Tikamgarh district is a medieval legacy in stone
built by Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries. This
land is hallowed by the memories of the great warrior
Chhatrasal who illumined the pages of history by his heroic
deeds.Madhya Pradesh has a number of important pilgrimage
centres. While Ujjain and Omkareshwar have special
significance due to Shrines having two of the twelve
jyotirlingas, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Amarkantak, Hoshangabad
are also important in their own rights.
 Madhya Pradesh has produced great men and women who are
held in high esteem due to their great deeds. India's immortal
poet-dramatist Kalidas belonged to Ujjain and great musician
Tansen to Gwalior. Bravery of great women like Durgawati,
Avantibai, Kamlapati and Devi Ahilya Bai is inscribed in
golden letters in history.In the freedom struggle, many
movements were successfully launched in Madhya Pradesh
coinciding with the Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India
Movement. Flag Satyagraha of Jabalpur in 1923, Salt Satyagraha
of 1930 in Jabalpur and Jangle Satyagraha started by tribals
are the notable movements. Almost all parts of the state were
active in freedom struggle, though at different times.Madhya
Pradesh is the second largest Indian state in size with an
area of 308,000 sq. kms
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. The amazingly short span
of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the completion of all
the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity. Today, of the
original 85, only 22 have survived the ravages of time; these
remain as a collective paean to life, to joy and to
creativity; to the ultimate fusion of man with his
creator.
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