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Travel Guide ––» Madhya Pradesh Travel
Guide
Madhya Pradesh Travel Guide
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.
