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.

Madhya Pradesh occupies perhaps the oldest part of the subcontinent. Close to Bhopal at Bhimbetka are the pre-historic caves that preserve some fascinating paintings dating back to Paleolithic times. Experts have concluded that these are at least as old as the specimen at Pyrnees.

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.

Madhya Pradesh Travel GuideChandels 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.

Many of the smaller kingdoms trace their origins to the lands granted by the emperor at Delhi to those who had served him well.Bir Singh Deo of Orchcha was for instance installed on his throne by Jehangir who felt obliged to the Bundela chieftain for having removed a painful thorn - Abul Fazal, from his side. Abul Fazal one of the nine jewels of Akbar's court, was murdered at his behest near Gwalior.Some other principalities came into being with branching of families, internecine quarrels and the munificence of the Marathas who were indomitable with - the decline of the Moghuls. Rulers of Ratlam and Sitamau claim close relationship with the ruling house of jodhpur in Rajasthan.

Madhya Pradesh consistedBhimbetka-neolithic rock of the region called Malwa. The Malwa region was occupied by the predecessors of the Bhils, Gonds and other tribes who had to confront the Aryans. The Aryans who were stronger pushed the tribal inhabitants to the south of the Vindhyas. The Malwa region is also found to have evidences of a civilization contemporary to the Indus Valley Civilization. This region excelled in art and architecture during the period of Buddhism when this area witnessed the rule of Mauryan empire till 327 B.C. The Sungas also established their influence over this region. The rule of Vikramaditya lasted from 78AD to 388AD and after this Chandragupta II ruled from 388 to 401AD.A After the decline of the Guptas, by the 10th century Malwa was under King Bhoja II of the Paramaras. Internal rivalry between the tribes and the Rajputs made it easy for the Muslims to establish their rule which lasted till 1401AD.The Khiljis under Mahmud Khilji ruled from 1435-1459. The invasion of Babar paved the way for establishment of a strong Muslim rule from 1526 to 1530. The Sur dynasty under Sher Shah also had its influence on it. In 1562 Akbar made it a part of the Mughal empire and it remained a part of Mughal empire till the 18th century. The tribal, Gonds gained control of Malwa after the decline of the Mughals followed by the Marathas from 1690.Though this area too fell under the British jurisdiction it was administered by the Marathas who ceded it to the British completely by 1817. In 1948 after independence this region of Malwa was joined with regions of Indore and Bhopal. In 1956 it was organised into the present Madhya Pradesh.

Tourist Attractions in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is a land of diverse culture and it is steeped deep in the Indian History. The Tour to Madhya Pradesh will make you feel the presence of all the great happenings before your own eyes. So there are numerous tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh. They are Bhopal, Khajuraho, Gwalior, Orchha, Bandhavgarh, Kanha etc.

Bhopal:
You shall be enamored by the magnificent beauty of the city of Bhopal. It consists of numerous temples and museums, and archeological structures of historical significance.

Khajuraho:
Amativeness and Tradition has been perfectly blended together at Khajuraho, where the hues of the culture surpass the ravages of time, thereby making its assets all the more attractive.

Gwalior:
It is also known as the city with rugged forts and there are many incidents of battles and wars being fought over here.

Orchha:
This is the capital of the Bundellas. It has a ranch of the Orchha Fort, and by itself is an architectural wonder.

Bandavgarh:
It is located in the Vindhya Mountains, and has the highest number of Tigers in entire India.

Kanha:
The Kanha National Park has gained reputation for the numerous wild animals that is in its store and a significant fact is that the park is the best governed in entire Asia.

Kanha National Park
The Kanha National park is one of the many fascinating natural destinations of Madhya Pradesh. It was registered as a national park in the year 1955 and dedicated to the preservation of endangered and rare species. The picturesque Park area, its innumerable wildlife and wonderful flora make it a favourite destination of the nature lovers. According to the records, the Kanha National Park is also the sole inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's unforgettable classic The Jungle Book.