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.
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