Why Madhya Pradesh is Called the "Heart of India" - An Inquiry into the History, Geography and Sociology of the Place

chillibreeze writer — Paromita Das

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Madhya Pradesh is a treasure trove of ancient India. Literally translated, it means the ‘middle province.’ Once the largest state of India, it still showcases the best of India’s geographical and cultural diversity.

History Revisited

The history of Madhya Pradesh dates back to 320 BC, to the Mauryan Empire. You can get a glimpse of its rich past in the city of Gwalior. Once the capital city, its importance was recognized by the Rajputs, the Pratiharas, the Kacchwahas, and the Tomars. The beautiful forts and palaces that dot the city stand witness to the events that changed Indian history. One such prominent monument is the fifteenth-century Gwalior Fort. Within the fort lie the architectural marvels of Gujari Mahal Palace.

Another historic city is Indore. Rani Ahilyabai Holkar planned this city on the banks of the two rivers, Saraswati and Khan. Don’t miss the Lal Baag palace, a grand monument that gives you a glimpse of the Holkar dynasty. Its décor is a blend of various art forms seen right in its Italian marble columns and rich Persian carpets to Belgium stained-glass windows and Greek mythological reliefs.

Mandu is considered as architectural paradise. This fortress city has 12 gateways, each adding to the strength of the fort. The Jami Masjid awes one with its grand proportions and simple construction.

Religion as Inspiration

Bhopal presents a fascinating window to religious architecture. This capital-city boasts of the Taj-ul-masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia. The octagonal minars and marble domes must be seen to be believed. The beautiful Laxmi Narayan temple, located on Arera Hills, is famous for the idol of a reclining Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati.

You can see the early Brahminic architecture exemplified in the Siddhanath temple. However, the Khajuraho temples definitely flaunt the best of temple architecture in India. The patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings saw all 85 temples being completed between 950 AD and 1050 AD; today only 22 exotic temples survive but their artistic rendering of the fusion of man and nature will mesmerize you.

Monuments dating back from the third century BC to the twelfth century AD are spread all over Sanchi. Stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars contribute to the religious atmosphere of Sanchi.

On a Pilgrimage

You can convert your holiday to a pilgrimage as well. The Hindus regard Ujjain, blessed by the river Shipra, as a holy city. Madhya Pradesh is home to many temples that are regarded in high esteem by the devotees. Chitrakoot, a famous hills station, is another important pilgrimage destination. It is here that Brahma-Vishnu-Maheswar trinity was incarnated. According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama and his wife Sita are believed to have spent 11 years of exile in Chitrakoot.

Nature beckons

Nature abounds in Madhya Pradesh. If you are a nature lover, Pachmarhi is just the place for you. Situated at an altitude of 3,500 feet, the queen of the Satpura Range presents lush green forests, wriggling streams, and magnificent water falls. Other must-see sights include Bees Falls, Handi Kho, and Buddhist caves and cave paintings at the 10,000-year old Pandav Caves.

The Satpura National Park showcases a variety of flora and fauna. A trip to this park will take you through an exhilarating tour of rugged terrain, where you could come face to face with leopards, bears, nilgai, sambar, black bucks, and the like.

Other wild life destinations are Bandhavgarh National Park, where you could see the rare, white tigers. Another interesting place is the Pench Tiger Reserve, which was immortalized by Rudyard Kipling in his ‘Jungle Book’. Besides the wild animals, this place is home to around 170 species of birds including peafoul, heron, and crimson-breasted barber. Shivpuri, once the hunting paradise for the Mughal rulers and the Scindias of Gwalior, is yet another must-visit wildlife sanctuary.

Gastronomic Exploration

A better understanding of any region is gained only when one gives in to the local delights. Like any other Indian meal, Madhya Pradesh also offers lavish, leisurely meals. The northern and western regions specialize in wheat-and-meat cuisines while the southern and eastern regions freak on fish and rice. Spicy rogan josh, delicious korma, tantalizing keema, and mouth-watering biryani form the yummy core of Bhopali cuisine. So if you are the foodie kind, you will be allured to the gastronomic heaven, Madhya Pradesh, to savor the variety of cuisines.

The central location and diverse attractions have rightly earned Madhya Pradesh the sobriquet of being the ‘Heart of India’.

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Paromita writes for Chillibreeze.

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