| 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, Gwalior fairs
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, 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.
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.
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