Madhya Pradesh — Culture,
Heritage & Language
Khajuraho, Kanha & Bandhavgarh tigers, Sanchi
Introduction
Madhya Pradesh, the 'Heart of India', occupies the centre of the subcontinent. Khajuraho's erotic temples, the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi, the tigers of Kanha-Bandhavgarh-Pench, and the marble rocks of Bhedaghat are its calling cards.
Quick Facts
Capital
Bhopal
Largest City
Indore
Official Language
Hindi
Formation Date
1 November 1956
Area
308,252 sq km
Population
85,000,000+
Region
Central
Type
State
Language
Hindi is official. Major regional dialects include Malvi, Bundeli, Bagheli, Nimadi and Chhattisgarhi. Tribal languages like Gondi, Korku and Bhili are widely spoken.
Explore Languages →
Traditional Dress
Men wear dhoti, kurta and safa (turban); women wear lehenga-choli and sarees with traditional jewelry like Hansli, Bichhua and Bajuband.
View Gallery →
Festivals
Khajuraho Dance Festival, Tansen Samaroh (Gwalior), Lokrang, Ujjain's Simhastha Kumbh, Mahashivratri, Diwali and tribal festivals like Bhagoria.
See All Festivals →
Cuisine
Poha-Jalebi (Indore breakfast), Bhutte ki Kees, Dal Bafla, Bhopali Gosht Korma, Indori namkeen, Sabudana Khichdi and Mawa Bati.
Explore Food →
Literature
From Kalidasa (Ujjain) to Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, Mahadevi Verma's roots, Harishankar Parsai and Sharad Joshi (satire).
Read More →
Art Forms
Gond painting, Bagh prints, Chanderi and Maheshwari saree weaving, Mandana floor art and classical traditions of Gwalior Gharana (Hindustani music).
View Art Gallery →
Historical Importance
Home to Mauryan Sanchi, Gupta-era temples, the Paramara and Chandela dynasties (Khajuraho), the Bhonsles, Scindias and Holkars; site of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984).
Know More →
Districts & Cities
Agar MalwaAlirajpurAnuppurAshoknagarBalaghatBarwaniBetulBhindBhopalBurhanpurChhatarpurChhindwaraDamohDatiaDewasDharDindoriGunaGwaliorHardaIndoreJabalpurJhabuaKatniKhandwaKhargoneMaiharMandlaMandsaurMauganjMorenaNarsinghpurNeemuchNiwariPandhurnaPannaRaisenRajgarhRatlamRewaSagarSatnaSehoreSeoniShahdolShajapurSheopurShivpuriSidhiSingrauliTikamgarhUjjainUmariaVidisha