Madhya Pradesh, the second biggest state in India, has the largest tribal population. Founded in 1956, it has an area of 308,150 sq km, bordering seven other states -
Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar,
Orissa,
Andhra Pradesh,
Maharashtra,
Gujarat, and
Rajasthan. The population is approximately 60,380,000.
Bhopal is the capital and the official language is
Hindi. Other languages spoken are
Urdu,
Marathi,
Sindhi,
Punjabi, and
Gujarati.
Madhya Pradesh is the home to cultural inheritance of
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam. Numerous monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas (pillars), forts, and palaces are scattered all over the state. Spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers, and dense forests offer a unique and exciting view of wildlife. Madhya Pradesh is well-known for its renowned tourist destinations such as the temples of
Khajuraho, the majestic forts of
Gwalior, Buddhist stupas of Sanchi, and a variety of wildlife sanctuaries. India's famous poet-dramatist
Kalidasa and the great musician of the Mughal court,
Tansen, were born in this state.
Main Tribes are
Gond, Bhil, Kanwar, Baiga, Bharia, Habla, Kol, Korku, Oraon, Dhanka, Dhangad, Panika, Sahariya, and Sawara. All the festivals of Hindu solar calendar are celebrated in Madhya Pradesh. Some of the important festivals are the spring festival of Jhabua;
Shivratri of Khajuraho,
Bhojpur,
Pachmarhi and
Ujjain; Ram Navami of Orchha; and the famous Khajuraho dance and music festival. The main rivers are the
Narmada,
Tapti,
Chambal, Son, Betwa, Mahanadi, and Indravati.
Electronics, telecommunications, petrochemicals, food processing, and automobiles are the major industries. Madhya Pradesh is noted for its handicrafts and handlooms manufactured at
Chanderi and Maheshwar.
