emperor Harsha. In the early 11th century when Central
Asian Muslims started invading central India, Mahmud
of Ghazni and then Mohammad Gori integrated several
parts of the state into the Delhi Sultanate. It was also part
of the Mughal Empire during the rise of the Marathas.
Until the death of Madhoji Scindia in 1794, the
Marathas ruled supreme in central India, but subsequently
several independent and smaller states came into being.
The disintegrated smaller states paved the way for British
sovereignty. Around that time, fabled women rulers ruled
over Central India and these include Rani Lakshmibai of
Jhansi, Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, Rani Kamla Devi and
Rani Durgawati.
When India became independent in 1947, the British
Indian Central Provinces and Berar were consolidated
into Madhya Pradesh. Boundary changes followed and the
state of Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh
in 2000. Forty percent of the tribal population of India,
including large numbers of the Bhil and Gond tribes ekeA
s its name implies the state of Madhya Pradesh
(central province) is situated in the heart of India.
The second largest of the 29 states of the Indian
Union, the huge geographical sprawl (308,252 sq. km) of
MP (as it’s popularly known) offers visitors a multiplicity
of leisure and travel options. Whether it is the exquisite
statuary and sculptures of the temples of Khajuraho, the
ancient stupas of Sanchi, seat of Buddhism, the serene and
peaceful waters of Marble Rocks or the Kanha National
Park famous for its tigers, MP has plenty to offer business
and leisure travellers. Though given its size state-wide tours
are a tall order, its major cities Bhopal (the admin capital),
Jabalpur, Indore and Gwalior offer numerous excursion
options.
The recorded history of Madhya Pradesh dates back to
the time of venerated emperor Ashoka (300 BC). Subse-
quently a major portion of central India was incorporated
into the Gupta Empire (300-550 AD). In the first half of
the seventh century it was incorporated into the domain of
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi