The name Madhya Pradesh translates literally into “Central Province”, which is very apt for a state that occupies the geographical heart of India. Gaining statehood almost a decade after India’s independence, Madhya Pradesh is still home to various royal families. Its storied history and indigenous people are immortalized in three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, the Buddhist monuments at Sanchi, and the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka. This ancient land is a diverse mix of plateaus, rivers, and forests, offering a wealth of experiences for travellers.
People
Madhya Pradesh is home to significant tribal populations, including the Gond, Bhil, and Baiga tribes. These indigenous communities, comprising a fifth of the state’s population, have preserved their unique traditions and lifestyles. Hindi is the prominent language and Hinduism is the prominent religion. But like most Indian states, there are a variety of local dialects and religious groups that further enrich the rich tapestry of the region.
TERRAIN
The state is characterized by a series of plateaus, the most prominent being the Malwa Plateau in the west and the Deccan Plateau in the south. These elevated regions are intersected by several mountain ranges, including the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, which create dramatic landscapes and rewarding routes for motorcyclists. The state is crisscrossed by numerous rivers, with the sacred Narmada being the lifeline of the region. The topography ranges from the rugged ravines of Chambal in the north to the lush forests of the central and eastern regions. This diverse terrain offers riders a thrilling mix of winding mountain roads, serene riverside routes, and rides through dense, wildlife-rich jungles.
WEATHER
Madhya Pradesh has a sub-tropical climate with 3 seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summers (April to June) can be intensely hot, with temperatures rising above 40 degrees celsius often. The monsoon season (July to September) brings much-needed relief from the heat, but is often marked by heavy rainfall. Winter (October to March) offers the best weather for travel, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 10 degrees celsius to 25 degrees celsius. Nights in the months of December and January can be cool, but not freezing.
FLORA AND FAUNA
With a third of the state forested, Madhya Pradesh offers a lot for the wildlife enthusiast. Forests of teak, sal, and bamboo offer refuge to over 500 species of birds. These jungles are also home to big cats, and Madhya Pradesh’s many National Parks and Wildlife Reserves are home to tigers, leopards, and of course, deer. Wildlife conservation is a key focus area for the state government, and the tiger population has been growing at a healthy clip. As of July 2024, 785 tigers roam the jungles of Madhya Pradesh.
ESTABLISHMENT OF MAIHAR STATE (KACHHWAHA RAJPUT)
The Maihar princely state was established in 1770 by Shrimant Maharaja Beni Singh Judeo, a descendant of the Kachhwaha dynasty, with an area of 407 square kilometers. After him, his son Maharaja Durjan Singh Judeo ascended the throne. He constructed the temple of Maa Sharda in Maihar, developed the Maihar region, and built a fortress wall to secure the area. In 1820, Maharaja Durjan Singh performed his Tuladan (a ritual of self-weighing against gold or other valuables) and had stairs constructed to reach the temple of Maa Sharda. He also built two step wells for pilgrims. During the British era, his great-grandson Maharaja Raghuvir Singh Judeo (1844-1908) further developed Maihar town and had several more temples built. His great-grandson Maharaja Brijnath Singh Judeo (1896-1968) modernized Maihar by constructing structures like the Pulghata and the railway station (1934). He brought Baba Allauddin Khan Sahib to Maihar and established the Maihar Gharana (school of music). Currently, the ruler is His Highness Maharaja Bahadur Akshay Raj Singh Judeo.For more information on Madhya Pradesh, visit the official tourism website or the Wikipedia page.
Tour Madhya Pradesh with us in our motorcycle tour to Madhya Pradesh.