Central India
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, known as the "Heart of India", is the second-largest state in India by area. It is famous for wildlife reserves, ancient temples, historical monuments, forests, rivers, and rich tribal culture. Bhopal is the capital city, while Indore is the largest commercial city.
86M
People
308,252 km²
Area
55
Districts
29
LS Seats
Formed: 1 Nov 1956
Capital: Bhopal
Language: Hindi
Basic Information
State Name: Madhya Pradesh
Capital: Bhopal
Formation Year: 1 November 1956
Official Language: Hindi
Geography & Climate
Area: 308,252 sq km
Terrain: Plateaus, forests & river valleys
Climate: Subtropical climate with hot summers
Major Rivers: Narmada, Tapti, Chambal, Betwa
Political Parties
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Indian National Congress (INC)
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
Administration
Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
Legislative Assembly: 230 Seats
Demographics
Population: ~86 million
Literacy: ~70.6%
Major Cities: Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior
Tribal Population: Significant tribal communities
Economy
Main Sectors: Agriculture, Mining & Manufacturing
Agriculture: Wheat, Soybean, Pulses & Cotton
Minerals: Coal, Limestone & Diamond reserves
State Symbols
Animal: Barasingha (Swamp Deer)
Bird: Indian Paradise Flycatcher
Tree: Banyan Tree
Flower: White Lily
Foods
Traditional Foods: Poha, Dal Bafla & Bhutte Ka Kees
Street Foods: Indori Namkeen & Jalebi
Sweets: Mawa Bati & Malpua
Tourism & Heritage
UNESCO Sites: Khajuraho Monuments & Sanchi Stupa
Wildlife Parks: Kanha, Bandhavgarh & Pench
Historical Cities: Gwalior, Orchha & Mandu
Pilgrimage: Ujjain Mahakal Temple
Transportation
Airports: Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur & Gwalior
Rail Network: Major central railway connectivity
Roads: Extensive national highway network
Culture
Festivals: Khajuraho Dance Festival & Diwali
Folk Arts: Gond paintings & tribal dances
Music: Rich folk & classical traditions
Education
IIT Indore — Premier engineering institute
IIM Indore — Top management institute
Research Areas: Agriculture & tribal studies
Interesting Facts
Madhya Pradesh is known as the "Heart of India."
Home to some of India's best tiger reserves.
Khajuraho temples are world-famous for architecture and sculptures.
India's only diamond mine is located in Panna district.