History and Geography
Madhya Pradesh is the second largest Indian Sate in size with an area of 30, 8,000 sq.km. Geographically it occupies a pivotal position in the country.
King Ashoka first among all, ruled over Ujjain. A sizeable portion of Central India was part of the Gupta Empire (300-500 A.D.). The Muslims came into Central India in the beginning of 11th century. First of all, Mahmud of Ghazni came over here and then Mohammad Gouri, who incorporated some parts of Central India into his ruling territory of Delhi. Central India was also part of the Mughal Empire. During the period between the beginning of the influence of Marathas and the death of Madhoji Scindia in 1794, Marathas were on the ascendant in Central India but later on the small states started coming into existence. These small states became the cause of perpetuation of British power in the country.
Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, the Gond Maharani Kamalapti and Queen Durgawati, etc., were women rulers whose names have left an indelible imprint on Indian history for their outstanding rule. Madhya Pradesh came into being on 1 November 1956. It was reorganised on 1 November 2000 to create a new Chhattisgarh state. The successive state, now, is bound in north by Uttar Pradesh, east by Chhattisgarh, south by Maharashtra and west by Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the mainstay of State's economy as 74.73 per cent of the people are rural. As much as 49 per cent of the land area is cultivable.
The net sown area during 2004-2005 was estimated at about 12.47 m. ha. The food grain production was 14.10m. metric tonne. The productivity of major crops like wheat, rice, pulses has also been good. The National Horticulture Mission has been implemented in 20 districts. A separate Horticulture and Food Processing Department has been set up.
Industry and Minerals
Madhya Pradesh has entered the era of high-tech industries such as electronics, telecommunications, automobiles, Information Technology, etc. The state produces optical fibre for telecommunication needs. A large number of automobile industries have been established at Pithampur near Indore. Prominent industries in the public sector in the state are Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. at Bhopal, Security paper mill at Hoshangabad, Bank Note Press at Dewas, newsprint factory at Nepanagar and alkaloid factory at Neemuch.
The cement production touched 12.49 million metric tonne during the period. An air cargo complex is coming up at Pithampur. The Government of India has set up a Special Economic Zone at Indore. Foreign Direct Investment is being promoted by implementing the comprehensive Economic Development Policy.
The state government has announced an Industries Promotion Policy offering attractive incentives for investment in the state. Letters of intent for establishment of industries with an investment of Rs. 5200 crore have since been received. The docks have been cleared for the long pending Rs. 10,300 crore Oman Bina Refinary Project at Bina in Sagar district. The Government of India has also sanctioned a National Auto Testing and Research and Development Infrastructure Project to be set up at Pithampur in Dhar district.
Development Initiatives
Madhya Pradesh Rural Employment Scheme has been implemented in 18 districts. M.P. has topped in the country in its implementation. National Horticulture Mission has been launched to boost horticulture and productivity in the state. Tourist Centres
Perfectly preserved medieval cities, refreshing and enchanting wildlife sanctuaries and some of the holiest and most revered pilgrim centres offer to the tourist the most fulfilling experience. Tranquil beauty of Pachmarhi, glittering splendour of Marble Rocks and roaring sound of Dhuandhar Fall at Bhedaghat, Kanha National Park, with its unique Barasingha and Bandhavgarh National Park with its prehistoric caves and wildlife are some of the major attractions of the state. Gwalior, Mandu, Datia, Chanderi, Jabalpur, Orchha, Raisen, Sanchi, Vidisha, Udaygiri, Bhimbetika, Indore and Bhopal are the places well-known for their historical monuments. Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Ujjain, Chitrakoot and Amarkantak are major centres of pilgrimage.
Unique temples of Khajuraho are famous all over the world.The temples of Orchha, Bhojpur and Udaypur attract large number of tourists as well as pilgrims. Archaeological treasures are preserved in the museums at Satna, Sanchi, Vidisha, Gwalior, Indore, Mandsaur, Ujjain, Rajgarh, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Rewa and may other places. Omkareshwar, Maheshwar and Amarkantak have been declared as holy cities for their integrated development in accordance with their religious significance. Burhanpur is being developed as a new tourist destination.
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