Madhya Pradesh is located in the centre of India. It can be said of Madhya Pradesh that it is the heart of India .It has been a witness to all the major influences, which have shaped Indian Culture.

In Bhimbetka, you can find paintings, which were made thousands of years ago. In Sanchi you find exquisitely executed structures built by the great patron of Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka, besides the Muslims and Mughal invaders, too left his stamp in Madhya Pradesh. They erected magnificent structures such as the TAJ-UL-MASJID, MOTI MASJID (BHOPAL) and Hoshang Shah’s Tomb (MANDU). Even the Britishers made their contribution – they discovered and developed the hill station of Panchmari, MP's only Bona fide hill station. Earlier the Marathas too left an indelible mark by repairing, (especially) structures of religious significance which had been destroyed by the Muslims.

Demographically the state presents an interesting picture. Nearly 23% and 14% of the population belong to the Scheduled tribes and Scheduled castes respectively. 80% of the population lives in the rural areas, 93% of the population are Hindus, 5% Muslims, 3% Christains and .3% Sikhs. This proves that the Muslims invaders were unable to convert the Hindus who were able to maintain their cultural integrity.

Hindi is the principal language of M.P, Marathi, Urdu, Oriya , Gujrati are also spoken , Besides the local dialects –CHHATISGARHI,BHILI and Gandi are also spoken mainly by the tribes .

Madhya Pradesh has a strong traditional village handicrafts industry. The tribal population also produces attractive much sought after handicrafts. Madhya Pradesh has a strong Handloom textile industry. The sheer Chanderi saris and the cotton and silk Maheshwari with their distinctive Pallus are renowned for their uniqueness.

The tribals have a rich cultural heritage, which they have been able to maintain undisturbed for hundreds of years. However cultural invasion initiated by the development of transport and communication has raised the fear that their culture may be diluted and their way of life disrupted. Sincere efforts are being made to assist the tribals to maintain their cultural integrity.

BHOPAL

STATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (BANGANGA RD, OPP RAVINDRA BHAWAN).

BIRLA MUSEUM (NEAR LAKSHMI NARAYAN TEMPLE)

TRIBAL HABITAT MUSEUM (RASHTRIYA MANAV SANGHRAHALAYA)

GWALIOR

SCINDIA MUSEUM (JAI VILAS PALACE) This museum houses a collection of royal possessions and memorabilia. Some of the interesting articles are a poison testing plate, crystal furniture, fine Belgiam glass pieces, a battery operated silver train set, which transported food articles on the dining table etc. Also worth seeing are the two chandeliers hanging in the Darbar hall each weighing 3.5 tons.

GUJARI MAHAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (GWALIOR FORT)

MUNICIPAL CORP. MUSEUM (MOTI MAHAL ROAD), collection of armory and natural history.

KALA VITHIKA (M.P. Kala Parishad Modern Art Collection).

KHAJURAHO

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM: (it is located near the entrance to the western group of temples). On display are sculptures from local Hindu and Jain temple sites.

SANCHI

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(Near entrance to monuments). Exhibits include finds from the site dating from the Asokan period such as parts of the gateways, images and caskets.

JABALPUR

MUSEUM – houses a collection of sculptures and pre-historic relics.

INDORE

CENTRAL MUSEUM (BOMBAY AGRA ROAD near GPO)

TEMPLES

Madhya Pradesh is name to some of Hinduism's most sacred shrines e.g.;

SHRI ONKARESHWAR MAHADEO TEMPLE (ONKARESHWAR)

SIDDIVANTH TEMPLE (ONKARESHWARI)

SATMATRIKA TEMPLE (UJJAIN) dedicated to SHIVA, the temple Lingam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingams in India, believed to the SWAYAMBHU (born of itself).

BHOJESHWARI TEMPLE (BHOJPUR)

CHAUSATH YOGINI MANDIR (JABALPUR)

NEELKANTHESHWARI TEMPLE (UDAIPUR) built in 11^th century by the PARAMARAS This colossal temple is built of sandstone and has a carved beautifully proportionate spire. It is built on a high platform, and it consists of a GARBHA GRIHA (SHRINE ROOM) SABHA MANDAP (HALL FOR PILGRIMS) and 3 entrance porches.

KHAJURAHO TEMPLES

TELI –KA – MANDIR (GWALIOR) dedicated to lord Vishnu.

LAKSHMI NARAYAN TEMPLE (BHOPAL)

TEMPLES AT ORCHHA

RIVERS There are seven major river systems in the state -NARMADA, CHAMBAL, TAPTI, SON, BETWA, MAHANADI and INDRAWATI

LANGUAGE

Hindi is the principal language of the state. Marathi, Urdu, Oriya, Gujrati and Punjabi are also spoken by a sizeable number of people. In the South and Southeast, Chattisgarhi (a local dialect) is the most commonly spoken language. The Bhils and Gonds speak Bhili and Gondi respectively.

This fair is held on the occasion of SHIVRATRI at the Mahadeva temple, which is 10km from Panchmarhi. A congregation of nearly 10,02,000 pilgrims, sadhus and adivasis participate in the celebrations, and plant symbolic 1,00,000 tridents on top of the CHAURAGARH HILL.

SHOPPING

Madhya Pradesh is famous for its textiles and has a strong traditional village handicraft industry. The tribal population produces attractive handicrafts. MRIGNAYNI is the registered trade home for MP State handicraft merchandise. Mrignayni products are available in all major cities of Madhya Pradesh at MP State handicraft shops and other retail outlets.