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Madhya Pradesh

History

The rock carvings found in this state signifies its relation with the Stone Age of civilization. Though, the actual historical record reveals the fact of it being ruled by a number of famous empires of India. The empires included the Mauryan Empire, the Mughals and off course the British.

During the rule of the Mughals, the famous musician Tansen of Madhya Pradesh used to be the official singer of the Mughal Samrat Akbar's court. There are many interesting legends and folklore related to Tansen and Birbal in the court of Akbar. Madhya Pradesh is also the homeland of Kalidas, the famous immortal Indian poet, dramatist and one of the nine jewels of Akbar's court.

The innumerable monuments, carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces on hilltops signify the artistic sense of the empires and kingdoms, of great warriors and builders, poets and musicians, saints and philosophers. The earlier time influences of religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam are still evident in the historical places here.

Dynasties of the Sungas, Andhras, Satavahanas, Ksaptrapas, Nagas and last but not the least the Guptas ruled over this place. During and after the tenth century different regions of the state were ruled by different dynasties like Chandellas, who ruled in Khajuraho, Muslims in Gwalior and the Holkar in Indore etc.

After the British took over the state, the state had been declared as the central province. After India gained her independence, under the provision of the state Re-organization Act of 1956, Madhya Pradesh was given the status of a full-fledged state with effect from 1st November 1956. Chattisgarh was carved out as a new state in November 2000 to fulfill a demand that was long due.

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