Madhya
Pradesh History
Madhya
Pradesh, in its present form, came into existence on November 1,2000 following
its bifurcation to create a new state of Chhattisgarh.The undivided Madhya Pradesh
was founded on November 1, 1956.Madhya Pradesh, because of its central location
in India, has remained a crucible of historical currents from North, South,
East and West.
Madhya Pradesh occupies perhaps the oldest part of the subcontinent. Close to
Bhopal at Bhimbetka are the pre-historic caves that preserve some fascinating
paintings dating back to Paleolithic times. Experts have concluded that these
are at least as old as the specimen at Pyrnees.
This was perhaps one of the earliest dwellings of human beings. In fact, the
excavations here have revealed a cultural sequence right from the late stone
age to the early historical period.
Madhya Pradesh is the richest state in the country in respect of painted rock-shelters,
the majority of which have been found in the districts of Sehore, Bhopal, Raisen,
Hoshangabad and Sagar. During the ascendancy of the Guptas the whole region
came under the domain of the imperial Guptas and subsequently formed part of
Harshvardhan's empire. With the decline in imperial power the province was broken
up into small principalities contending forever to establish their supremacy
over one another. Chandels were one such dynasty claiming descent from the moon,
who carved out a strong prosperous kingdom for themselves after the decline
of the great empire. There was a short spell of inspired construction activity
under the Chandels in the 10th to 11th centuries. They are the ones who have
left behind the cluster of matchless temples at Khajuraho.
Chandels were followed by Pratihara and Gaharwar Rajput dynasties claiming mythical
origins relating their scions to the gods or heroes in the epics. They lived
and died by a difficult code of chivalry, wasted away scarce resources in an
expensive feudal life style and could not ultimately keep at bay the expanding
Muslim power. Rulers of Malwa fought a running battle with the subedars of Gujarat
or the commanders of the Sultan of Delhi throughout the sultanate period. The
grand Moghul Akbar succeeded in subduing most of them and his sterner grandson
Aurangzeb broke through the last pockets of resistance in this region.
Many of the smaller kingdoms trace their origins to the lands granted by the
emperor at Delhi to those who had served him well. Bir Singh Deo of Orchcha
was for instance installed on his throne by Jehangir who felt obliged to the
Bundela chieftain for having removed a painful thorn - Abul Fazal, from his
side. Abul Fazal one of the nine jewels of Akbar's court, was murdered at his
behest near Gwalior.
Some other principalities came into being with branching of families, internecine
quarrels and the munificence of the Marathas who were indomitable with - the
decline of the Moghuls. Rulers of Ratlam and Sitamau claim close relationship
with the ruling house of jodhpur in Rajasthan.
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