Madhya Pradesh means ``middle land’’. This state lies n the centre of India. It has no coastline. It is one of the biggest states in India. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Utter Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are its neighbors.
The Narmada the Chambal, Tapi, Betwa, son are important rivers of the state. These rivers do not flow throughout the year as they get water only from the rains. A number of dams have been built across these rivers to store water to be used when rainy seasons is over. Gandhi Sagar dam built across river Chambal is well –known.
Being a big state, Madhya Pradesh has many types of land surfaces. The northern part is level and fertile plain. The western part is a plateau known as Malwa Plateau. The soil of this pert is black, which is very suitable for growing cotton. Besides cotton, other crops of the region are jawar, bajra, maize and wheat. The Narmada River flows between Satpura and Vindhya ranges. It has made the area fertile and suitable for crops like rice, cotton and sugar-cane.
Bhopal is the capital and the fastest growing industrials city of Madhya Pradesh. It has a heavy electrical plant. Other important industries of the state are aluminum, leather textiles, paper and explosives. Hand loom sarees of Chanderi are very famous. The famous diamond mine is at Panna. The people of Madhya Pradesh speak Hindi. They celebrate Holi, Diwali, Dussehra and id with great joy.
Bhopal is beautiful city. India’s largest lake is situated in Bhopal. Bhopal is also home to one of the largest museums of tribal arts. This museum is housed in Bharat Bhavan. The Mahadeo hills are the home of the tiger, panther, Indian bison and various other animals. The white tiger of Rewa, a rare animal, is found here.
Gwalior is an old city. The Gwalior fort and the Samadhi of Rani of Jhansi are places worth visiting. Ujjain is another old city of Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for its Maha Kaleswar Temple and cotton ills. The Sachi Stupa and the Khajuraho temples are other places of historical interest. The Kanha national park is one of the finest wild life sanctuaries in the world.
