central India
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is a large central Indian state often described as the Heart of India, shaped by the Narmada valley, Vindhya and Satpura ranges, plateau regions, forests, tribal societies, prehistoric sites, temple architecture, tiger reserves, agriculture, minerals, and central Indian trade corridors.
Capital
Bhopal
Population
7.26 Cr
Census of India 2011
Area
3,08,252 sq km
Census of India 2011
Literacy
69.3%
Census of India 2011
Districts
55
State Profile
Madhya Pradesh overview
Madhya Pradesh is a large central Indian state with Bhopal as capital and Jabalpur as the seat of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. It is often called the Heart of India because of its central location and is shaped by plateaus, river valleys, forests, tribal societies, archaeological sites, tiger reserves, agriculture, minerals, and historic corridors between north India and the Deccan.
Capital
Bhopal
Region
central
Population
7.26 Cr
Census of India 2011
Area
3,08,252 sq km
Census of India 2011
Snapshot
Quick facts
Core facts useful for prelims, maps, and state comparison.
- Capital
- Bhopal
- Largest city
- Indore
- Region
- central
- Population
- 7.26 CrCensus of India 2011
- Area
- 3,08,252 sq kmCensus of India 2011
- Languages
- Hindi, Malvi, Bundeli, Bagheli, Nimadi, Gondi, Bhili, Korku
Snapshot
Economy snapshot
A quick view of source-backed output, income, growth, and major sectors.
- Industries
- Agriculture, Soybean and oilseeds, Textiles, Cement
UPSC Focus
Why it matters
Important UPSC-relevant themes connected with this state.
- It connects prehistoric India, early historic urbanisation, Buddhism, classical art, medieval regional kingdoms, Maratha and princely-state history, tribal society, forests, and post-independence reorganisation.
- Its geography is a core UPSC map theme through the Malwa plateau, Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand, Nimar, Mahakoshal, Chambal region, Vindhya range, Satpura range, Narmada rift valley, and Amarkantak highlands.
- It is important for GS3 through soybean and oilseed agriculture, irrigation, river-basin management, drought, forest governance, tiger conservation, minerals, tourism, and the Ken-Betwa river-linking debate.
UPSC Focus
Identity markers
Cultural, historical, geographical, or economic identifiers.
- Capital: Bhopal; largest city by urban-economic prominence: Indore.
- Madhya Pradesh was reorganised in its present broad form on 1 November 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
- Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 2000.
- Madhya Pradesh High Court is located at Jabalpur, with benches at Indore and Gwalior.
- Three major UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites are in the state: Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, and Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka.