Madhya Pradesh GK

Basic & Geographic Facts

• State name: Madhya Pradesh . 

• Nickname / common tag: “Heart of India” — because it's roughly at the centre of India.

• Capital: Bhopal . 

• Largest / most populous city: Indore . 

• Area: ~ 308,245 sq km (makes MP the second-largest state in India by area after Rajasthan).

• Position (Coordinates): Between 21°06′ N – 26°30′ N latitudes. 

• Roles: Land-locked state (no coastline). 

States sharing border with MP:

• Northwest: Rajasthan

• North/Northeast: Uttar Pradesh

• East: Chhattisgarh

• South: Maharashtra

• West: Gujarat 

Demography & Population

• Population: ~ 7.26 crore (approximate).

• High tribal population; many Scheduled Tribes live here (major tribal communities: Bhil, Gond, etc.). 

• Languages: Official language is Hindi . Regional dialects/languages include Bagheli, Bundeli, etc. among others. 

Geography, Rivers & Natural Features

• Madhya Pradesh is known as “Nadiyon ka Mayka” (Motherland of Rivers) — many of peninsular & central India’s major rivers originate or flow through MP. 

• Major rivers:

  • Narmada River — the largest in MP.

  • Tapi River (also known as Tapti) — flows through southern MP. 

  • Others: Tributaries of Ganga-Yamuna Basin, Godavari tributaries, etc. 

• Terrain: Mix of plateaus, forests, hills, plain river valleys — varied geography. 

• Forest & natural cover: MP has significant forest cover and biodiversity (tribal belts, wildlife, etc.). 

History & Cultural Heritage

• Historical evolution: Ancient → Medieval → Modern periods. Various dynasties & kingdoms ruled parts of present-day MP over centuries. 

• Rich cultural and historical heritage. MP houses several important historical / heritage sites. 

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites / Iconic heritage in MP:

  • Khajuraho Group of Monuments