Explore the map of Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, is the second-largest state by area, covering 308,245 square kilometres. With a population of over 72 million as per the 2011 Census, it is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks such as the Khajuraho temples and Sanchi Stupa. The state's economy is diverse, encompassing agriculture, mining, and manufacturing sectors. Bhopal, the capital, is a hub of political and administrative activities, while Indore is the largest city and a significant commercial centre. Madhya Pradesh is also home to numerous national parks, including Kanha and Bandhavgarh, renowned for their wildlife and natural beauty.
Explore the Madhya Pradesh map showing the 52 districts, district headquarters and capital of Madhya Pradesh state of India.
List of Districts of Madhya Pradesh
S.N.
District
Headquarter
Population in 2011
Area in km2
Population Density per km2
1
Bhopal
Bhopal
2,371,061
2,772
855
2
Raisen
Raisen
1,331,597
8,446
158
3
Rajgarh
Rajgarh
1,545,814
6,154
251
4
Sehore
Sehore
1,311,332
6,578
199
5
Vidisha
Vidisha
1,458,875
7,371
198
6
Morena
Morena
1,965,970
4,991
394
7
Sheopur
Sheopur
687,861
6,585
104
8
Bhind
Bhind
1,703,005
4,459
382
9
Gwalior
Gwalior
2,032,036
5,214
390
10
Ashoknagar
Ashoknagar
845,071
4,674
181
11
Shivpuri
Shivpuri
1,726,050
10,278
168
12
Datia
Datia
786,754
2,038
386
13
Guna
Guna
1,241,519
6,485
191
14
Alirajpur
Alirajpur
728,999
3,182
229
15
Barwani
Barwani
1,385,881
5,432
255
16
Burhanpur
Burhanpur
757,847
2,473
306
17
Indore
Indore
3,276,697
3,898
841
18
Dhar
Dhar
2,185,793
8,153
268
19
Jhabua
Jhabua
1,025,048
6,782
151
20
Khandwa
Khandwa
1,310,061
4,927
262
21
Khargone
Khargone
1,873,046
4,927
262
22
Balaghat
Balaghat
1,701,698
9,229
184
23
Chhindwara
Chhindwara
17,16,612
10,293
177
24
Jabalpur
Jabalpur
2,463,289
5,210
473
25
Katni
Katni
1,292,042
4,927
262
26
Mandla
Mandla
1,054,905
5,805
182
27
Narsinghpur
Narsinghpur
1,091,854
5,133
213
28
Seoni
Seoni
1,379,131
8,758
157
29
Dindori
Dindori
704,524
7,427
95
30
Pandhurna
Pandhurna
374,310
1,522
31
Betul
Betul
1,575,362
10,043
157
32
Harda
Harda
570,465
3,339
171
33
Narmadapuram
Narmadapuram
1,241,350
6,698
185
34
Rewa
Rewa
1,748,461
6,434
368
35
Satna
Satna
2,228,935
7,502
297
36
Sidhi
Sidhi
1,127,033
4,851
230
37
Singrauli
Waidhan
1,178,273
5,672
208
38
Mauganj
Mauganj
6,16,645
1,866
39
Maihar
Maihar
40
Chhatarpur
Chhatarpur
1,762,375
8,687
203
41
Damoh
Damoh
1,264,219
7,306
173
42
Panna
Panna
1,016,520
7,135
142
43
Sagar
Sagar
2,378,458
10,252
232
44
Tikamgarh
Tikamgarh
1,040,359
3,878
268
45
Niwari
Niwari
404,807
1,170
346
46
Anuppur
Anuppur
749,237
3,746
200
47
Shahdol
Shahdol
1,066,063
6,205
172
48
Umaria
Umaria
644,758
4,026
160
49
Agar Malwa
Agar Malwa
571,275
2,785
205
50
Dewas
Dewas
1,563,715
7,020
223
51
Mandsaur
Mandsaur
1,340,411
5,530
242
52
Neemuch
Neemuch
826,067
4,267
194
53
Ratlam
Ratlam
1,455,069
4,861
299
54
Shajapur
Shajapur
941,403
3,460
272
55
Ujjain
Ujjain
1,986,864
6,091
326
Districts of Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, the second-largest state in India, is divided into 52 districts, each contributing uniquely to its cultural and economic landscape. The state capital, Bhopal, is renowned for its picturesque lakes, vibrant culture, and prestigious educational institutions like the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER). Indore, the largest city, serves as a commercial and industrial hub, known for its thriving business environment and top-tier educational facilities, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM).
Gwalior is a historical city famed for its magnificent Gwalior Fort and rich musical heritage, while Jabalpur is noted for its marble rock formations at Bhedaghat and its strategic military base. In the western part of the state, Ujjain stands out as a significant religious centre, hosting the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
The districts of Mandla and Balaghat are crucial for their ecological significance, housing the Kanha and Pench National Parks, which are renowned for their tiger reserves and diverse wildlife. Similarly, Panna district is known for its diamond mines and the Panna National Park. In the eastern part of the state, Singrauli and Sidhi are important for their substantial coal mining operations and power generation facilities, contributing significantly to the state's industrial output.
Agriculture is the backbone of districts like Sehore, known for its wheat and soybean production, and Morena, which is a leading producer of mustard and honey. Raisen district is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sanchi, featuring ancient Buddhist stupas and monuments. Khajuraho, in the Chhatarpur district, attracts tourists worldwide with its intricately carved temples, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In the tribal heartlands, districts like Jhabua and Alirajpur showcase rich tribal cultures and traditions, with significant efforts being made towards sustainable development and education. The region's demographic diversity and socio-economic initiatives highlight the state's commitment to inclusive growth.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the "Heart of India," is the second-largest state in the country, covering an area of 308,245 square kilometres. According to the 2011 Census, it has a population of over 72 million people. The state's capital, Bhopal, is known for its beautiful lakes and vibrant culture, while Indore, the largest city, is a significant commercial hub known for its booming business environment and educational institutions.
Historical and Cultural Heritage
Madhya Pradesh is a treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its intricately carved temples depicting various aspects of life. The Sanchi Stupa, another UNESCO site, stands as a testament to the rich Buddhist heritage of the region. Additionally, the ancient city of Ujjain, known for the Kumbh Mela, is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism.
Economy
The economy of Madhya Pradesh is diverse and robust, with significant contributions from agriculture, industry, and services. Agriculture is the backbone, with the state being one of the largest producers of wheat, soybean, and pulses in India. The industrial sector is bolstered by the presence of manufacturing units in cities like Indore, Bhopal, and Jabalpur, producing textiles, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles. The state is also rich in mineral resources, including coal, manganese, and limestone, which contribute significantly to its economic output.
Natural Resources and Wildlife
Madhya Pradesh is blessed with abundant natural resources and diverse wildlife. It is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench, which are famous for their tiger populations and rich biodiversity. These parks attract wildlife enthusiasts and tourists from around the world, contributing to the state's tourism industry.
Education and Infrastructure
The state has made considerable strides in education and infrastructure development. Prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal highlight the state's commitment to higher education. Infrastructure projects such as the development of roads, highways, and airports have improved connectivity and boosted economic growth.
Demographics and Social Indicators
Madhya Pradesh has a diverse demographic profile with a mix of various ethnic and tribal communities. The literacy rate stands at 69.32% as per the 2011 Census, with ongoing efforts to improve educational outcomes. The state government has implemented various social welfare schemes aimed at improving healthcare, education, and rural development.
Tourism
Tourism is a vital sector, with the state's rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty drawing visitors. Key attractions include the ancient caves of Bhimbetka, the historic fort city of Gwalior, and the scenic beauty of Pachmarhi hill station. The state's efforts in promoting eco-tourism and heritage tourism have further enhanced its appeal.
History
Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, boasts a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years, marked by the rise and fall of numerous dynasties and empires. The state's historical significance is reflected in its myriad archaeological sites, ancient monuments, and cultural heritage.
Ancient Period
Madhya Pradesh has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the Bhimbetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains some of the earliest traces of human life in India, with paintings dating back to the Paleolithic era. During the Vedic period, the region was part of the Avanti Mahajanapada, one of the sixteen great kingdoms of ancient India, with its capital at Ujjain.
Classical and Medieval Period
In the 3rd century BCE, Madhya Pradesh was under the influence of the Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya and expanded by Ashoka the Great, who left his mark with numerous stupas and edicts, particularly the Sanchi Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following the decline of the Mauryas, the region saw the rise of the Gupta Empire in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, known as the Golden Age of India, contributing significantly to art, culture, and science.
During the medieval period, Madhya Pradesh witnessed the dominance of various Rajput dynasties, such as the Paramaras of Malwa, who ruled from their capital at Dhar. The Chandela dynasty also flourished during this time, constructing the famous Khajuraho temples, known for their exquisite architecture and intricate erotic sculptures.
Islamic and Mughal Influence
From the 13th century onwards, Madhya Pradesh came under the influence of the Delhi Sultanate, followed by the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. The Mughal period brought architectural advancements, with the construction of forts, palaces, and mosques, especially in cities like Mandu and Gwalior. The region also saw the rise of influential Mughal governors and local rulers who contributed to the cultural and economic prosperity of the area.
Maratha and British Era
In the 18th century, the Marathas gained control over much of Madhya Pradesh, marking a period of significant political and military activity. The Maratha influence is evident in the region's forts, palaces, and administrative structures.
The early 19th century saw the British East India Company asserting control over Madhya Pradesh after defeating the Marathas. The British era introduced new administrative systems, railways, and educational institutions. The region played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement, with leaders like Tantia Tope and Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi emerging as prominent figures.
Post-Independence
After India gained independence in 1947, the princely states within Madhya Pradesh were integrated into the Indian Union. The state was reorganised on 1st November 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act, which defined its current boundaries by merging the regions of Madhya Bharat, Vindhya Pradesh, and Bhopal.
Today, Madhya Pradesh stands as a testament to its rich historical legacy, with its numerous monuments, cultural traditions, and historical sites attracting scholars and tourists from around the world. The state's history is a vibrant tapestry of ancient kingdoms, medieval dynasties, and colonial influences, making it a crucial part of India's historical and cultural heritage.
Geography
Madhya Pradesh, located in the heart of India, is the second-largest state in the country, covering an area of 308,245 square kilometres. This central Indian state is known for its diverse and rich geography, which includes a mix of hills, plateaus, rivers, and forests, contributing to its ecological and cultural diversity.
Topography
The topography of Madhya Pradesh is predominantly characterized by the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges, which run parallel to each other from east to west. The Vindhya range lies to the north of the state and separates the Indo-Gangetic plain from the Deccan plateau, while the Satpura range is situated further south, contributing to the state's diverse landscape.
The Malwa Plateau, located in the western part of Madhya Pradesh, is known for its fertile black soil, making it a crucial agricultural region. To the east lies the Baghelkhand Plateau, known for its rocky terrain and rich mineral resources. The Bundelkhand region in the north is characterized by its rugged terrain and historical significance, dotted with ancient forts and temples.
Rivers
Madhya Pradesh is traversed by several significant rivers, which are vital for its agriculture and water supply. The Narmada River, often referred to as the lifeline of the state, flows westward across the state, creating fertile valleys and supporting numerous irrigation projects. The Narmada valley is also renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
Other important rivers include the Tapti, which flows parallel to the Narmada, and the Chambal River, known for its deep ravines and wildlife sanctuaries. The Betwa and Son rivers are also significant tributaries contributing to the state's riverine ecosystem.
Climate
The climate of Madhya Pradesh varies from tropical monsoon in the southern and eastern parts to semi-arid in the western and central regions. The state experiences three distinct seasons: summer (March to June), monsoon (July to September), and winter (October to February). The monsoon season brings substantial rainfall, especially in the eastern and southern regions, while the western parts receive comparatively less rainfall.
Forests and Wildlife
Madhya Pradesh is richly endowed with forests, covering approximately 31% of its total area. The state is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, making it a significant region for biodiversity. Prominent among these are the Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench National Parks, known for their tiger populations and diverse wildlife. The Satpura National Park and the Panna Tiger Reserve are also notable for their efforts in wildlife conservation.
Natural Resources
The state is abundant in mineral resources, with significant deposits of coal, manganese, bauxite, limestone, and copper. The eastern districts, such as Singrauli, are known for their coal mines and thermal power plants, contributing substantially to the state's economy.
Human Settlements and Agriculture
Madhya Pradesh's geography supports a predominantly agrarian economy, with major crops including wheat, rice, soybeans, and pulses. The fertile plains of the Narmada and the Malwa Plateau are the primary agricultural regions. Urban centers such as Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur serve as administrative and commercial hubs, driving the state's economic growth.
Demographics
Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, is the fifth-most populous state in the country, with a population of approximately 72 million people according to the 2011 Census. The state exhibits a diverse demographic profile, encompassing a wide range of cultures, languages, and religions.
Population Distribution
The population density of Madhya Pradesh is around 236 people per square kilometre, which is lower than the national average, reflecting its vast geographical area. The state has a significant rural population, with around 72% of its residents living in rural areas, engaged primarily in agriculture and related activities. Urban centres such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior account for the urban population, with Indore being the largest city.
Linguistic Diversity
Hindi is the official language of Madhya Pradesh and is spoken by the majority of the population. Other languages commonly spoken include Marathi, Urdu, Gujarati, and tribal languages such as Gondi and Bhili. The linguistic diversity reflects the state's cultural richness and historical connections with neighbouring regions.
Religious Composition
Madhya Pradesh is religiously diverse, with Hinduism being the predominant religion, followed by approximately 91% of the population. Islam is the second-largest religion, with around 6% of the population, followed by smaller communities of Christians, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs. The state is known for its religious tolerance and harmonious coexistence of various religious communities.
Literacy and Education
The literacy rate in Madhya Pradesh is around 69.32%, according to the 2011 Census, with male literacy at 78.73% and female literacy at 59.24%. The state government has implemented various initiatives to improve educational outcomes, especially in rural areas, aiming to bridge the gender literacy gap and promote higher education.
Age and Gender Distribution
Madhya Pradesh has a balanced age distribution, with a significant proportion of its population under the age of 35. This youthful demographic is vital for the state's labour force and economic development. The sex ratio of the state stands at 931 females per 1,000 males, slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing challenges in gender equity.
Tribal Population
A notable aspect of Madhya Pradesh's demographics is its substantial tribal population, which constitutes about 21% of the state's total population. The state is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Gonds, Bhils, Baigas, and Kols, each with distinct cultures, traditions, and languages. The tribal communities primarily inhabit the forested and hilly regions of the state, such as the districts of Mandla, Dindori, and Alirajpur.
Socio-Economic Indicators
Madhya Pradesh has made significant progress in socio-economic development, yet it continues to face challenges related to poverty, healthcare, and infrastructure. The state government has launched various social welfare schemes aimed at improving healthcare services, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable development.
Migration and Urbanisation
The state experiences internal migration, with people moving from rural to urban areas in search of better employment opportunities and living standards. Cities like Indore and Bhopal are becoming major urban centres, attracting people from different parts of the state and contributing to the urban growth.
