Culture of Madhya-Pradesh

Religion and Culture of Madhya Pradesh

¤ People

A large segment – almost 40 percent - of Madhya Pradesh’s population is tribal. Its four agro-climatic zones have resulted in a most interesting mix of peoples and lifestyles.

There are three distinct tribal groups; the largest chunk being that of the Gonds, who once ruled most of the state and after whom Gondwana, the central portion of the state, is named. Western Madhya Pradesh is inhabited by the Bhils, a colourful group of warriors and hunters.

The eastern side of the state is dominated by the Oraons, most of whom have now converted to Christainity. Population is pretty sparse in the tribal areas as the terrain is hilly and difficult. This poses a big problem as far as communications, transport and medical facilities are concerned. Despite the efforts of the government benefits from development programs have been slow to accrue.

What is interesting, however, is that the tribals have managed to retain their ethnic identity, customs and rituals despite modernization – this is largely thanks to successive governments that have been extremely sensitive in their dealings with them. Madhya Pradesh is home to some of India’s leading luminaries like the present prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, thespian Habib Tanvir, noted sarod player Amjad Ali Khan, the nightingale of India Lata Mangeshkar and the painter Maqbool Fida Hussain.

¤ Religion

Most of the people in Madhya Pradesh are Hindus. There are, however, sizeable minorities of Muslims, Jains, Christians and Buddhists. There is also a small Sikh population.

¤ Rituals

Committing Jauhar-- Mass Self Immolation
Apart from the usual rituals related to birth, marriage and death, MP saw the practice of jauhar under the rule of the Tomara dynasty. The Rajputs were fanatical about guarding the honour of their women. The mere thought of the women falling prey to the lust of invading Muslims was worse than death. The sombre custom of jauhar was born out of this fear.

It was a ritual of mass suicide performed by the women and girls of the royal household in anticipation of capture and humiliation. When defeat in battle became imminent, the women would immolate themselves in a huge fire kept burning in a subterranean chamber. The remaining men, clad in saffron robes, would then fling themselves at the enemy in one last, desperate charge. The Jauhar Tank in Gwalior Fort witnessed such a ritual when the fort fell to Altamish (or Iltutmish).

Language

Hindi is the main and the official - language of Madhya Pradesh. Dialects of the language, such as Bundelkhandi, Malwi and Chattisgarhi, are spoken all over the state. Urdu, Marathi, Sindhi, and Gujarati are also commonly spoken here thanks to the mix of people.

Festivals

Apart from religious festivals, Madhya Pradesh has many other festivals that are of a secular nature. Depending on your interests you can enjoy Indian classical dance and music, folk dance and music, literary programs, theatre and even traditional theatre forms like Ramleela, based on the Ramayana. In fact some of these festivals, like the Khajuraho Dance Festival, are so famous round the world that people come here especially to see them.

Your friendly neighbourhood tourist department will help you with information on which festivals are being held at the time of your visit.

Festival:- Festival of Dances
Where it’s at:- Khajuraho
What’s in it:- Indian classical dance performances by some of the best dancers in the country and abroad.

Festival:- Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh
Where it’s at:- Ujjain
What’s in it:- Literary presentations along with dramas and Indian classical programs.

Festival:- Tansen Sangeet Samaroh
Where it’s at:- Gwalior
What’s in it:- Indian classical vocal & instrumental performances by the best in the country.

Festival:- Dhrupad Samaroh
Where it’s at:- Bhopal
What’s in it:- Vocal performances in the famous dhrupad style of Indian classical music.