Long before the written word, the magic of Madhya Pradesh was inscribed in colours that have defined time in their permanence. In 600 labyrinthine caves of Bhimbetka. Here, more than 500 prehistoric paintings, in their vivid and panoramic detail, sweep you back to 25,000 B.C., and that is only the beginning of a spellbinding journey. 

Antiquity of Madhya Pradesh goes back to the dawn of history. Widely distributed rock shelter paintings present an eloquent testimony of its hoary past. Madhya Pradesh, which forms central India is associated with some famous names in Indian History.

Emperor Ashoka began his career from Ujjain. Major portion of Central India formed part of the Gupta Empire (300-550 AD). In the first half of the seventh century it was part of domains of famous emperor Harsha. The close of tenth century was a period of confusion.

In the early eleventh century the Muslims entered central India, First Mahmud of Ghazni & then Mohammad Gori, who incorporated certain parts with Sultanate of Delhi. It also formed part of Mughal Empire with the rise of Maratha's. Till the death of Madhoji Scindia in 1794, Marathas ruled supreme in Central India, but after that independent & smaller states came into being.

The disintegrated smaller states paved way for British sovereignty. Some great women rulers like Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, Gond queen Rani Kamla devi & Rani Durgawati have carved a niche for them in history. Madhya Pradesh in its present form was created in 1956 out of former states of Madhya Bharat, Vindhya Pradesh, Bhopal and fourteen (Mahakoshal) districts of old Madhya Pradesh.