History of Madhya Pradesh can be easily divided into ancient, medieval and modern. The ancient history of Madhya Pradesh deals with the rise of Ujjain and several ruling dynasties. Its medieval history witnessed the rise of the Muslim rule in India and the modern history narrates the tales of imperialism and the battle to achieve freedom. The history of Madhya Pradesh is dotted with incidents that are recounted even today to inspire people. Besides the ruling dynasties the tribal races form an integral part of the history of Madhya Pradesh too. In fact it is the tribal groups that were part of the earliest civilisation in this part of the Indian subcontinent.

There were several princely states before independence. The historical sagas of Madhya Pradesh exhibit the glory of the past. Most of the places of Madhya Pradesh are still having historical monuments, namely forts, palaces, and other related architecture, although some of them have been ruined. Right from the north, the fort of Gwalior, Raja Ram temple of Orchha, seven storied palace of Datia, Chhatris of Shivpuri, the fort of Mandu, Rajwada in Indore, and the central zone monuments such as Sanchi Stupa, Udaygiri Caves, etc. are exhibiting the magnificence of the past. Sanchi in Raisen district is a world renowned Buddhist centre known for Bhimbetka. Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district is renowned the world over for its unique temples. Built by Chandela rulers from 950 - 1050 A.D. Orchha in Tikamgarh district is a medieval legacy in stone built by Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The history of Madhya Pradesh dates back to the Palaeolithic age. Evidences of earliest human settlements have been found in Bhimbetka and other places of Raisen district. The rock shelters of Bhimbetka have witnessed the civilisation in the Prehistoric Ages. Over 600 rock shelters have been discovered in Bhimbetka. About 500 caves have rock paintings, which depict the life of pre-historic cave-dwellers. In the 6th century BC the history of Madhya Pradesh witnesses the rise of Ujjain as the central political power. Mauryan Empire remains the first dynasty in the ancient history of Madhya Pradesh to rule the state. Chandragupta Maurya established the dynasty in 321 BC. After the Mauryas the state was administered by a number of empires, such as, the Sungas, Kanva dynasty, Satavahana dynasty, Nagas, Guptas, Utkals, Chalukya dynasty, Rashtrakutas dynasty, Chandelas and others.

The medieval history of Madhya Pradesh witnesses the rise of Harsha of Thanesar who reorganised the states of Northern India. After his death the Bundela kingdom rose to power in Madhya Pradesh. In the later half of the medieval period the Rajput clan ruled over the state. Apart from changing dynasties the medieval history of Madhya Pradesh also witnessed architectural grandeur. Khajuraho temples were built during this period. However there were series of conflicts from the 12th to 16th centuries due to Muslim invasions. With the Akbar`s ascension to the throne of Delhi, Madhya Pradesh became his stronghold from 1556 to 1605 AD. Madhya Pradesh once again underwent transfer of powers when the Marathas snatched away the reins of power from the Mughals in 1720. They ruled over Madhya Pradesh till 1760 AD.

The Third Anglo Maratha war altered the fate of Madhya Pradesh forever. The state ushered into the modern period with British supremacy. Several freedom fighters, including Chandra Shekhar Azad, hailed from this Central Indian state. Even in the Revolt of 1857 Madhya Pradesh played an important role. People like Gayadutt, Manik Chand Kochar, Choudhary Shankar Lal, and several others inspired the masses to participate in the Indian Independence Movement. The modern history of Madhya Pradesh also witnessed numerous martyrs who willingly laid down their lives for liberating their motherland from the British Raj. In the freedom struggle, many movements were successfully launched in Madhya Pradesh coinciding with the Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement. Almost all parts of the state were active in freedom struggle, though at different times.

After India gained independence in August 1947 the state of Madhya Pradesh was reorganised and Bhopal was declared its new capital. The undivided Madhya Pradesh was formed on November 1st, 1956. Madhya Pradesh, in its present form, came into existence on 1st of November, 2000 following its bifurcation to create a new state of Chhattisgarh. Today Madhya Pradesh stands out as an important state in the Indian sub-continent with its historical places, natural beauty, an interesting demography and numerous places of interest. Thus, it can be said that history of Madhya Pradesh is steeped tales of kings, clashes and finally the freedom struggle.