Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the Heart of India, has its roots in the Prehistoric Ages. The 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.

The history of Madhya Pradesh dates back to the Paleolithic age. The rock shelters of Bhimbetka have witnessed the civilisation in the Prehistoric Ages. 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, Kanvas, Satavahanas, Nagas, Guptas, Utkals, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, 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 Chandrasekhar 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, Thakur Niranjan Singh 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.

After India gained independence in august 1947 the state of Madhya Pradesh was reorganised and Bhopal was declared its new capital. 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.