The region of Central India comprises the heartland of India that is the two states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh. This vast area of central India bears witness to over 2,000 years of continuous religious activity. The various shrines and temples of Central India enable an individual to experience an inner sense of peace and sanctity. This region is the center of art and architecture of ancient India and the several monuments of the region bear testimony to the fact that art had reached a zenith. A number of deserted palaces, haunted by the shades of departed princes, impregnable hill fortresses, which lie brooding over the forests below, and spectacular ruined cities, studded with the evocative ruins of mosques and tombs of generations long since passed add to the architectural glory of Central India.

Monuments are perhaps centralised and pivoted around the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh in central India, which date back to centuries into the pre-Christian era. Central India, with its mystical calling of the wild, the gargantuan epic muted edifices tries to emote a sense of their own, the coifed architectures of stone and rock varying at each corner, makes a perfect heritage monument site, which makes visitors turn admirers to return again and again.

The state of Madhya Pradesh has a glorious history and the prime source of such a glorious history is nothing but the variety of monuments of Madhya Pradesh. The monuments of Madhya Pradesh reflect the glory of various ages. Monuments as old as the first century are also found in the state of Madhya Pradesh. As Madhya Pradesh had been invaded by various dynasties at different times it is very obvious that the monuments will have a variety of architectural style. In fact it can be said that the architectural style of the monuments of Central India are widely varied and is a treat for the eyes of an onlooker. All the architectural pieces in the region bears an identity of its own and at the same time reflect the spirit of a particular age. The various structures that have been incorporated within the monuments of Madhya Pradesh are forts, palaces, temples (of Hindus and Jains), mosques, tombs, churches, stupas, tanks, reservoirs, and caves cut out of rocks. About Central India it can be commented very confidently that it is the monuments of the region which largely contributes to its tourism.

The architectural styles in the state of Madhya Pradesh predominantly reflect the styles of the Mughals, the Paramaras, the Holkars, the Scindias and the Begums. The Khajuraho Temples an epitome of spiritualism and eroticism tops among the monuments of Central India. The Khajuraho Temples are known for their architectural vividness and also closely reflects the Hindu style of architecture. The main temples in the western group in Khajuraho are mostly Hindu temples such as the Matangeshwara temple and the Vishwanatha temple. The eastern group has Jain temples like Parshvanatha Temple and the Adinatha temple.

Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh reflect the magnificence of art and architectural style; while the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh reflects the splendour created in stone. The Sanchi Stupa constructed under the Maurya Empire is the edifice of Buddhism which had flourished in Central India during the 5th century BC. The city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh has witnessed the reign of several dynasties including the Hindus, the Muslim King Iltutmish and finally the British. As a result the city reflects several architectural styles. Rather it can be said that Madhya Pradesh is a confluence of all religions in terms of architecture. Mandu in Madhya Prdesh is known for its Islamic Architecture. But at the same time it can be said that the architectural style of Mandu is comparatively simpler than the other Muslim edifices which are found in the other parts of India.

Chattisgarh which received the status of statehood in the year 2000 is also an important of Central India. The state of Chattisgarh is full of ancient temples, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites and palaces. The town of Malhar is renowned for its archaeological importance. The major monuments of the state include Kawardha Palace, Bhoramdeo Temples, Ratanpur Fort and a lot more. The monuments of Chattisgarh are rare masterpieces and reflect the ancient architectural styles. Some of the other architectural wonders which add to the glory of the state of Chattisgarh are Devri temple, Pataleshwar temple, Bastar Palace and Danteshwari temple. The monuments of Chattisgrah are a rich wealth of art and architectural work that illustrates their refined aesthetic sensibility.

Monuments of Central India are wonderful. In fact tourism in the central part of India is largely contributed by these architectural heritages. Chhattisgarh is a store house of ancient temples and monuments but Madhya Pradesh offers a wider vista of architectural variety. Central India, hence, can be referred to as the home to Hindu, Islamic, Jain and Buddhist architecture and is a major segment in the panorama of Indian architecture.