Comprehensive Guide to Madhya Pradesh General Knowledge: 100+ Questions and Answers

Madhya Pradesh, known as the “Heart of India,” is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. For students, quiz enthusiasts, or those preparing for competitive exams, having a solid grasp of Madhya Pradesh’s geography, history, culture, economy, and current affairs is essential. This guide provides over 100 well-organized general knowledge questions with answers to help you cover all the essential information about Madhya Pradesh.

100+ Madhya Pradesh General Knowledge

Madhya Pradesh, also known as the “Heart of India,” is located right in the center of the country. It’s the second-largest state in terms of area, covering around 308,000 square kilometers. Bhopal, the capital, is known for its lakes, and Indore, the largest city, is the state’s commercial and cultural hub. The geography of Madhya Pradesh is diverse, with the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges crossing through it and the Narmada River flowing from east to west.

The state’s natural beauty includes spectacular landscapes, from the lush forests of Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks to the rugged terrains of the Malwa Plateau. These parks not only host diverse wildlife but are also key areas for tiger conservation in India. The Dhuandhar Falls near Jabalpur on the Narmada River is one of the most famous waterfalls, drawing tourists for its mesmerizing views. The state’s soil, mainly black cotton soil, makes it suitable for agriculture, especially in the western and northern regions.

1. What is the capital of Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Bhopal

2. Which is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Indore

3. What is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Barasingha (Swamp Deer)

4. What is the state bird of Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Indian Paradise Flycatcher

5. Madhya Pradesh shares its borders with how many Indian states?

• Answer: Five (Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan)

6. Which river is known as the “Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh”?

• Answer: Narmada River

7. Which is the longest river flowing through Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Narmada River

8. Name a famous waterfall in Madhya Pradesh.

• Answer: Dhuandhar Falls (near Jabalpur)

9. What is the area rank of Madhya Pradesh among Indian states?

• Answer: Second largest

10. Which mountain range passes through Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Vindhya Range

11. What is the highest peak in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Dhupgarh (in the Satpura Range)

12. Which national park in Madhya Pradesh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

• Answer: Kanha National Park

13. How many national parks are there in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: 11

14. What is the state tree of Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Banyan Tree

15. Which plateau forms a significant part of Madhya Pradesh’s geography?

• Answer: Malwa Plateau

16. Which is the largest lake in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Bhojtal (Upper Lake in Bhopal)

17. Name the major soil type found in Madhya Pradesh.

• Answer: Black soil (Regur soil)

18. Which river in Madhya Pradesh is considered sacred and is worshipped?

• Answer: Narmada River

19. Which region of Madhya Pradesh is known for its mineral resources?

• Answer: Chhota Nagpur Plateau

20. Name the largest forest reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

• Answer: Kanha Tiger Reserve

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History of Madhya Pradesh

21. Who was the founder of the Holkar dynasty in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Malhar Rao Holkar

22. Which famous king ruled over the region that is now Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Raja Bhoj

23. In which year did Madhya Pradesh become a state of India?

• Answer: 1956

24. Which ancient civilization flourished along the Narmada river?

• Answer: The Chalcolithic civilization

25. Who was the ruler of Gwalior who died fighting the British in 1858?

• Answer: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi

26. Which Mughal Emperor built the famous fort in Gwalior?

• Answer: Babur

27. Where was the first capital of Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Nagpur

28. Which British officer was responsible for establishing the Central Provinces and Berar, which included parts of present-day Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Sir Richard Jenkins

29. What was the ancient name of Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Malwa and Avanti regions

30. Who was the famous Jain king from Madhya Pradesh known for spreading Jainism?

• Answer: King Samprati

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Culture and Festivals of Madhya Pradesh

31. What is the famous folk dance of Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Tertali

32. Which festival is celebrated uniquely in Khajuraho with dance performances?

• Answer: Khajuraho Dance Festival

33. Name a popular tribal community in Madhya Pradesh.

• Answer: Gond

34. What is the state festival of Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Lokrang Festival

35. Which city in Madhya Pradesh is known as the “City of Temples”?

• Answer: Ujjain

36. Name the dance form performed by the Baiga tribe.

• Answer: Karma Dance

37. Which classical music festival is held annually in Gwalior?

• Answer: Tansen Music Festival

38. What is the name of the traditional handloom saree made in Chanderi?

• Answer: Chanderi Saree

39. What language is widely spoken in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Hindi

40. Which popular Hindu festival is celebrated with grand processions in Ujjain?

• Answer: Mahashivratri

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Economy of Madhya Pradesh

41. Which crop is known as the main cash crop of Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Soybean

42. Which city is famous for diamond mining in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Panna

43. What is the main source of income in rural Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Agriculture

44. Which mineral is mined in significant quantities in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Coal

45. Which city is known as the “Textile Hub of Madhya Pradesh”?

• Answer: Indore

46. Which industry contributes significantly to Madhya Pradesh’s economy?

• Answer: Tourism

47. Which forest product is famous from the forests of Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Tendu leaves (used for making beedis)

48. Which place in Madhya Pradesh is known for handloom silk production?

• Answer: Maheshwar

49. What is the GDP rank of Madhya Pradesh among Indian states?

• Answer: 10th largest (as of recent estimates)

50. Name a major industrial city in Madhya Pradesh.

• Answer: Bhopal

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Important Personalities from Madhya Pradesh

51. Who is known as the “Tiger Man of India” from Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Kailash Sankhala

52. Which famous playback singer hails from Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Lata Mangeshkar

53. Who was the first Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Ravishankar Shukla

54. Who is the legendary classical singer from Gwalior known as the “Tansen of Modern Times”?

• Answer: Kishori Amonkar

55. Which famous poet and writer, author of “Madhushala,” was from Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Harivansh Rai Bachchan

56. Who was the social reformer and political leader born in Madhya Pradesh known for his work against untouchability?

• Answer: Jyotirao Phule

57. Which Madhya Pradesh-born cricketer played for the Indian national team?

• Answer: Narendra Hirwani

58. Who was the freedom fighter from Jabalpur known for his work in the Indian independence movement?

• Answer: Seth Govind Das

59. Who is the noted environmental activist from Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Medha Patkar

60. Which famous Hindi author, known for his short stories, hailed from Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Munshi Premchand

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Current Affairs in Madhya Pradesh (as of recent years)

61. Which city in Madhya Pradesh was ranked the cleanest in India multiple times?

• Answer: Indore

62. What major event was held in Ujjain in 2016 and will next occur in 2028?

• Answer: Simhastha Kumbh Mela

63. Who is the current Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

64. What initiative has Madhya Pradesh launched to promote tourism?

• Answer: “MP Mein Dil Hua Bacche Sa” campaign

65. Which international event took place in Bhopal in 2019?

• Answer: Military Literature Festival

66. What popular award did the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department receive for tiger conservation?

• Answer: NTCA Award for Tiger Conservation

67. Which new tiger reserve was added to Madhya Pradesh in 2020?

• Answer: Ratapani Tiger Reserve (proposed)

68. Which government scheme launched in Madhya Pradesh focuses on girls’ education?

• Answer: Ladli Laxmi Yojana

69. Which project is aimed at rural development in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Mukhya Mantri Gramin Awas Mission

70. What campaign promotes cleanliness and aims to make Madhya Pradesh open defecation free?

• Answer: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

History of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh has a rich history dating back thousands of years. This region was home to ancient civilizations along the Narmada River. Known historically as Malwa and Avanti, the area was a major cultural and political center. The famous ruler Raja Bhoj, after whom the city of Bhopal is named, was known for his contributions to art and literature in the 11th century. The state has seen a variety of rulers, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Rajputs, each leaving its mark on its architecture and culture.

The state was also influenced by Mughal rule, with cities like Gwalior becoming prominent under Mughal Emperor Babur. The British took over in the 19th century, and after independence in 1947, Madhya Pradesh became a state in 1956. Its history of princely states, forts, and palaces makes it a region filled with historical sites, including the magnificent Gwalior Fort, the temples of Khajuraho, and the ancient Buddhist monuments at Sanchi.

Culture and Festivals of Madhya Pradesh

The culture of Madhya Pradesh is a unique blend of tribal traditions and classical Indian heritage. The state is home to various tribes, such as the Bhils and Gonds, each with its own customs, dances, and art forms. Madhya Pradesh celebrates many festivals that reflect its vibrant culture. The Tertali and Karma dances performed by the tribal communities are integral parts of their festivals and ceremonies. The Khajuraho Dance Festival, celebrated every February, showcases classical Indian dance forms against the backdrop of the iconic Khajuraho temples.

Ujjain, one of India’s oldest cities, hosts the Kumbh Mela (Simhastha) every 12 years, attracting millions of pilgrims. Another significant celebration is the Lokrang Festival in Bhopal, which highlights the cultural diversity of Madhya Pradesh. The local handicrafts are also famous, especially the Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees, which are handwoven with intricate designs. The state’s cuisine includes dishes like Poha and Bhutte Ka Kees, making Madhya Pradesh a culinary delight for food lovers.

Economy of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh has an economy primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and industry. Known as the “Soybean State,” it is the leading producer of soybean in India. Other major crops include wheat, rice, and cotton, which contribute significantly to its agricultural output. Panna, a city in Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its diamond mines, while coal and limestone mining also play an essential role in the state’s economy.

The state has a growing industrial base, especially in cities like Indore and Bhopal. Indore, known as the “Textile Hub of Madhya Pradesh,” is one of the leading centers for cotton textile manufacturing. The tourism industry also makes a large contribution, with popular destinations such as Khajuraho, Sanchi, and wildlife reserves bringing in visitors from around the world. Efforts to boost the state’s infrastructure and promote foreign investment have also opened up new avenues for economic growth.

Important Personalities from Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh has produced several influential personalities who have made significant contributions in various fields. Lata Mangeshkar, one of India’s most iconic playback singers, was born in Indore. She is known as the “Nightingale of India” and has been awarded numerous accolades for her contribution to Indian music. Another notable figure is Kailash Sankhala, often referred to as the “Tiger Man of India,” who played a crucial role in tiger conservation efforts across India, especially in Madhya Pradesh.

Harivansh Rai Bachchan, the famous Hindi poet and father of actor Amitabh Bachchan, hailed from this region. His work “Madhushala” is a celebrated piece of Hindi literature. The state also produced social reformers and freedom fighters, such as Seth Govind Das, who was actively involved in India’s independence movement. Medha Patkar, an environmental activist known for her work with the Narmada Bachao Andolan, is another influential personality with roots in Madhya Pradesh.

Current Affairs in Madhya Pradesh

In recent years, Madhya Pradesh has made headlines for its achievements in cleanliness and urban development. Indore has consistently been ranked as the cleanest city in India under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The Simhastha Kumbh Mela, held in Ujjain every 12 years, was last held in 2016 and attracted millions of pilgrims. The state government has also launched initiatives to promote tourism, such as the “MP Mein Dil Hua Bacche Sa” campaign, which aims to attract more visitors to the state’s cultural and natural attractions.

The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department received recognition for its efforts in tiger conservation, as the state holds the highest number of tigers in India. The addition of new tiger reserves, such as the proposed Ratapani Tiger Reserve, reflects the government’s commitment to wildlife preservation. The “Ladli Laxmi Yojana,” focusing on girls’ education and empowerment, and the “Mukhya Mantri Gramin Awas Mission” for rural development are among the welfare schemes aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.

Final Words

Madhya Pradesh is a state that beautifully combines rich history, vibrant culture, diverse geography, and economic potential. Known for its remarkable landmarks like Khajuraho, Sanchi, and the dense forests home to Bengal tigers, the “Heart of India” is a true treasure trove of natural and cultural wealth. Its impressive contributions to Indian arts, literature, and agriculture add even more depth to its character.

Whether you’re preparing for an exam, planning to visit, or simply expanding your knowledge, understanding Madhya Pradesh gives you a glimpse into a state that holds both ancient roots and modern ambitions. We hope this guide helps you appreciate the unique aspects of Madhya Pradesh and serves as a helpful resource for your learning journey.

FAQs

1. What is the capital of Madhya Pradesh, and why is it known for its lakes?

• Answer: The capital of Madhya Pradesh is Bhopal. It is known as the “City of Lakes” due to its numerous natural and artificial lakes, the most famous being Bhojtal (Upper Lake).

2. Which languages are widely spoken in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Hindi is the most widely spoken language in Madhya Pradesh, followed by regional dialects like Malvi, Bundeli, and Bagheli.

3. What are the primary sources of income in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: The primary sources of income are agriculture, mining (particularly coal and diamond), and tourism. Agriculture focuses on crops like soybean, wheat, and rice.

4. What makes Khajuraho temples so famous?

• Answer: The Khajuraho temples are renowned for their stunning architecture and intricate erotic sculptures, reflecting ancient Hindu and Jain cultural heritage. They are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. What are the top tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: Popular attractions include Khajuraho Temples, Sanchi Stupa, Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks, Gwalior Fort, Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple, and Bhimbetka Rock Shelters.

6. Why is Madhya Pradesh called the “Heart of India”?

• Answer: Madhya Pradesh is located centrally in India, hence the nickname “Heart of India.” Its position connects various regions, making it a strategic and cultural hub.

7. Which city in Madhya Pradesh is recognized as the cleanest in India?

• Answer: Indore has consistently been ranked as the cleanest city in India under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

8. How often is the Simhastha Kumbh Mela held in Ujjain, and why is it important?

• Answer: The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years in Ujjain. It is one of the largest religious gatherings in India, where millions of pilgrims participate in holy rituals along the Shipra River.

9. What is the significance of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh?

• Answer: The Narmada River, often called the “Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh,” is the longest river flowing entirely within the state. It is also sacred and has numerous religious sites along its banks.

10. Which wildlife reserves in Madhya Pradesh are famous for tiger conservation?

• Answer: Madhya Pradesh is known for tiger reserves like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Panna. The state is home to a large tiger population and is recognized for its conservation efforts.