|
|
| |
Language
Madhya Pradesh has a very large tribal population – almost a quarter of the people belong to the Scheduled tribes (listed under the Indian Constitution). The main tribes are the Gonds who spread all across central India. Madhya Pradesh accounts for over 72 percent of the 7.4 million Gonds. The other main tribes here are the Bhils. While large parts of the tribal population has joined the mainstream, the Bastar region in the east is home to the colorful Madias and Mudias who still follow their age old customs and practices. The other ethnic groups are the Bhil, Baiga, Korku, Kol and Kamar.
Most people in Madhya Pradesh speak Hindi, English, Urdu, Marathi and local dialects of Hindi. The regional languages are spoken by people belonging to those particular regions of India, but travellers will have no problem as English and Hindi are universally spoken /understood.
|
Religion
In common with the rest of India, Madhya Pradesh is a predominantly Hindu majority state. Most places have a minority Muslim, Sikh and Christian populations. The tribal areas of Chattisgarh have been largely converted to Christianity, though some tribes still subscribe to a blend of old animist and Hindu/Christian beliefs. Bhopal has a large population of Muslims, as Muslim kings or Nawabs once ruled it.
|
Food
An eclectic variety of cuisines are available in the different cities and towns of Madhya Pradesh, depending on the regional predisposition of the local population. In cities with strong Muslim influence, like Bhopal, the food tends to be rich and heavy. Typical Bhopal cuisine would include an interesting array of breads, rice dishes like biryani and kababs and curries of fish, mutton and chicken with the dominant flavours of garlic, onions and spices all cooked in generous quantities of ghee. On the other hand, the food of the Marathas is lightly spiced, low fat and uses fresh coconut, a large variety of vegetables and pulses.
In between these diametrically opposite cuisines lies an entire range of snack foods and sweetmeats typical to Indian cooking. Indore, one of the big commercial centres of Madhya Pradesh has a street with more than 56 eating places encompassing the entire gamut of Indian cuisine. But for those who like to stay with the tried and tested, Madhya Pradesh has plenty of restaurants that serve continental European dishes, Chinese food and American style fast food like pizzas, burgers and grilled sandwiches.
|
Culture and Crafts
The culture of Madhya Pradesh captures the essence of Indian culture and presents it in a microcosm. The different castes of Hindus follow the rituals and traditions proscribed by their religion; they tend to be conservative and conventional, as do the Muslims. The Christians, in contrast, are easy going and relaxed and generally fun loving. Intercommunity marriages are rare though not unheard of, as there is always a ruckus when they do happen. The tribals of Madhya Pradesh have their own unique culture, with rites and rituals varying from tribe to tribe.
Madhya Pradesh is a craft lover's delight. The local handicrafts range from gossamer fine sarees woven in silk and cotton and named after the area they’re made in like Chanderi and Maheshwari. Coarse raw silk called kosa and tussar are also very popular. Cotton bedspreads and cushion covers, chanderi and maheshwari stoles and yards of dress material cater to western tastes. The tribal belt creates stylized figures of people, animals and birds in metal alloys called Dokra and wonderful curios in bell metal. Bead and metal jewellery worn by the tribals is another hot favourite with city dwellers.
|
Related Features on Madhya Pradesh  | Perhaps the most important thing that books do is transport the reader to a place and a thought that is ... | | To truly witness the rich cultural heritage and experience the luxurious lifestyle once enjoyed by the many Maharajas of India, ... | | In this day and age where people don’t get to enjoy the unadulterated beauty of nature amidst the wealth of ... | | If you are looking to trail a tiger or track an elephant, India has the most exciting wildlife parks where ... | | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holiday Packages
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travel Tools
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|