Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - my outdoor history classroom

Culture and Heritage Trail in Madhya Pradesh, heart of India

Madhya Pradesh, the heart of Incredible India, is adorned with culturally rich ancient heritage. Indian heritage has consistently proven to be a beautiful means of understanding the existence of mankind and the evolution of life. Recently, I embarked on a Culture and Heritage Trail in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of Incredible India, with Times Passion Trails. Apart from exploring beautiful historical places in Madhya Pradesh, this handcrafted trail provided me with an opportunity to immerse myself in the culture of Madhya Pradesh. I traveled back in time, living the stories of human life from the prehistoric Stone Age to the modern era.
​While countless moments spent in nature helped me connect with myself, my eagerness to learn about natural processes and different ways of life grew stronger. I am overwhelmed by the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage of India.

Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - Khajuraho Temples

​1. Bhimbetka Rocks Shelters (UNESCO World Heritage site)

I walked into the Stone Age around 100,000 years back (8000 BCE) as I entered the Bhimbetka caves, which were home to prehistoric man. This was the era when human life had evolved to stand upright on hind legs and utilize their forelegs as hands to manipulate objects and tools. Our ancestors have left behind some traces for us in the form of paintings on rocks. These paintings depict how humans began observing animals, utilizing them for their daily needs, and eventually resorting to using them in fights against larger animals.

My thoughts: Survival and self-protection from larger animals had become a necessity.

Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - Bhimbetka Rock Shelters - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters - UNESCO World Heritage Site

​2. Sanchi Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage site)

I then moved to 300 BCE, when Emperor Asoka propagated Buddhism by constructing Buddhist monuments across the country to share the message of overcoming suffering and attaining Nirvana. The Stupa of Sanchi was built to preserve the relics of Lord Buddha, which was later destroyed by the successor ruler. The Stupa was rebuilt and adorned with gateways (Toranas) featuring intricate carvings of Buddhist moral tales from Buddha’s life, known as Jatakas.

My thoughts: Man was influenced by power and destruction, hence needed teachings to find inner peace. 

Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - Sanchi Stupa - UNESCO World Heritage Site

​3. Udayagiri caves

I entered the 4th-century (400 CE) astronomical center that once existed in the caves of Udayagiri, possibly due to its location on the tropic of cancer at that time. The sculptures and inscriptions depicting activities related to the Hindu calendar and sundials provide valuable insights into Hindu astronomy. Later, the king transformed the caves into Hindu temples to restore the concept of the Hindu king as a supreme leader and devotee of Lord Vishnu. These caves are the oldest surviving Hindu temples, featuring iconography from Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Shaivism. The most iconic cave here is the one depicting the Varaha avatar of Vishnu rescuing the goddess Earth from the cosmic sea.

My thoughts: It’s fascinating to realize that humans had already begun to understand the concept of leadership to protect their kingdoms, and astronomy existed as a discipline back then as well!

Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - Udayagiri Caves

​4. Khajuraho Temples (UNESCO World Heritage site)

I advanced to the 10th century (950-1050 CE) as I explored the site of the Khajuraho group of temples, which hold immense significance in Hinduism. Shiva, the deity who destroys and recycles life, controls the cosmic dance of time, evolution, and dissolution. These temples are masterpieces of ancient Indian art, adorned with intricate carvings that depict the objectives of life as per Hinduism: dharma (duty), kama (desire), artha (purpose), and moksha (liberation). Despite being abandoned for centuries under Islamic rule, the temples remained protected from vandalism due to their remote location. However, they were secretly utilized by yogis on a regular basis and by Hindu pilgrims during the occasion of Shivratri.

My thoughts: It seems that select men began practicing Yoga to enhance their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - Khajuraho Temples - UNESCO World Heritage Site

​5. Chanderi

I stood in the 11th century to catch a glimpse of Chanderi, a town that narrates its tales through crumbling temples, subterranean palaces, and captured forts. Chanderi had been captured numerous times by different rulers as it straddled a crucial trading route during ancient times.

My thoughts: Money had become an integral part of human existence, leading to the invasion of other lands driven by greed. 

Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - Chanderi - Bird's eye view

​6. Orchha

I moved on to the 15th century, immersing myself in the royal kingdom of Bundelkhand. Nestled on the banks of the river Betwa, Orchha was a princely state ruled by the Bundela kings. It was a gift from a Mughal Emperor as a token of friendship. A day spent exploring the town revealed magnificent palaces, forts, temples, and cenotaphs, showcasing the fusion of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles.

My thoughts: The man had begun forming friendships with invaders, establishing cross-communal relationships.

Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - Orchha - Princely state of Bundelkhand

​7. Taj Ul Masajid

I journeyed back to the 18th century to find myself at Taj-Ul-Masajid, a magnificent mosque renowned as the epitome of all mosques. Built by the queen in the 1860s, the mosque remained unfinished due to financial constraints. However, in 1950, a compassionate religious leader took the initiative of establishing a madrasa, an Islamic educational and religious institute. Through donations, he completed the mosque in 1971, after over a century of its inception. The madrasa continues to operate as a functional school, while the mosque attracts pilgrims from around the globe.

My reflections: Religion has indeed divided humanity!

Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - Taj-Ul-Masajid , Bhopal - largest mosque in India

​8. Bhojeshwar Shiva Temple

Forwarding to the 20th century, I stand before an incomplete story of what could have been one of India’s largest Shiva temples, housing a 27-foot-tall Shiva lingam. Construction began in the 11th century but abruptly ceased for unknown reasons. The unfinished statues and carved rocks still lie in ruins around the temple. The weathered temple was taken over by ASI for restoration and became operational in 2005. In 2020, I stood here with the renowned Indian archeologist, KK Muhammed, listening to his firsthand account of the restoration of this massive temple.

My thoughts: Is there a scope for humanity to complete these incomplete stories? 

Indian Cultural Heritage in Madhya Pradesh - Bhojeshwar Shiva Temple, Bhopal

​Here I stand in the year 2020, grasping the present and reflecting on the warmth and acceptance India has consistently demonstrated throughout its history. The cultural diversity that still thrives in Incredible India serves as a testament to this in countless ways.

Although I never found history captivating in schoolbooks, I feel fortunate to have been given another opportunity to learn it practically, at a time when I am fully receptive to understanding it!

This trip was curated by Times Passion Trails in collaboration with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.