Indore

Location
The bustling and vibrant city, Indore lies 186 km from Bhopal. The name Indore is given to this city due to the existence of the 18th century Indreshwar deity. It is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh State in central India. It has the 1,086,673 according to the 1991 census. It is the commercial capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh. This city presents a happy blend of historical past and promises of rapid future modernization. Indore was planned and built by Rani Ahilyabai, the brave Holkar queen.

Geographical Location
Indore is situated on the Malwa plateau at an altitude of 553 m above sea level, on the banks of two small rivulets - the Saraswati and the Khan, which unite at the centre of the city. Indore is also located 22.2 - 23.05o north latitude & 75.25 - 76.16o east longitude.

History
While the Marathas of the Deccan where on their way to North India, Indore was en route for them. The Maratha guerilla warriors were in constant battle with the Mughal Empire. The local Zamindars (landlords) who, drawn by the promise of lucrative trade, settled in the villages on the confluence of the Khan and Saraswati rivers, thereby laying the foundation of this commerce centre in 1715. In 1741, temple of Indreshwar was erected in the town.

The history of Indore is inseparable from the history of the Holkar State. The trade centre grew rapidly under the Holkar Dynasty (1733-1818). The founder of the House of Holkars was Malhar Rao Holkar, born in 1693 AD. His soldierly qualities brought him to the forefront under the Peshwa and he was rewarded with the gift of territories comprising the Indore region. Malhar Rao's grandson succeeded him and after the formers' death, Maharani Devi Ahilya Bai ascended the throne.

The city became the capital of the Indore princely state in 1818 after the British forces under Sir John Malcolm defeated the Holkars led by Rani Krishnabai Holkar at Mahidpur. She signed the treaty of Mandsaur by which the control of Indore went in the hand of the East India Company. Between 1948 and 1956, Indore served as the summer capital of the former Madhya Bharat state. Currently, it is the commercial capital of M.P.

Top