India, as a Union of States (Article 1 of the Constitution), has federating units. At the time of independence in 1947, there were 565 princely states and regions directly controlled by the British. The formation of Madhya Pradesh was significantly shaped by this historical event. Among the princely states were larger ones like Gwalior, Indore, Bhopal, and Rewa, as well as the Central Provinces and Berar, which were directly administered by the British.
Following independence and the implementation of the Constitution, the Central Government merged many princely states for administrative efficiency. This led to the creation of states like Madhya Bharat and Vindhya Pradesh. Both of these states played a pivotal role in the restructuring of Central India. Later, for further administrative simplicity, these regions were dissolved and merged into the modern-day state of Madhya Pradesh. We will explore the reasons behind these changes and their lasting impact on the Republic.
How was Madhya Pradesh Formed?
After independence, there was a significant demand for the reorganization of states in India to better reflect linguistic and cultural identities. To address this need, the central government established the State Reorganisation Commission, following the earlier Linguistic Provinces Commission, also known as the Dhar Commission, which was set up in December 1953. The commission was led by retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Fazal Ali, along with members H. N. Kunzru and K. M. Panikkar. By December 1954, the efforts of the commission were supervised by Home Minister Govind Ballabh Pant.1
The formation of Madhya Pradesh was a key outcome of the recommendations made by the State Reorganisation Commission. This new state was created by merging Madhya Bharat, Vindhya, and Bhopal, which were classified as Part C states, with the Central Provinces and Berar, recognized as a Part A state. This reorganization aimed to create a more cohesive and administratively efficient state structure.
A Short-Lived State of Madhya Bharat
After Independence, the reorganization of states was a crucial task for the Indian government. The formation of Madhya Pradesh was an outcome of this process. In 1950, regions from the erstwhile Central Provinces, including Madhya Bharat, Vindhya, and Bhopal (a Part C state), were considered for restructuring.
Madhya Bharat was officially formed in May 1948 when 24 princely states from the Malwa region, located in western Central India, were brought together. Among the most prominent princely states were Indore and Gwalior, which together made up 77% of Madhya Bharat’s total area. Notably, Gwalior was twice the size of Indore.
Madhya Bharat was governed under a unique system where the princely head of Gwalior was designated as the Raj Pramukh (equivalent to a governor), and the Up-Rajpramukh acted as the Deputy Governor. Takhatmal Jain served as the state’s last Chief Minister until October 21, 1956. Madhya Bharat was divided into 16 districts, covering the western and northern regions of present-day Madhya Pradesh.
This state existed briefly, from 1948 to 1956, before being merged into Madhya Pradesh as part of the state’s reformation under the recommendations of the State Reorganization Commission.
Vindhya Pradesh: A Forgotten State
Vindhya Pradesh was a Part C state created in 1948 after India’s independence, eventually merging with the present Madhya Pradesh during the formation of Madhya Pradesh. Vindhya Pradesh was named after the Vindhya Range, which runs through the center of the state.
The state was formed by merging 36 princely states, which included prominent regions like Singrauli, Rewa, Panna, Datia, Chhatarpur, Nagod, and others. Among these, 11 princely states were later transferred to Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Bharat as part of an administrative restructuring.
Vindhya Pradesh was divided into two main divisions: Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand. The Bundelkhand Division comprised districts such as Panna, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Datia, while the Baghelkhand Division included Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Shahdol, and Singrauli. Rewa served as the capital of the state.
The head of the state, initially titled Rajpramukh (1948-49), transitioned to Chief Commissioner (1949-1952) and finally Lieutenant Governor (1952-1956). Maharaj Martan Singh from Rewa became Rajpramukh, and Yadevendra Singh of Panna served as Uparajpramukh. S.N. Shukla of the Congress party was the last Chief Minister from 1952 until Vindhya Pradesh’s merger into Madhya Pradesh in 1956.
Recently, voices like Maihar MLA Narayan Tripathi and social worker Kuldeep Agnihotri have reignited the demand for a separate Vindhya Pradesh.
Location of Madhya Bharat and Vindhya Pradesh in Indian Map
Conclusion
Madhya Bharat and Vindhya Pradesh may no longer exist as separate states, but their historical legacy lives on in the heart of India. Exploring these regions allows travelers to connect with India’s rich past, from ancient forts to the vibrant cultures shaped by princely states. Central India offers a unique journey through time, making it an essential destination for history enthusiasts.
For those planning a trip, Hotel Anand is the ideal hotel in Jabalpur under 500, providing comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. It’s the perfect base to explore Central India’s fascinating historical regions without breaking the bank.