India 2018

622 India 2018
was part of the Gupta empire (300-500 A.D.). The Muslims here in the beginning
of 11th century. First of all, Mahmud Ghazni came over here and then
Mohammad Gouri, who incorporated some parts of Central India into the ruling
territory of Delhi. This part was also part of the Mughal empire. During the
period between the beginning of the influence of Marathas and the death of
Madhoji Scindia in 1794, Marathas were on the ascendant in Central India but
later on the small states started coming into existence. These small states became
the cause of perpetuation of British power in the country.
Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, the Gond Maharani Kamalapati and
Queen Durgawati, etc., were women rulers whose names have left an indelible
imprint on Indian history for their outstanding rule. Madhya Pradesh came
into being in November 1956. It was reorganised in November 2000 to create
a new Chhattisgarh state. The successive state, now, is bounded in north by
Uttar Pradesh, east by Chhattisgarh, south by Maharashtra and west by Gujarat
and Rajasthan.
Economy
Madhya Pradesh has gone from strength to strength in economic growth
that has emerged as a study of success all over the country. Its GSDP has
gone up from more ` 1 lakh crore to a whopping ` 5 lakh crore over the
decade.
Agriculture
Madhya Pradesh has posted country’s highest agricultural growth rate
which had averaged above 20 per cent over last four years. The state leads
the country in production of pulses, oilseeds, soyabean, gram, pea, garlic,
guava and medicinal and aromatic herbs. Horticulture is being promoted
in a big way.
Irrigation
Top priority has been given to irrigation following which the area under
irrigation has increased from mere 7.5 lakh hectare ten years back to 40
lakh hectare now. Narmada-Kshipra Link Project has been implemented. Three
major, five medium and over 700 minor irrigation projects have been
completed over last five years, thereby increasing the canal irrigation capacity
by over 2.5. times.
Power
Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a total turn-around in power sector. Power
availability has increased from just 4500 MW twelve years ago to 17,169 MW
now. Country’s largest 130 MW solar energy plant has been established in
Neemuch.
Industry
In order to promote micro, small and medium industries, a separate MSME
department has been set up. Following implementation of MSME Promotion