Malwa region lies in western part of Madhya Pradesh. Its name is derived from Malwa plateau which exists in this region and covers a vast piece of land which have direct impact on geographical conditions, climatic conditions and social life of people, belonging to this region. Due to local geographical conditions, local people have adjusted as per local conditions and developed their own culture, rituals and way of life thus they were called people of Malwa. So we can say that Malwa is name of plateau and also a name of region in which people with similar culture, life style were living and thus its covers plateau area and some of its surrounding places. Due to its volcanic eruption and plateau formation in this region, here we can find black soil which have a good quality to hold the water for long time and thus helpful in agricultural production soyabeans, wheat, opium etc. Malwa is also a confluence point where cultures of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra meets and thus its impact can be experience in population composition of Indore city.
It is believed that Malwa word is derived from ancient Aryan tribe Malavas. Due to their tribal nature, they use to move from one place to another, along with their goods and household items. In Sanskrit language, Malav means abode of goddess Lakshmi which is symbol of richness and prosperity. Due to good agricultural production, valuable opium production and falling in trade route, this area was considered as a rich place with prosperity in society. Eminent traders established their trade centers in this region. Thus due to its trade importance, falling in trade route and prosperity in society leads to the naming of this area as Malwa region.
In simple language, for defining Malwa region, we call it Indore city and its vast surrounding areas. This surrounding region is very large and even goes, close to Bhopal region. Some of the major districts included in this region are: Dewas, Dhar, Jhabua, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Ratlam, Shajapur, Agar, Rajgarh, Guna, Sehore. They all lies in Madhya Pradesh state. Here we may also add adjoining Rajasthan state districts like Kota, Jhalawar, Banswara etc. So many popular tourist places like Indore city, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandu, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Hanuwantiya island etc falls under Malwa region of Central India.
Despite of a plateau region, nature has gifted some good natural sources of water in the form of local rivers. In this list we can list some popular names like Chambal river, Shipra river, Betwa river, Ken river, Dali Sindh river etc. These rivers are playing vital role in agricultural production of this region and are be major base for human society establishment. While visiting this region, we can see some of these rivers like Chambal river at Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary, Shipra river at Ujjain, Betwa river at Bhojpur, Sanchi, Chanderi, Orchha etc.
It has great historical background. In past, Malwa region was included in ancient Avanti Mahajanapada which was ruled by Mauryan dynasty, Parmara rulers, Delhi Sultanate, Malwa Sultanate etc. In later phase of history, due to emergence of Marathas into power game, they established strong control over this region. Holkar rulers were also Marathas who controlled this region provided political stability, for long period of time. Here question arises that why so may dynasties ruled over this region and expressed interest in this challenging terrain. Its easy answer lies in the fact that for moving of good from Eastern and Central India regions, traders have to pass through Malwa region and reach the ports of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Even for movement from North India to South India, route passes through this region thus it has strategic importance and having control over this region means good revenue generation through tax collection. Due to this importance, all major ruling powers tries to hold control over this region, as per their capacity.
Malwa region have close border with Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra states thus here we will notice that this region have influence of cultures and rituals derived from these culturally rich states. This cultural confluence can be noticed in many ways like local people dressing sense, local dishes, festival celebrations, language tone etc. It this cultural confluence, we find Indore city as mini Maharashtra and found this city as full of unique dishes, eatery markets.
9202337070
9202337070