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Indore, Madhya Pradesh
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The state of Indore was given to Malhar Rao Holkar in 1733 by the Maratha Peshwas in appreciation of his help in many of their battles. Malhar Rao left much of the statecraft in the capable hands of his widowed daughter–in–law who administered the area well and succeeded him to the throne. Indore was destroyed in 1801 but recovered and was the British headquarters of their Central India Agency. The ruling family of Indore, the House of Holkar, took the British side during the Mutiny in 1857. The Maharaja, Tukuji Holkar Rao II, only about 15 year old gave assistance to the British and refused to surrender a number of Christians to whom he had given place in the Lal Bagh palace. Indore was also one of the first states to open temples, schools and public wells to Harijans (untouchables) in support of Gandhi’s campaign against untouchability.

Festivals of Indore
Anant Chaturdashi in the month of September, Sanghi Samaroh for classical dance and music and Mandir Festival for Kathak and Dhrupad are the various festivals which are celebrated in Indore.

Tourist Attractions in Indore
The various tourist attractions in Indore are Bada Ganapati Temple, Kanch Mandir, Chhatri Bagh and Lal Bagh.

Bada Ganapati Temple
Bada Ganpati is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh. This temple contains a colossal image of Ganesh.

Kanch Mandir
Kanch Mandir is the famous Jain temple. The walls, roof and floors in this temple are lavishly inlaid with mirrors, glass, gems and coloured beads. Thousands of mirrors adorn the walls and ceilings supplemented by gily patterned ceramic tiles, Chinese lantern–type glass lamps and cut glass chandeliers. All the walls are exquisitely crafted and the pillars and some panels give a clear idea of how other Sheesh Mahals must have been. There are 50 murals that depict the scenes from the court, conversion to Jainism and life in the 19th century from the costumes, uniforms and the trains. The use of glass beads and raised figures produces a pleasing 3-D effect. This mirrored palace is at variance with the austerity and simplicity of the Mahavira’s supposed existence and teachings, a point clearly demonstrated by the image of the Mahavira in plain black onyx.

Chhatri Bagh
Chhatri Bagh has the majestic cenotaphs or the memorial tombs of the Holkar rulers. There are 7 tombs situated on the banks of the Khan river. All the inner sanctums are locked so one cannot see the effigies. The largest and most impressive is that of Malhar Rao Holkar I and is lavishly decorated with frescoes. The other important tomb is of Rani Ahilya Bai.

Lal Bagh
Lal Bagh was once the residence of the Maharaja, built and decorated in a confusion of styles. This place has been now converted into museum and cultural centre named after Jawahar Lal Nehru. The Lal Bagh Palace with its many-storeyed gateway faces the chief square. The rooms have now been restored and furnished. Much of the furniture and ornamentation is in the late Regency, early Georgian style. Queen Victoria, orb and scepter in hand, looks on to the main entrance portico and reminds of the Warren Hasting’s house at Alipur. The entrance hall is in marble and gilt rococo. Two rooms on the ground floor are attractive. One of the room displays high Mughal characteristics, while the other room is Akbarian and a mixture of Hindu and Muslim styles. There are a number of stuffed tigers in the Atrium and on the landings. The Maharaja was a keen sportsman and the fine collection of photographs can be seen like rowing a boat across a lake and flying in an early aeroplane. Both these paintings are the backdrop paintings with a hole to stand in to be photographed. The collection also contains a good prints of the old palace. On the first floor there is a good collection of coins dating mostly from the Muslim period, miniatures, paintings and sculptures. There are also Italian sculptures and marvellous intricately inlaid boxes. On the ground floor at the entrance there is a display of prehistoric artifacts. The garden is well maintained.

Excursion from Indore

are reflected quietly in the river flowing below. The Rajwada is a life size statue of Rani Ahilyabai sitting on her throne in the Rajgaddi within the fort. Relics and heirlooms of the Holkar family can be sen in other rooms which are open to the public. Within the complex is an exquisite small shrine which is installed on a palanquin and carried down from the fort to receive the town's people homage during the ancient Dussehra ceremony. There are also various ghats where pilgrims can take bath. The Peshwa Fanese and Ahilya Ghats on the river bank provide a fascinating kaleidoscope of rural India. The stone memorials to the sati’s of Maheshwar who perished on their husbands’ funeral pyres are situated on the banks. The temples which can be seen in Maheshwar are Kalshwara, Rajarajeshwara, Vithaleshwara and Ahileshwar.

Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar is situated about 77 km. from Indore. It is an important place of pilgrimage. It is a sacred island shaped like the holy Hindu symbol ‘Om’ in the middle of the Narmada, which has drawn pilgrims for centuries. The island is over 2 km long and 1 km wide and is divided from north to south by a deep gully. The Omkar Mandhata temple is situated at the eastern end of the island. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga in India, a natural rock feature that is believed to be representations of Siva in the form of a linga. This temple has beautiful carvings. Craftsmen have carved elaborate figures on the upper portion of the temple and its roof. Encircling the shrine are verandahs with columns carved in circles, polygons and squares.

How to reach Indore
By Air:
Indore is connected by Indian Airlines with Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Pune and Mumbai. The airport is situated about 9 km from the city centre.

By Rail:
Indore is situated not on the main broad gauge line between Delhi and Mumbai but is on a spur that connects with Ujjain. There is also a meter gauge line that connects it with Ajmer, Chittorgarh, Khandwa, Nizamabad and Secunderabad. Indore and Ujjain have direct rail connections with Delhi, Agra, Bhopal and Jabalpur.

By Road:
Indore is connected by road with Ujjain, Mandu, Sanchi, Bhopal, Mumbai, Aurangabad and Ahmedabad.