Known as the
‘Commercial Capital of Madhya Pradesh’, Indore was the capital of the
Holkars. The largest and most densely populated city in central India,
the city is popular for its history, monuments, food and bazaars.
Rao Nandlal Chaudhary, founder of the city, named it as ‘Indrapur’ after Lord Indra, the main deity of Indreshwar temple. During the Maratha regime, the city was renamed ‘Indur’, which the local Marathi community continues to use. It was later Anglicised to ‘Indore’ during the British era.
Holkar dynasty played a major role in the history of Indore. The Indore region was granted as a reward to Malhar Rao Holkar, founder of the dynasty by the Peshwas. Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar brought several development, changes and reforms in the city. Although Maheshwar was the capital of the Holkars during the reign of Rani Ahilyabai, Indore remained an important commercial and military centre.
Indore even today holds the status of an important commercial centre of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the fastest growing cities in India. It houses the third oldest stock exchange, Madhya Pradesh Stock Exchange. Indore is also an important educational hub. It is the only city in India to have both Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
The capital of the Holkars, evidence of its royal past can be seen in the palaces and other royal buildings. Rajawada, Lal Baug Palace and Sukh Niwas stand testimony to the grandeur of the Holkar era.
Rangpanchami and Ahilya Utsav are the prime festivals of the city. The Ahilya Utsav is an annual festival celebrated in the memory of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar.
Indore is a paradise for shopaholics. The Sitlamata Bazaar is popular for Maheshwari and Chanderi saris.
Rao Nandlal Chaudhary, founder of the city, named it as ‘Indrapur’ after Lord Indra, the main deity of Indreshwar temple. During the Maratha regime, the city was renamed ‘Indur’, which the local Marathi community continues to use. It was later Anglicised to ‘Indore’ during the British era.
Holkar dynasty played a major role in the history of Indore. The Indore region was granted as a reward to Malhar Rao Holkar, founder of the dynasty by the Peshwas. Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar brought several development, changes and reforms in the city. Although Maheshwar was the capital of the Holkars during the reign of Rani Ahilyabai, Indore remained an important commercial and military centre.
Indore even today holds the status of an important commercial centre of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the fastest growing cities in India. It houses the third oldest stock exchange, Madhya Pradesh Stock Exchange. Indore is also an important educational hub. It is the only city in India to have both Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
The capital of the Holkars, evidence of its royal past can be seen in the palaces and other royal buildings. Rajawada, Lal Baug Palace and Sukh Niwas stand testimony to the grandeur of the Holkar era.
Rangpanchami and Ahilya Utsav are the prime festivals of the city. The Ahilya Utsav is an annual festival celebrated in the memory of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar.
Indore is a paradise for shopaholics. The Sitlamata Bazaar is popular for Maheshwari and Chanderi saris.
History
The history of Indore revolves around the continuous struggle between the Mughals, Marathas and the British for the city. On July 29th, 1732, the Indore region was granted by Peshwas as a reward to Malhar Rao Holkar, who was the Subhedar of the region. Since then the Holkar dynasty went on to rule the state for more than 200 years. In 1818 the British defeated the Holkars and Scindias in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, in the battle of Mahidpur. However, the Holkars continued to rule due to efforts of Dewan Tatya Jog.After India’s independence in 1947, the Holkar state acceded with the Union of India. In 1948, Indore became the summer capital of Madhya Bharat. On November 1st,1956, the state capital was shifted to Bhopal after state of Madhya Pradesh was created.