Madhya Pradesh has rich and varied remains of a glorious past. It includes prehistoric cave formations, historical monuments like stupa, vihara, cave temple, structural temple, mathas, forts, stepwell, mosque and cenotaphs. There are three world heritage sites named Bhimbetka, Sanchi and Khajuraho, equally important sites are a group of monuments of Gwalior, Orchha, Mandu and Amarkantak. Besides there are a number of other historical sites like Bhojpur, Udayagiri, Ashapuri, Bateswar etc.
The state has divergent tribal communities and linguistic groups spread across these regions showcase their inherent knowledge acquired since time immemorial in both tangible and intangible forms. Their ethnic identity is defined by language, territory, cuisine, costume, fair and festivals, rites and rituals, folk lores, folk dance and music etc. The state proudly speaks about its cultural diversity through its rich weaving tradition of chanderi and maheshwari sarees to a good number of exquisite dokra art, bamboo baskets, iron craft, block prints, Gond and Bhil paintings, zardozi, stone work, paper mache, wood carving, terracotta art etc.
The current exhibition is being organized by Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya at its South Regional Centre, Mysore. The present exhibition is an attempt to portray the socio cultural life of Madhya Pradesh through diverse collection of IGRMS belonging to different tribal and folk communities like Baiga (PVTG), Gond, Agaria, Bharewa, Bharia (PVTG), Bhil, Bhilala, Gadolia, Korku, Mavasi, Sahariya (PVTG), Vishwakarma, Vasdeva, Tamere, Soni, Sonar, Rajwar, Rajput, Rai, Panika, Muslim, Lohar, Lodhi, Kayasth, Kasera, Brahman, Jhara, Dheemar, Bunkar, Baniya and folk etc.
