The annals of Madhya Pradesh’s History have clear distinction of all the different ages; Ancient time, medieval period, modern history and post independent era.

The rock paintings of Stone Age era manifest the existence of cave dwellers in Madhya Pradesh 9000 years ago. The holy City of Ujjain was a significsnt center of development during the second urbanization of India during 6th century BC. The whole of the state was under the Mauryan dynasty for a substantial period of time. Later, after the fall of Mauryan dynasty, Gupta Empire gained the control of the state.

The medieval times witnessed rampant invasion in Madhya Pradesh as White Huns attack collapsed the Gupta Empire. The invasions brought about separation of Madhya Pradesh as well as the whole of India into smaller fragments. Several indigenous rulers attempted to reunite these separated territories. Among these rulers, Harsha of Thanesar is given immense credit as he defeated Huns and brought a halt in their expansion. Much of the state including Malwa was ruled by the Holkar dynasty in medieval times.

During the British rule a large share of Madhya Pradesh was under British rule and the ruling authority was given to the local kings. The princely states of Madhya Pradesh don’t have any prominent account for India’s freedom struggle.