Mardana, Madhya Pradesh

Mardana^[1] is a village in the state of Madhya Pradesh located on the banks of the river Narmada in India. It lies in the culturally rich Nimar region (also spelled as Nimadi or Nimarh), known for its distinct linguistic and architectural heritage. The village is notable for its traditional courtyard houses, many of which are painted in turquoise blue—a color with symbolic significance in Nimari culture. Mardana is part of the Khargone district, and the local languages spoken here include Nimadi and Hindi. The nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, while the closest major railway station is located in Khandwa.

Mardana is a large village located in Sanawad tehsil of Khargone district (formerly West Nimar), in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the northern banks of the Narmada River, the village is accessible via a steep ascent from the riverside, revealing paved streets, traditional courtyard-style homes, and lush bougainvillea adorning the landscape. A distinctive feature of the village is the prevalence of turquoise-blue painted houses—an aesthetic rooted in local Nimari tradition and believed to symbolize prosperity, protection, and spiritual well-being. The Narmada River is worshipped here as a divine mother, and her iconography is often found adorning the walls of homes.^[2]

As per the 2011 Population Census, Mardana comprises 1,014 households with a total population of 5,001, including 2,511 males and 2,490 females. Children aged 0–6 make up approximately 15.20% of the population, numbering 760. The village's average sex ratio stands at 992, higher than the state average of 931, while the child sex ratio is 949 compared to the Madhya Pradesh average of 918.

The literacy rate in Mardana is 53.53%, which is lower than the state average of 69.32%. Male literacy is 65.25%, while female literacy lags at 41.79%. Governance in the village follows the Panchayati Raj system, with an elected sarpanch serving as the administrative head.^[3] Mardana is equipped with essential infrastructure including a government school, a dispensary, a post office, and regular bus connectivity to Sanawad and Khargone.

Mardana's origins are rooted in ancient local tradition. According to historical accounts and oral histories, the village was established in "Samvat 532, Vaishakh Sudi 3, Guruvaar" (circa 475 CE) by Mayurdhwaj, son of Sardhwaj. Mayurdhwaj is a legendary figure believed to have resettled tribal communities such as the Tadvi, Golar, Gavli, and Bhil, along with Rajput and Gurjar families from present-day Gujarat. The area came to be known as "Mayurana," which gradually evolved into "Mardana" over time.

In the pre-independence era, Mardana was one of the 32 administrative Mahals of West Nimar district, a cluster collectively referred to as "Khargone Battisi." It was later integrated into the administrative region of Kasrawad.

Mardana is also associated with the legendary King Mayurdhwaj (sometimes spelled Modh-Dhwaj), a figure mentioned in Mahabharata-era folklore. Ruins of an ancient fort and a subterranean Shiva temple are located near the village school. Local tradition holds that this site was once the capital of King Mayurdhwaj, whose piety and generosity were famously tested by Lord Krishna. Within the ruins are the remnants of a royal throne, a secret ghat for ritual bathing, and a cave that opens near the Mayureshwar Shiva Temple.

In the 18th century, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of the Malwa kingdom is believed to have considered Mardana as a potential site for her capital. Though she ultimately chose Maheshwar due to astrological advice from her priest, she commissioned the construction of a fortified ghat and the Mayureshwar Shiva Temple in Mardana. Later, in 1785, Sardar Ragho Ranchod Pagnis, under her patronage, built the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which still stands today.

These layers of ancient, medieval, and early modern history reflect Mardana's continuing cultural and political significance in the region.

The economy of Mardana is primarily agrarian, with agriculture serving as the main source of livelihood for the majority of the village population. The village benefits from its proximity to the Narmada River, which provides essential irrigation for crops. The fertile soil of the Nimar region supports the cultivation of wheat, soybean, cotton, and pulses. In recent years, some farmers in the village have adopted organic farming practices, focusing on sustainable agricultural methods that avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Mardana hosts a weekly village market (haat) every Thursday, which serves as a key local hub for trade and exchange. Residents from Mardana and nearby villages gather to buy and sell vegetables, pulses, grains, and household goods. This market plays a dual role—not only as an economic center but also as a space for community interaction.

The village is also known for its traditional performing arts, such as the *gammat* folk theatre, *kathi* dance, and *Kalgi-Turra* musical duels. These art forms, while cultural in nature, have economic significance as they provide seasonal livelihood to local performers and artisans, especially during festivals and regional fairs.

Despite these activities, Mardana faces several economic challenges. Limited access to larger markets, infrastructure constraints, and a lack of diverse employment opportunities have contributed to outward migration, particularly among the youth seeking better income and education options in urban centers. The decline of traditional crafts and shrinking market access for handmade goods have further impacted non-agricultural rural livelihoods.

Efforts to promote cultural tourism and heritage preservation have been proposed as potential avenues for local economic development. Integration of traditional knowledge systems with modern training, and improved digital and physical connectivity, are also seen as strategies to enhance economic resilience in the village.

Mardana has basic educational infrastructure, including a government primary and middle school. These schools cater to children from the village and nearby hamlets. As of the 2011 Census, the literacy rate in Mardana stood at 53.53%, which is significantly lower than the state average of 69.32%. Male literacy was recorded at 65.25%, while female literacy lagged behind at 41.79%.

Despite having access to primary education, the village faces challenges such as limited teaching resources, high dropout rates—particularly among girls—and a lack of access to secondary and higher education within close proximity. Students often have to travel to larger towns like Bedia or Sanawad for higher schooling, which poses logistical difficulties, especially for those from economically weaker backgrounds.

There is growing awareness in the village about the importance of education, particularly due to community-driven initiatives and improved access to government schemes. However, sustained efforts are needed to address gender disparity, infrastructural gaps, and digital literacy to improve long-term educational outcomes in the region.

Mardana, located on the southern bank of the Narmada River, is an emerging destination for rural, cultural, and spiritual tourism in Madhya Pradesh. With its mix of ancient ruins, sacred landscapes, seasonal natural attractions, and vibrant traditions, the village offers a multidimensional experience to visitors.

One of the most locally revered heritage sites is the 'Barahdwari', a structure that once featured twelve arched windows (*barah khidkiyaan*) overlooking the Narmada River. Although the physical structure no longer survives, oral history suggests it was designed to offer panoramic views of the river and surrounding terrain, possibly serving as a meditative or royal lookout.

Near the village school lie the 'ruins of a 1,500-year-old fort and cave complex', associated with the legendary King Mayurdhwaj from Mahabharata-era folklore. The complex includes a hidden bathing ghat, a subterranean throne room, and a cave shrine that opens toward the east near the 'Mayureshwar Shiva Temple'. These archaeological remnants add both spiritual and historical value to the site.

The 'Deri Ghat', situated along the Narmada, is known for its clean and serene environment. It is frequently used by locals for ritual bathing, swimming, and seasonal pilgrimages, especially during religious festivals.

Located directly 'on the banks of the Narmada River', slightly removed from the village's populated core, is the peaceful 'Harihar Kuti Ashram'. Surrounded by trees and overlooking the flowing river, the ashram offers a quiet, contemplative space for meditation and spiritual retreat. Its riverside setting makes it a popular location for visitors seeking natural beauty and solitude, especially at sunrise and sunset.

The village also features a traditional 'Gaushala (cow shelter)' that supports indigenous cattle and reflects rural life. Next to it is the 'Gaushala Ground', a spacious open area used for local sports like cricket and kabaddi, as well as public gatherings and festivals.

During the monsoon, the 'Khalut Waterfall', located in the surrounding natural terrain, becomes a popular site. This seasonal cascade is relatively unknown outside the region and holds potential as a local eco-tourism spot.

Mardana is also recognized for its vibrant cultural calendar. The 'Gangaur festival' festival, celebrated for over a century, is one of the major attractions. Another highlight is the annual burning of a Ravana effigy during Dussehra, which draws large crowds from nearby villages such as Bakawan, Kanapur, Nagawa, Jhirbhar, and Katora.

In recent years, 'agri-tourism' has started to gain traction in Mardana. A few progressive farmers are offering hands-on experiences in organic farming, traditional irrigation, and seasonal harvesting, providing urban visitors a window into rural livelihoods and sustainable agriculture.

Altogether, Mardana offers a rich and layered tourism experience rooted in spiritual heritage, cultural performance, natural beauty, and community-driven rural life.

Although the Narmada dam project is yet to become fully operational in this region, preliminary groundwork—including 'foundation-level construction (neev)' and related interventions—has already begun to affect life in Mardana. Situated on the southern bank of the Narmada River, the village falls within the broader impact zone of dam-induced changes, including reservoir expansion and flood control measures.

In recent years, villagers have observed 'increased flooding during the monsoon season', attributed to altered natural drainage and rising river levels resulting from upstream interventions. These changes have begun to threaten agricultural fields, disrupt cropping cycles, and erode the riverbanks near cultural sites like 'Deri Ghat'. Traditional livelihoods—based on farming, grazing, and river-based activities—have become increasingly vulnerable, with reports of soil degradation, delayed sowing, and reduced water predictability.

While the project promises future irrigation and infrastructure benefits, residents express deep concern over the long-term risks of 'displacement, ecological damage, and loss of cultural heritage'. Particularly troubling is the anticipated submergence of sacred sites and fertile lands that hold spiritual and ancestral value.

In response to these threats, 'Mardana played a pivotal role in the history of resistance' to large dam projects on the Narmada. In 1999, the village hosted a historic gathering that resulted in the release of the 'Mardana Declaration' — a grassroots statement by the people of the Narmada valley. Issued under the banner of the 'Narmada Bachao Andolan', the declaration affirmed the community’s deep spiritual and cultural relationship with the river and rejected displacement in the name of development. It called for a rethinking of progress that respects ecological balance, community rights, and the sanctity of rivers as living entities.^[4]

The 'Mardana Declaration' has since been recognized as a moral and political milestone in India's environmental justice movement, symbolizing the voice of marginalized communities asserting their right to live with dignity, without being uprooted by top-down mega projects.

Despite these challenges, spiritual practices and collective worship continue at 'Harihar Kuti Ashram', 'Deri Ghat', and other sacred sites. Festivals like 'Narmada Jayanti', 'Gangaur', and local 'Kalgi-Turra' performances reinforce the enduring bond between the community and the river, affirming a model of development rooted in cultural continuity and environmental respect.

Mardana, located on the southern bank of the Narmada River, offers a rich blend of historical sites, folk traditions, ecological consciousness, and grassroots governance. Its unique setting and living heritage make it a culturally vibrant and environmentally significant village in the Nimar region of Madhya Pradesh.

Notable attractions include the 'Deri Ghat', a clean and serene riverside spot used for ritual bathing and swimming, and the tranquil 'Harihar Kuti Ashram', situated on the riverbank slightly away from the populated area, known for its panoramic views and spiritual ambience. The 'Barahdwari site', once believed to contain twelve arched windows (*khidkiyaan*) overlooking the Narmada, is remembered as a symbolic heritage structure. The nearby 'Mayureshwar cave complex', believed to be over 1,500 years old, is associated with the legendary King Mayurdhwaj and includes ancient shrines and bathing areas. During monsoon, the 'Khalut Waterfall' becomes a scenic spot for locals and visitors. The 'Gaushala Ground' next to the village cattle shelter serves as a major space for sports and community festivals.

Culturally, Mardana is known for its major festivals such as 'Gangaur', which is celebrated for over a century, and the 'burning of Ravana's effigy during Dussehra', which draws crowds from surrounding villages.

Ecologically, Mardana is experiencing changes due to early-stage dam-related activities on the Narmada, such as foundation work (*neev*), which have altered natural drainage and led to increased monsoon flooding. These disruptions have begun to affect agriculture, grazing patterns, and river rituals. Yet, the community remains deeply connected to the river through festivals like 'Narmada Jayanti', and continues to uphold traditional environmental stewardship.

In 1999, Mardana was the site of the historic 'Mardana Declaration', a grassroots document issued under the Narmada Bachao Andolan, calling for ecological justice, cultural preservation, and alternatives to displacement-driven development. The village has also been referenced in heritage research and documentary projects focusing on rural architecture, folk art, and sustainable living.

Locally governed under the Panchayati Raj system, Mardana has implemented initiatives in solar lighting, organic farming, and self-organized cultural preservation, positioning itself as a model of rural resilience and identity.

With its sacred geography, rich traditions, and community-driven practices, Mardana stands out as a potential heritage and eco-tourism hub in central India.