Madhya Pradesh Adds Three Living Traditions to National ICH List

Madhya Pradesh Strengthens Cultural Heritage with National ICH Recognition

Madhya Pradesh has secured national recognition for three of its living cultural traditions after they were included in India’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Government of India’s nodal agency for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

The newly recognized traditions are the Maihar Band, the Agaria community’s traditional iron-smelting craft, and Nimadi cuisine. Their inclusion strengthens the state’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage while supporting future nominations to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Intangible Cultural Heritage includes living traditions, performing arts, traditional craftsmanship, rituals, culinary practices and community knowledge passed down through generations.

Recognition for Madhya Pradesh’s Living Heritage

Dr. Ilayaraja T., Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh, and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said the recognition reflects the state’s continued commitment to preserving its cultural traditions. He added that the inclusion strengthens Madhya Pradesh’s prospects for future UNESCO recognition.

Abhay Arvind Bedekar, Additional Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said the inscription highlights the state’s cultural diversity, traditional knowledge and community heritage while encouraging conservation and supporting heritage tourism.

Agaria Iron-Smelling Tradition

The Agaria tribal community has preserved its traditional iron-smelting techniques for generations. Using locally sourced iron ore, charcoal and handmade furnaces, artisans continue to produce iron without modern industrial equipment.

The practice reflects traditional knowledge of metallurgy, sustainable resource use and craftsmanship, with skills passed from one generation to another through the guru-shishya tradition.

Maihar Band

Founded in 1918 by Ustad Allauddin Khan under the patronage of Maharaja Brijnath Singh Judeo, the Maihar Band has remained an important part of India’s classical music tradition for more than a century.

The orchestra combines Indian and Western musical instruments, including the sitar, sarod, esraj, violin, cello, harmonium and tabla. It is also known for the Naltarang, a unique instrument created by Ustad Allauddin Khan using tuned gun barrels.

The ensemble has represented Madhya Pradesh at cultural events across the country and received the state’s Shikhar Samman in 2016.

Nimadi Cuisine

The traditional cuisine of the Nimar region reflects local farming practices, seasonal ingredients and community traditions.

Regional dishes such as Dal-Pani, Dhuli Kadhi, Puran Kachori, kebabs and biryani continue to be prepared using traditional recipes and local produce. These foods remain an important part of festivals, family gatherings and cultural celebrations across the region.

Supporting Heritage Tourism

The inclusion of these three traditions in India’s National ICH Inventory is expected to encourage heritage conservation, support local communities, preserve traditional knowledge and create new opportunities for cultural and experiential tourism across Madhya Pradesh.

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