Indore is the largest city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It serves as the capital and administrative headquarters for both the district and division that share its name.
The city was established in the 16th century on the banks of the Kanh and Saraswati rivers, originally functioning as a trading hub between Delhi and the Deccan Plateau. Following the conquest of Malwa by Peshwa Baji Rao I, the area came under Maratha Empire control before being annexed by the British East India Company.
Before Indian independence, Indore was recognized as a nineteen Gun Salute Princely State within the British Raj. During this period, the region was ruled by the Holkars.