Maikal

Maikal, also spelled Maikala, is a hill range and geographic region in central India. It forms the eastern edge of the Satpura Mountain System and extends across parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The range runs roughly north–south and lies between the Vindhya Range to the northeast and the broader central Indian hill complexes to the south and east. At the southern core of the Maikal Hills lies the Amarkantak Plateau, a notable highland that serves as a key watershed.

Hydrology and geology: The Maikal Hills are the source region for major rivers in central India, most notably the Narmada and the Son, which originate near Amarkantak and flow in opposite directions. The landscape consists of forested plateaus, deep gorges, and patches of deciduous and mixed forests, reflecting the transition zone between northern and central Indian ecological zones.

Ecology and people: The area supports a diverse array of flora and fauna characteristic of central Indian forests. It is home to several tribal communities, including groups such as the Gonds, who have traditional ties to the land and its resources. The Maikal region is associated with forestry, agroforestry, and rural livelihoods, alongside growing interest in eco-tourism and nature-based activities.

Cultural and administrative notes: Amarkantak, at the southern end of the Maikal Hills, is a site of pilgrimage and cultural significance in addition to its ecological importance. The Maikal Hills have historically served as a corridor linking northern plains with central and southern India, contributing to regional cultural exchange.

Etymology: The name Maikal derives from local linguistic and historical usage, with Maikala as an alternate spelling.