Bhopal is located in the northwestern part of the state of Madhya Pradesh, in the central region of India.

History of Bhopal

The history of Bhopal dates back to the 11th century AD, when the legendary King Bhoja built it. The region witnessed a power struggle between local rulers and the Mughals, with eventually the Mughals taking over. The decline of the Mughal Empire with the death of Aurangzeb (AD 1707) led to political turmoil in this region. The founding of the existing city was after the death of Aurangazeb in 1723 by an Afghan soldier, Dost Mohammed. Fleeing from Delhi in the chaotic period that followed Aurangzeb's death, Dost Mohammad met the Gond queen Kamlapati, who sought his aid after the murder of her consort. A charming legend relates how the queen would recline in a lotus barge that, on moonlit nights, would drift across the lake. The two lakes of Bhopal still dominate the city, and are indeed its nucleus. Bhopal aligned itself with the British, in their fight against the Marathas, in 1817. At the time of India's independence in 1947, Bhopal remained a separate state until 1949, when it acceded to India.

Attractions in Bhopal

Bhopal is a charming city with reminders of the erstwhile rule and glamorous life led by the Nawabs and Begums. The mosques and the temples are architectural marvels. Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as the Birla Mandir, is situated to the south of the Lower Lake on the Arera Hills. Near the Temple is located a museum that houses a collection of sculptures from the districts at Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur, and Shahdol in of Madhya Pradesh. Moti Masjid built by Qudsia Begum's daughter Sikander Jahan Begum in 1860 A.D is similar in style to Delhi's Jama Masjid, though smaller in size than the Jama Masjid.The Taj-ul Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. Shah Jahan Begum started the construction of this mosque during her reign (1868 A.D. to 1901 A.D.), but it was never completed in her lifetime. It was only with the intervention of the Government of India in 1971 that the construction of the mosque was completed. Today, this huge pink mosque with two massive white-domed minarets is used as a madarsa (religious school). A three-day annual Ijtima congregation held here draws scores of people from all over the country. Shaukat Mahal in the heart of the walled city in Bhopal is fascinating as it is built in an European style, thereby setting it apart from the predominantly Islamic architecture of the area. Sadar Manzil near the Shaukat Mahal used to be the hall of public audience of the former rulers of Bhopal. There are the upper and lower lakes in Bhopal. Covering an area of about 6 square kilometers, the Upper Lake is separated from the Lower Lake by an over bridge. Adjacent to the Lake is the zoo called Van Vihar, where you can have a look at the tigers, leopards, lions, and bears, among other animals. Near the Lower Lake there is a fish-shaped aquarium, which houses a number of fascinating species of fish. The lake also provides boating facilities.

Excursions from Bhopal

Bhopal offers some excellent spots for excursions. The paintings in the Bhimbetka caves belonging to the Neolithic age depict the life of the prehistoric cave dwellers. These caves are located about 46 kilometers south of Bhopal. Sanchi presents Buddhist works of art dating back to the third century B.C. Buddhists from many countries all over the world come to Sanchi to celebrate the triple anniversary of Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenments and Parinirvana.Pachmarhi located in the Satpura hills is a fascinating experience. Legend has it that it was in the forests of Pachmarhi that the Pandavas spent some part of their exile. The cave shelters in the Mahadeo Hills, containing rock paintings believed to have been made during A.D. 500-800, are the prime attraction for tourists here. Bhojpur, known as the 'Somnath of the East'is famous for the Bhojeshwar Temple. The temple till today remains one of the best examples of temple architecture of the 11th to 13th centuries A.D. The Udaygiri Caves, cut into the side at a sandstone hill, date back from A.D. 320 to 606. An inscription in one of these caves states that it was carved out during the reign of Chandragupta II (A.D. 382-401).

Events and Festivals in Bhopal

A three-day Ijtima (religious congregation) is held in the precincts of the Taj-ul-Masjid annually. It draws scores at Muslim pilgrims from all parts of India. Every year in January/February, the villages of the Manav Sangrahalaya hosts the potters' workshops, folk music and dance, and open-air plays. It showcases the tribals of the region who demonstrate their skills in painting, weaving, and the fashioning of bell metal into exquisite works of art.

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