Bhopal which is situated almost in the middle of India has been the capital of Indian state Madhya pradesh . It is a Historical city established by Paramhara dynasty king Raja Bhoja in 11 th century . Best place to visit in bhopal are the Bhojtal , Taj -ul -mosque and the Bhojpur temple . There are lots of other places you can visit like Taj Mahal palace , bharat bhavan , state museum of Madhya Pradesh and Indira Gandhi Manav Sangrahalaya and many more . If you are a food lover you can taste poha , jalevi , bhopali ghost korma , keema pilav , paya soup, shahi tukda , mawa baati , sheer kurma ,imarti , sulaimani tea and many more .
In the Bhopal’s history there are female rulers called “Begams of Bhopal” between (1819-1926 ) is a interesting chapter in Indian History and one of them Shah Jahan Begum started building the Famous Taj – ul Mosque (is the landmark of the Bhopal city ). Another interesting fact about bhopal is that Bhojtal is the earliest man made Lake in India (almost 1000 years ). It is also the only Indian state capital where a National Park “van Vihar National Park” is situated in the heart of the city .
How to reach Bhopal ?
Bhopal is situated almost in the middle of India so reaching there from any part of India is very convenient.
Raja Bhoj Airport is 15 km from the city centre and is connected to all major cities.
Bhopal Junction and the Habibganj Railway station has rail connections to all major railway station.
NH 46 and NH 146 has passed through the city . The city has the bus transport to all Madhya pradesh cities like ujjain , indore and cities like Nagpur which is situated in the near by state Maharastra .
Taj ul Mosque :
Taj-ul-mosque is the biggest mosque started constructing in the time of Shah Jahan Begum(a Lady ruler called ” Begums of Bhopal”) in between (1871 or 1887) . Historians can not found the exact date . Later this work was carried out by her daughter Sultan Jahan Begum and finally it was completed in the year 1948 . There are three domes in the mosque which are made of white marbels and two minarets as high as 67 meter. It also has big madrasa . It is one of the marvellous example of Mughal architecture. Inside the mosque , it is intricately caligraphed and there was beautiful floral motifs.
- INTERESTING FACT :
- It has Zenena : where woman can pray .
- It has large abolution tank
- In one time almost 175000 people can worshipped there .
- Influenced by Jama masjid of Delhi and Badarshahi mosque in Lahor .
- It is one of the biggest mosque in Asia .
This are such huge in size that from the outside to the main mosque it make take 5 minutes to reach the prayer hall . I went there in a cloudy day . If I stand before the water body in the picture then you have to bend your neck too much to see the top of the dome . When clouds move, it make a miraculous experience . looks like clouds are touching domes of the Mosque . If you are in Bhopal you must visit this Historical as well as spiritual monument.
BhojTal (Upper Lake ) :
Bhojtal is a historical places in Bhopal as well as the spiritual and source of major drinking water of the city . This lake was build by Paramhara Dynasty’s malwa king Raja Bhoj in 11 th Century . It is the oldest man made lake in India and one of the biggest also . The Size of the Lake is 7500 acres and lives of 500 families of fishermen sustain on it . Now a days the Lake sustained by making earthern dam on kolan river . Bhojtal is also a Ramsar site having the bird sarus crane , bar headed goose and spoonbill .
There was a legendary story to build this Lake . Once KIng Bhoj was seriously ill and having skin decease. He consult several doctors but no result come . Finally a saint says you make a big lake where 365 river’s water meets and take a bath on it . So the king called upon the Engineers and build this Lake and bath in it . The king became well again . For that reason this lake is also spiritual to the people of Bhopal also .
Sunset in this Lake is fabulous and people also come here for boating and water sports . There is a big statue of Raja Bhoj in one side of the Lake . People who celebrate Navaratri and Ganesh Chaturthi come here to submerge the idol, though it was not recommended by the government .
Nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhopal are Bimbhetka cave Painting(45 km ) and the Sanchi stupa(50 KM from the Bhopal City ) .
Bhojpur Temple :
Bhojpur temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and have one of the biggest shiva linga height 5.5 meters and diameter 2.3 meter. It was built by Raja Bhoj in the 11 th century . It was mostly unfinished because of the sudden death of the King Raja Bhoj. This temple has the largest Shiva Linga in India.
In the time of Maha Shivaratri, lots of people gather around this temple. Which is the grand celebration in this temple .
Taj Mahal Palace :
This was once the Royal residence of the “Begums of bhopal ” Having Darbar hall , zenena Mahal , and sish Mahal built by same woman who build Taj-ul-mosque. It was build in Mughal, indo-persian and European architecture in the year 1871 . It takes 13 years to complete the structure.
This palace has all altogether 120 rooms and eight large Halls . It has mughal gardens like Lawn , the fountain and the water channel.
When you visit the City of Bhopal The Raja Bhoj is an intricate part of the city . Who established the city in the 11 th century. He was a king of Paramhara dynasty of Malwa . He fought several wars with his neighbouring states and extended his kingdom from chittor(in the north) to Konkan in the south and Sabarmati in the West to Bidisha in the East .
He was one of the most educated king and also promoted art literature and science in Indian History . He established a Sanskrit school named Bhojsala in Dhar . Scholars from all over the Indian subcontinent come to Bhoj for Patronage. He write different books on Ayurveda , Architecture , poetry and Astronomy . In Indian history King Ashoka was remembered to be spreader of peace massage and spreader of Buddhiest religion . He is the worshipper of Knowledge and patronage of Knowledge in Indian History. Bhoj – Prabandha was a book which states his family life and his life stories . Modasa copper plate are the earlier historical record of Raja bhoj .
Shaokat Mahal Palace :
Shaokat Mahal is a palace of residence and royal reception palace for the “Begams of Bhopal “. It started establishing by Nawab Sikandar began and finished by shah Jahan Begum .
This palace is the fusion of the French , Mughal and indo Islamic Architecture . Original white facade of the palace makes the heat away from the inner part . It’s intricate trellis work (jail) inside the palace and balconies are really beautiful. It has beautiful European style motif relief inside the Palace.
It seems like that After the Raja Bhoj , Begam of Bhopal has most influence in city’s architecture and culture . Raja Bhoj was a great scholar of different subjects and patronage of knowledge where as “Begams of bhopal” make some famous building . In Indian history , I think there is very few female rulers and who have such a influence in city’s culture . They also have influence in the Bhoal’s arts and food also . Their 100 years of rule is just not controlling the power but also influenced the local culture . It is not only unique in India but also in World history such a long term rule by female and influenced the culture also .
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS):
This is an open air museum, spread across 200 acres having the evolution of Humans and Tribal culture in the Indian sub-continent .
It has huts of life size of the costal parts , desert , himalayan mountain and the plains of India . It has specific indoor section where they exhibit Indian musical instruments and tribal items , rare tribal anthropological items (like used in marriage , hunting , fishing and healing rituals ).
It also organises events of tribal dance , craftsmanship of artisans and exhibition of indigenous culture . It gives indian tribes a platform of showcasing their rare and almost extinguished craftmanship . This museum plays a very important role in preserving tribal culture of almost 700 tribes in India.
Van Vihar National Park :
Van Vihar is a zoo and also a National park where the herbivores animals can roam freely anywhere . Among this , animals like sambar , nilgai , blackbuck are the main . Whereas the carnivorous animals like cheeta , lions , tigers and Hyneas are kept in a very Large size fenced area .
This national Park is spread across 4.45 sqkm . You can travel inside the park either by walking or cycling . There is also places where you can make jungle safari . This is the only city where a national Park is situated in the heart of the city .
This National Park is opened for the specific season but not all time and Friday it is closed .
- Interesting facts about Van Viha National Park are
- Here animals are donated by a person or an organisation or injured animals are taken here . They don’t caged animals from the Forest .
- Nearby Bhojtal is a Ramsar site where many migratory birds as well as other birds you can spot . Altogether in this area you can Visit almost 200 species of birds .
- There is conservation and breeding centers of animals inside the park .
- There are exhibition centre for different birds and animals found in this area . Those center has detailed description of the animals with model pictures .
- There are specific sections for the Butterflies and snakes.
Kamalapati Palace in Bhopal :
This palace was built by Rani Kamalapati the widow of Gond Ruler Nizam Shah of Ginnorgarh . After sudden death of her husband and son she donated her kingdom to Dost Muhammad Khan by wearing a Rakhi .
People called that , this palace has actually seven floor of whom five have been submerged under the water and two are left only . This palace was made by Lakhauri Bricks .
In this palace people can see the remnants of the canon and historical watermill . This palace was situated near to the Fateahgarh fort and eastern side of the ancient bhojpal embankment .
The Palace have been opened between 10 AM to 5 PM and there is a nominal entry fees .
Bharat Bhavan :
Bharat Bhavan is a institute in Bhopal which was established by the Government of Madhya pradesh in 1982 to promote art ,painting , literature , drama , poetry , folk music and cinema . The architecture of the buildings were designed by Charles Correa . It has different building like Roopankar Museum of Fine Arts , Rangamahal , Bhagarath , anand and chabi for different section of art and culture .
It is situated near to the Bhojtal and this institute promotes tribal arts and organises different National and International Events.
Visiting time of this place is between 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM and entry fees is 20 INR for an Indian Adult .
State Museum of Madhya Pradesh :
State Museum of Madhya Pradesh was established in the year 1964 but later on 2005 it was moved to Shimla hill .
This museum is specialised in the section of coinage , postal stamps, manuscripts , sculptures , textile costumes, documents , miniature paintings and contemporary art . There are all together 16 sections of exhibition halls.
This is opened between tuesday to sunday where Monday is closed .
Foods of Bhopal :
Bhopali foods are influenced by the tribal foods , mughlai and central indian cuisines . Bhopali Gosht Korma, Rogan Josh, Paya Soup, and Keema Pulav are the Mughlai foods which have their own version in Bhopal . Which are deeply influenced by the begams of Bhopal .
bhutte ka kees , Mahua Laddu , mahua Kheer and Dal Paania are the tribal foods which are very popular in Bhopal .
Poha , jalewi , Mawa baati , Imarti , Dal Pakwan , Sulemani chai , Mungode , Paan Roti are the other foods famous in Bhopal .
Summary :
Bhopal Which is situated in the middle of the India has the oldest and biggest Man Made Lake called the Bhojtal . It also has other famous places like Taj ul mosque , Taj Mahal palace ,Shaokat Mahal , Kamalapati Bhawan , Bhojpur temple , Van Vihar National Park , Bharat Bhavan , State Museum of Madhya Pradesh and Indira Gandhi Rastriya Manav Sangrahalaya and many more . Creator of this city is Raja Bhoj who is a polymath . In his time lots of scholers come to bhopal as he was the great patronage of Knowledge , art and culture . Later “Begams of Bhopal” influenced bhopal’s culture as well as food . This is a unique example in indian subcontinent that woman rules a state one after another for almost 100 years .
