Bhopal,
Capital of Madhya Pradesh is fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty,
historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site
of an 11th century city, Bhojapat, founded by Raja Bhojapal. The
founder of the existing city was, however, an Afghan soldier of
fortune. Dost Mohammed (1708-1740).
Fleeing from Delhi in the chaotic period that followed Aurangzeb's
death, Dost Mohammed encountered the beautiful 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 that would drift
across the lake on moonlit nights. The tow lakes of Bhopal still
dominate the city, and are indeed itsnucleus; along their shores
stand silent sentinels that testify to the growth of a city.
Bhopal
today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its teeming
marketplaces and fine oldmosques and palace still bears the aristocratic
imprint of its former-rulers, among them the succession of powerful
Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926. Equally impressive is
the new city with-its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens,
broad avenuse andstreamlined modern edifices.
Jama Masjid
Jama
Masjid have Gold spikes crown the minarets of this beautiful mosque
built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum. Moti Masjid is Architecturally akin
to Delhi's Jama Masjid, this imposing mosque was built by Sikander
Jehan, daughter of Kudsia Begum, in 1860.The Taj-ul-Masajid is one
of the largest mosques in Asia, built by Nawab Shahjehan Begum around
a courtyard with a large tank in the centre and with an imposing
double storeyed gate-way with 4 recessed archways and 9 imposing
cusped multifoiled openings in the main prayer hall. The Quibla
wall in the prayer hall is carved with 11 recessed arches, while
the mimber is made of black basalt. The structure is enlivened by
the limpid expanse of water in the tank outside the northern wall.
The monumentality of this structure was much greater originally
when it faced the towering bastions of the Fatehgarh Fort. A three-day
Ijtima congregation held here annually draws people from all over
the country.
Gohar Mahal
Situated behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake is
Gohar Mahal, which is an architectural gem dating back to the times
of Kudsia Begum, also known as Gohar Begum, who built this sprawling
palace in 1820. The Mahal is a magnificent expression of the fusion
of Hindu and Mughal architecture.
Bharat Bhawan
One of the most unique national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan
is a centre for the performing and visual arts. Designed by renowned
architect, Charles Correa, the contours of Bharat Bhawan merge in
exquisite harmony with the landscape creating a visual impact of
spacious and natural elegance. The centre houses a museum of the
arts, an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory theater,
indoor and outdoor auditorium, a rehearsal room and libraries of
Indian poetry, classical and folk music. Open from 2 pm to 8 PM
everyday except Mondays.
Van
Vihar
This safari-park is located on a hill adjacent to the Upper Lake,
with an area of 445 hectares. In these natural surroundings, wildlife
watchers can view a variety of herbivorous and carnivorous species.
Open everyday, except Tuesday, from 7-11 am and 3-5.30 PM.
Upper
and Lower Lakes
The Upper Lake is divided from the Lower Lake by an overbridge.
M. P. Tourism's Boat Club on the Upper Lake provides facilities
for exciting trips by sail, paddle and motor boats.
Chowk
In the heart of the city, the Chowk is lined with old mosques, havelis,
reminders of a bygone era. The shops in its narrow alleys are treasure
troves of traditional Bhopali crafts : silver jewellery, exquisitely
fashioned beadwork, embroidered and sequined velvet fashioned purses
and cushions.
Government
Archaeological Museum
A fine collection of sculptures are on display here from various
parts of Madhya Pradesh. Highlights of the collection are paintings
of various schools, copies of paintings from the Bagh caves near
Mandu and the statues of Alakshmi and the Buddha. The museum is
closed on Mondays.
Laxmi
Narayan Temple and Museum
This beautiful temple on the Arera Hills has a Museum attached to
it which houses a collection of sculptures from Raisen, Sehore,
Mandsaur and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh. The museum is
open from 9am to 5pm everyday except Mondays. More Museums in Madhya
Pradesh
Regional
Science Centre
Basically a science museum, located on the picturesque Shamala Hills,
Regional Science Centre houses about 300 participatory exhibits
distributed equally in 'Invention' & 'Fun Science' galleries,
and a 'taramandal' (Planetarium). The museum remains open from 10.30
am to 6.30 PM on all days except Mondays.
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