Bhopal
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Famously known as the City of Lakes, Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh.
The city’s architectural legacy and vibrant culture are a testament to the coexistence of tradition and modernity. Its diverse history encompasses the reign of powerful monarchs, especially the female rulers of the 19th and 20th centuries, who have left an indelible mark on Bhopal’s identity. For both settlers and visitors, Bhopal's beauty extends beyond its lakes and encompasses verdant hills, historic forts, and well-maintained gardens.
historic cities city tales
The history and culture of Bhopal can be seen in the city’s historic monuments, natural heritage and living traditions across the streets. Click on the link below to explore the legacy of different dynasties:
Jumerati Gate
On a visit to the old city area of Bhopal, one might come across the remains of this gateway. This arched doorway dates back to the 18th century. It is the only surviving evidence of the first walled city, established by Dost Mohammad Khan, the first Afghan ruler of Bhopal. Each gate was designed to fortify his settlement and some were named after the days of the week, like Peer (Monday), Mangalwara (Tuesday), Budhwara (Wednesday), Jumerati (Thursday), and Itwara (Sunday). These gates were constructed along the walls of Fatehgarh Fort and extended to the boundaries of Upper Lake. Presently, the Jumerati Gate is the only surviving gate, making it one of the oldest gates of the city.
Gond Art
This art form is associated with the Gonds, one of the largest tribes in India. The word Gond is derived from the Dravidian word kond which translates to green mountains. True to their name, the tribe’s culture is deeply associated with nature and its conservation. Gond art is not merely a form of visual expression but a cultural bridge that connects the Gond tribe to their roots. For centuries, the art form has been used to ward off evil forces and every painting depicts a myth associated with nature, spirituality, and the community. These intricate designs were drawn on mud walls. In the 1980s, Jangarh Singh Shyam, a member of the Gond community, bridged the gap between the traditional practices of the Gond tribe and the contemporary art world by translating them on paper.
Pattiyabazi
Every morning and evening, the tea stalls encircling Iqbal Maidan transform into bustling centres of conversation. Locally, this routine is called Pattiyabazi. The term pattiya is used for stone slabs. Here, the suffix bazi refers to daily conversations related to political and social affairs.
Pattiyas or stone slabs were usually placed outside traditional houses and tea stalls as benches. The tradition of pattiyabazi dates back to the time of the Nawabs. In the old streets of Bhopal, pattiyabazi has been a lively morning and evening tradition for discussions on political and daily issues.
Thappa Thussi Jewellery
The city of Bhopal is associated with a unique process of jewellery making, called Thappa Thussi. The term ‘thappa’ refers to stamping and ‘thussi’ means stuffing. This handicraft involved the use of gold, silver, and copper. These metals were meticulously stamped and stuffed together into thin sheets. Various intricate designs, like floral patterns, were etched on them to further beautify the jewellery. At present, the knowledge of thappa thussi only remains with a handful of individuals in the city’s jewellery hub, Sarafa Bazaar. Paricham (bracelet), guluband (choker), ponchi (bracelet), and baldar kada (bangles) are some of the articles prepared in this style. The thappa thussi is a time-honoured craft that embodies the essence of Bhopal's identity and regal past.
historic cities history
The history of Bhopal as an independent state begins from the time of Paramara Rajputs. Between the 7th to 11th centuries they emerged as an influential ruling dynasty over the Malwa region. Raja Bhoja, who founded Bhopal during the 11th century, is considered one of the most illustrious rulers of the Paramara dynasty. After his death, the city became a battlefield between warlords vying for power in the region before the Gonds established their control over the area. By the early 18th century, Bhopal was taken over by the Afghans and their descendants continued to rule the city for two centuries till India became an independent country.
Click below to read more about the interesting history of the city.
history timeline code
History of Bhopal
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Bhopal became a part of the Paramara dynasty.
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Raja Bhoja founded Bhopal and Bhojtal (the lake which gave Bhopal its name) was constructed.
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After Raja Bhoja’s death, Bhopal became a battleground between warlords vying for power.
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Bhopal was ruled by local warlords.
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The Gonds ruled the region.
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Bhopal and the neighbouring region witnessed the rise of Afghan warrior Dost Muhammad Khan. He established his fort and capital in Islamnagar, present-day Jagdishpur.
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Rani Kamlapati faced rivalries after the death of her husband, Nizam Shah. In a strategic move to defeat her enemies, she formed an alliance with Dost Muhammad Khan. As a reward, Bhopal was gifted to Dost Muhammad Khan.
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After Rani Kamlapati’s death, Dost Muhammad Khan conquered the remaining parts of her kingdom, laying the foundation of Afghan rule in Bhopal. He built the Fatehgarh Fort.
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The Nizam of Hyderabad attacked Bhopal, and as a truce, Dost Muhammad Khan surrendered one of his sons, Yar Muhammad Khan.
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Dost Muhammad Khan died, and Yar Muhammad Khan, backed by the Nizam’s forces, took control over Bhopal.
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Yar Muhammad Khan married Mamola Bai, a Rajput believed to be Bhopal’s first female de facto ruler.
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After Yar Muhammad Khan’s death, Bhopal was taken over by his son, Faiz Muhammad Khan.
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The capital shifted from Islamnagar to Bhopal.
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Hayat Muhammad Khan, Faiz Muhammad Khan’s brother, assumed the throne.
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Ghaus Muhammad Khan retired to Raisen. The reign of Bhopal was then taken over by Wazir Muhammad Khan.
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Joint forces of Gwalior, Nagpur, and Marathas attempted to capture Bhopal.
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They were expelled by Wazir Muhammad Khan.
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Wazir Muhammad Khan is succeeded by his son, Nazar Muhammad Khan, as the Nawab of Bhopal.
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Nawab Nazar Muhammad Khan married Qudsia (Gauhar) Begum.
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Bhopal signed a treaty with the British East India Company and became a sovereign princely state.
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Qudsia Begum became the Regent of Bhopal after the death of Nawab Nazar Muhammad Khan.
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Qudsia Begums’s daughter, Sikandar Begum, married Jahangir Muhammad Khan.
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Jahangir Khan was anointed the Nawab against Qudsia Begum’s wishes.
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After the death of her husband, Sikandar Begum was declared Regent for her seven year old daughter Shah Jahan.
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Female rulers of Bhopal were recognised by the colonial government as sovereigns. They adopted the title of ‘Nawab’.
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Sikandar Begum was officially appointed as the Nawab of Bhopal.
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The first Imperial Durbar was held in honour of the Begum of Bhopal in Jabalpur.
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Bhopal became one of the first princely states to replace Farsi with Urdu as the official court language.
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Nawab Sikandar Begum died, and Shah Jahan was crowned the Nawab of Bhopal.
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Qudsia Begum died at the age of 82.
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The first steam engine was established in Bhopal.
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Nawab Shah Jahan Begum died, and Sultan Jahan Begum was crowned the Nawab of Bhopal.
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Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum was appointed the President of All India Muslim Ladies Conference.
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All India Muslim Ladies Conference took place in Bhopal.
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Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum abdicated the throne, and her son, Hamidullah Khan was crowned as the Nawab.
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Abida Sultan was declared the heir apparent of Bhopal.
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Sultan Jahan Begum passed away.
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Nawab Hamidullah Khan signed an agreement with the Indian government.
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Bhopal signed the Instrument of Accession and merged with the Indian Union.
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Bhopal became the capital of the newly formed state of Madhya Pradesh.