The district of Bhopal is the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh; it also serves as the administrative headquarter of the Bhopal District and Division. this green city is popularly known as City of Lakes owning to several natural and artificial lakes. An A-2 class city, apart from being an important economic, industrial, educational and political center of India it also constitutes of numerous institutions and installation that holds national importance and a fascinating blend of scenic beauty, historical importance and modern urban planning., the city of Bhopal was founded by Raja Bhoj in 11th century, Afghan soldier, Dost Mohammed and his descendants established the magnificent city that stands erect in the present era.

Bhopal has two main Rivers that contributed in the development and acts as a guard of its surrounding. This city is a blend of medieval and urban culture; one part of the city or as it is called old Bhopal constitutes of marketplaces, old mosques and palaces bearing aristocratic imprint of its former rulers, that includes the succession of powerful Begums who ruled the city from 1819 to 1926. The new Bhopal represents all the amenities of a modern hub with its lush, neat parks and gardens, broad street and sleek modern technology.

Bhopal has rich cultural heritage that makes it distinct from other places. The city has its share of ups and downs since its foundation by Afghan soldier Dost Mohammed in the year 1708. Many eminent cultures such as Buddhists, Hindus, Mughals and Afghans have left their mark on the city of Bhopal.

History of Bhopal

When India acquired independence on 15th August 1947, the city of Bhopal was one of the last to sign the 'Instrument of Accession; on 1st May 1949 Bhopal became an Indian state. It accommodated the Sindhi refugees from Pakistan in Bairagarh, a western suburb of Bhopal.

The probable heiress of Bhopal, Abida Sultan the eldest daughter of Nawab Hamidullah Khan, gave up her throne and left for Pakistan in 1950. The Indian government abducted her throne when she joined Pakistan's Foreign Service. Instead her younger sister Begum Sajida was declared as the successor. When Abida Sultan reached the newly formed Pakistan at the age of 37 she was a mother of a young boy. Spending the greater part of her life in Pakistan she died in the year 2002. Her son, Shaharyar Khan was the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan and later on the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Begum Sajida married the last ruling Nawab of Pataudi Iftikhar Ali Khan. When Begum Sajida died   in 1995, her son Mansoor Ali Khan, the titular Nawab of Pataudi, was regarded the head of the royal family of Bhopal.

Culture of Bhopal

A Shairis and poetry recital resides in the heart of Bhopal. It is well-known for its culture of parda and zarda. Parda is a veil, which is worn by women of the house; zarda is a tobacco which is quite liked by the Bhopalis. Hindi is the official language of Bhopal, and Hindi-Urdu is spoken in western and eastern parts of the city with typical Bhopali accent. The paan or betel is yet another feature of Bhopal; it is preparated with a betel leaf topped with variety of seasonings, like the chuna, kattha and supari. The paan depicts the culture of Bhopal people and they take pride in the art of preparing authentic paans.

Bhopal Tourism

Tourist places in Bhopal
Bhimbetka
Bhojpur
Islam Nagar
Samasgarh
Manua Bhan Ki Tekri
Taj-ul-Masajid
Van Vihar
Jama Masajid
Fish Aquarium
Moti Masajid
Regional Science centre
Idgah Birla Mandir
Shaukat Mahal & Sadar Manzil
Gufa Mandir
Bharat Bhawan
Khatlapura Mandir
Manav Sangrahalaya (Museum of Man)
Capitals Park
Upper Lake
BHEL Township
Lower Lake