Bhopal Bonanza

Bhopal, the capital of the massive State of Madhya Pradesh with its myriad attractions, boasts of an architectural legacy that is as diverse as it is fascinating. While an appealing amalgam of Rajput, Gond, Afghan, British, French and Mughal influences define the old city, luxuriant sprawling spaces and contemporary structures dot the new areas. Architectural hallmarks include the famous Charles Correa's Bharat Bhawan, an arts complex and the new Vidhan Sabha.
What is unique about this charming city situated at different altitudes and fringed by the Arera hills is, as an intrepid traveler so aptly put it, 'the bequest of the begums'. From Begum Qudsia's elegant Gohar Mahal, standing opposite the Bara Talab or Upper Lake, to the Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque built in 1860 A.D. by Begum Sikander Jehan and the old city's most celebrated landmark, architectural marvels abound. Patterned on the style of Delhi's Jama Masjid in red sandstone, it has a prayer hall built in striking white marble. Opposite the mosque stands what is known as the 'royal ensemble' - an intriguing concept of buildings. Basically divided into two distinct blocks comprising the Sadar Manzil Maidan and Khirniwala Maidan, a number of palaces
bearing the distinctive artistic stamp of its rulers, were constructed around these two courtyards over a period of a hundred years, beginning in the early 19th century.
The Khirniwala Maidan, thus christened because of the many khirni trees in the compound, evolved into the Diwan-i-Aam. Around it stand Shaukat Mahal, Hira Masjid, Zeenat Mahal and Sheesh Mahal with Moti Mahal partitioning the two courtyards . This quad, with its projecting turrets on the parapets, endows it with a disdinct French ambience.
An ornate arched gate leads to the second quad, the Diwan-i-Khas, meant for private audiences.Around it are the administrative units Sadar Manzil, Hamid Manzil and Humayun Manzil, now mostly home to government offices.
Bhopal's many lakes still provide water to the inhabitants of this city. These lakes are manmade, created over 1,000 years ago by cleverly exploiting the terrain and constructing three small dams. They are also the venue for national aquatic tourneys and short boat rides for tourists to the city.
It would only be fitting to pay homage to Shahjehan Begum before we bid adieu to this city of many flavors! Credited with the construction of the Taj-ul- Masjid, considered to be one of the
biggest mosques in Asia, she took over the reigns of Bhopal in 1868 A.D. She beautified her capital rapidly, erecting buildings in quick succession including three palaces for herself - Taj
Mahal, Ali Manzil and Benazir Mahal. The legacy she left behind, however, goes beyond the
erection of beautiful monuments - to the living art of elaborate beadwork, which the women of
Bhopal's Pari Bazaar have diligently kept alive with their artistic creations.

Sponsored by Easy Tours of India.