Dost Muhammad, an Afghan officer in the service of the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, who was appointed the governor of Bhairasia, declared himself an independent Nawab at the emperor's death in 1707. The dynasty continued its rule, under the British protection, till India's independence. Three ‘begurns’(royal ladies- wives of ‘nawab’) ruled the state one after another before the last Nawab.
A striking feature of the city is its two lakes. One of them is divided by an over-bridge into two- the Upper Lake and the Lower Lake. A view of the glorious sunset on the lakes is unforgettable. Boating facility is available.
Bhopal, full of natural and historical beauty, is spread over an area of 75 sq km. As per the census of 2001, its population was thirteen lacs five thousand and three hundred. Its elevation from mean sea level is 785 feet. Bhopal is important in all season from touristic view point. Historians have a view that Bhopal has been the centre of Dravidian civilization in its early days. It was a part of the forests dividing the north and the south. Saint Agastya, while going to the south and crossing the Vindhyanchal Mountain, entered from Bhopal. After his arrival, the Aryans entered in the Bhopal. But the credit for establishing Bhopal goes to the Parmar ruler Bhoj who gave a new identification to it in 11th century. One earlier name was Bhupal.
The same Bhupal is today’s Bhopal. Parmer ruled it from 8th to 13th century. Parmar dynasty declined in the beginning of Mughal era. The forest of Raisen came into the possession of the Mughal and they ruled the state of Bhopal from the fort. Emperor Akbar divided north India into different ‘Subas’ in view of administrative convenience. Due to this policy Bhopal came under the Raisen government. After the demise of Mughal king Aurangzeb, the Mughal ruling started shaking. Other powers started raising their heads before them. Nizam Shah and Rani Kamalwati were prominent among them. In the same period, the Afgani general of the kingdom of Sitamau also made a plan to organize the army and became successful in his endeavor. The Marathas had to leave the ruling before them. Dost Mohammad, after capturing Bhelsa and Ginnorgarh area, made Bhopal as his capital in 1722 AD. For more than 200 years, the successors of Dost Mohammad ruled on Bhopal. In the year of 1947, India became independent and 571 kingdoms were merged in the Union Republic of India. Bhopal was one of these kingdoms. In 1956, Madhya Pradesh state was formed and Bhopal was made its capital. Bhopal of yesteryear was converted into a modern city. There are two parts of Bhopal, the old Bhopal and the new Bhopal. The old part exhibits narrow roads and densely populated small houses but the new Bhopal has modern buildings, broad and straight roads, clean atmosphere and attractive avenues. Bhopal is the good example of Hindu Muslim unity in the nations.
Since the industrial catastrophe of December 1984, the city has redefined its image and is called the "city of the lakes". Capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal has an interesting archaeological museum and a superb exhibition center devoted to primitive art and contemporary Indian art. Take also time to take a walk in the chowk.
Renowned as the Lake City for its many natural and artificial lakes, Bhopal is the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a beautiful place with the harmonious blend of traditional culture and modern life. Placed on the place where the ancient city of Bhojapal once stood. Built by Raja Bhoj, the city has two beautiful lakes which are placed in the center of the city. Known as one of the greenest cities in India, the city is adorned with forests, beautiful hills and terrifying landscapes. Its colorful bazaars and historical monuments relate the history of the prosperity of the city in historical times.
Bhopal is an interesting tourist spot in India that can captivate you with its exquisite mosques, old havelis cluttered markets, etc., in old Bhopal and the grand boulevards and modern constructions in the new city. This city is a tourist pleasure that fortunately managed to keep its appearance green and clean. With unparalleled attractions and historic places like Laxmi Narayan Temple, Taj-ul Masjid, Shaukat Mahal, Sadar Manzil, Moti Masjid and Lakes Superior and Lower; Bhopal considered to be one of the must visit destinations in the state of Madhya Pradesh . Also, it is a city of popular and tribal arts that give a village feel to the state. Over, the city is also highlighted for cave paintings, which are known for their ethnicity and artistic values.