| Bhopal
South
of Gwalior, Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, spreads
over seven hills and around two lovely lakes. More recently
the city was ruled by begums (queens), some of whom
initiated innovations including a postal system, railways
and water works. Today, evocative monuments are juxtaposed
with contemporary buildings, teeming markets-places
in the old walled city give way to shaded avenues and
residential complexes, and traditional lifestyles mingle
with modern with modern bustle. Bhopal is a useful base
for several interesting short excursions. Construction
of the Taj-ul-Masjid, one of Bhopal's more recent monuments,
began under Shah Jahan Begum, who ruled from 1868 to
1901, but was completed only in the 1970s. Among the
largest mosques in the country, it has an impressive
main hall, a striking facade and huge courtyard. Other
important mosques include the Jami Masjid and the Moti
Masjid. A curious mixture of European architectural
styles, Shaukat Mahal at the entrance to the Chowk is
said to have been designed by a remote relative of the
Bourbons of France. Sardar Manzil close by was once
the hall of public audience of former nawabs. An important
modern center for the art, the officially sponsored
Bharat Bhavan houses a museum of folk art, an art gallery,
a fine library of literature, and an active repertory
theatre. The main palace of Dost Muhammad at Islamnagar,
effectively combines Hindu and Islamic decorative art.
Chaman Mahal and the two-storey Rani Mahal are the other
lovely structures of the palace complex.
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