Taj-ul-Masjid

This towering edifice is said to be the largest mosque in the country. The building of this tower was begun by Shah Jehan Begum (1868-1901) but was incomplete even at the time of her death. This great queen, Bhopal's eighth ruler, left many monuments in the city and to her goes the credit for Bhopal's postal system, railways and waterworks. After her death, lack of funds prevented the completion of the Masjid and construction was resumed only in 1971. The most striking features of the mosque are the impressive main hall with its inter-arched roof, broad facade, spacious courtyard and smooth marble floors. A three-day Ijtima congregation held here annually, draws people from all over the country.

Jama Masjid

Built in 1837, by Kudsia Begum, this is a beautiful mosque with gold spikes crowning the minarets. It is said that centuries earlier, a queen of King Upayadita Paramara (1059-80 AD), grandson of Raja Bhoja, founded a temple here known as Sabha Mandala in 1184 A. D.

Moti Masjid

Architecturally akin to Delhi's Jama Masjid, this imposing mosque was built in 1860 by Sikander Jehan, daughter of Kudsia Begum.

Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil

Situated at the entrance to the chowk area in the heart of the walled city, Shaukat Mahal is an architectural curiosity. Its mixture of styles in occidental idioms sets it apart from the predominantly Islamic architecture of the area. It was designed by a Frenchman, said to be a descendant of an offshoot of the Bourbon kings of France. Post-renaissance and Gothic styles are combined to charming effect here. Nearby is the elegant, once-opulent Sadar Manzil, Hall of Public Audience of the former rulers of Bhopal.

Bharat Bhawan

One of the most unique national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan is a centre for the performing and visual arts. Designed by the renowned architect Charles Correa, the contours of Bharat Bhawan merge in exquisite harmony with the landscape, creating a visual impact of spacious and national elegance. The centre houses a museum of arts, an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory theatre, indoor and outdoor auditoria, rehearsal room, and libraries of Indian poetry, classical and folk music.

Tribal Habitat

An open air exhibition of tribal house types located on the Shamla hills, the tribal habitat is a presentation of actual-size dwellings typical of contemporary tribal cultures in various states of India. The exhibition highlights architectural features and has elaborately displayed interiors. The surroundings have been reconstructed to match some of the interesting environmental features of tribal villages.



Madhya Pradesh Home || Bhopal

Places to See -|- Bhopal Main

City To Visit
Bhopal-|- Khajuraho -|- Shivpuri -|- Bandhavgarh -|- Orchha-|- Kahna -|- Gwalior