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Taj-ul-Masajid:
Said
to be the largest mosque in the country, the building of this towering
edifice was begun by Shah Jehan Begum (1868-1901 ) but was incomplete
on 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 ljtima congregation held here
annually draws people from all over the country.
Jama Masjid:
Gold spikes crown the minarets of this beautiful mosque, built in
1837 by Kudsia Begum.
Moti Masjid:
Architecturally akin to Delhi's Jama Masjid, this imposing mosque
was built by Sikandar Jehan, daughter of Kudsia Begum, in 1860.
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.
Gohar Mahal:
Situated behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake is
Gohar Mahal, which is an architectural gem dating back to the times
of Kudsia Begum, also known as Gohar Begum, who built this sprawling
palace in 1820. The Mahal is a magnificent expression of the fusion
of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Bharat Bhawan:
One of the most unique- national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan
is a centre for the perlorming and visual art. Designed by the renowned
arehited Charles Correa, the (ontours of Bharat Bhawan merge in
exquisite harmony with the landscape creating a visual impact of
spacious and national elegance. The centre houses a museum ot the
arts, an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory theatre,
indor and outdoor auditoria, rehearsal room, and libraries of Indian
poetry, classical and folk music. Open from 2 pm to 8 pm every day
except Mondays.
Tribal Habitat (Museum of Man):
An open air exhibition of tribal house types located on Shamla Hills,
the Tribal Habitat is a presentation ot actual-size dwellings typical
of contem-porary tribal cultures in various states of Indict. 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.
The habitat is open every day except on Mondays and national holidays,
from 10 am to 6 pm.
Government Archaeological Museum:
A fine collection of sculptures are on display here from various
parts of Madhya Pradesh. Highlights of the collection are: paintings
of various schools, copies of paintings from the Bagh Caves near
Mandu and the statues of Alakshmi and the Buddha. The museum is
closed on Mondays.
Laxminarayan Temple and Museum:
This beautiful temple on the Arera Hills has a museum attached to
it which houses a collection of sculptures from Raisen, Sehore,
Mandsaur and Shahdol districts
of Madhya Pradesh. The Museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm on all days
except Mondays.
Van Vihar:
This safari-park is located on a hill adjacent to the Upper Lake,
with an area of 445 hectares. In these natural surroundings, wildlife
watchers can view a variety of herbivorous and carnivorous species.
Open everyday, except Tuesday, from 7-11 am and 3-5.30 pm.
Regional Science Centre:
Basically a science museum, located on the picturesque Shyamala
Hills, Regional Science Centre houses about 300 participatory exhibits
distributed equally in Invention' & Tun Science' galleries,
and a 'taramandaF (Planetarium). The museum remains open from 10.30
am to 6.30 pm on days except Mondays.
Chowk:
In the heart of the old city, the Chowk is lined with old mosques
and havelis, reminders of a bygone era. The shops in its narrow
alleys are treasure troves of traditional Bhopali crafts: silver
jewellery, exquisitely fashioned beadwork, embroidered and sequined
velvet fashioned purses and cushions.
Said
to be the largest mosque in the country, the building of this towering
edifice was begun by Shah Jehan Begum (1868-1901 ) but was incomplete
on 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 ljtima congregation held here
annually draws people from all over the country.
of Madhya Pradesh. The Museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm on all days
except Mondays.
