History

Being one of the oldest cities of the country, Bhopal has a glorious past. The History of Bhopal tells tales of interesting, heroic and amazing incidents. It can take pride in its excellent blend of Islamic and Hindu cultures. Various dynasties have ruled the city over the years, contributing to its architectural and historical richness.

The History of Bhopal takes us back to the eleventh century when Raja Bhoja – the great ruler built a city called Bhojpal. According to the historians, it was the original Bhopal City. Later on, the Mughals captured the city and ruled it till the beginning of the eighteenth century. The Afghan soldier – Dost Mohammed established the princely province of Bhopal in 1723. Well supported by the tribal queen – Rani Kamalpathi, he was able to ward off the neighboring Rajput kings.

When speaking about the History of Bhopal, the contribution of the Begums cannot be written off. Bhopal was the second largest Muslim State of India in the British period. It saw four Muslim women rulers during the period from 1819 to 1926. As is expected, they faced a lot of opposition from both, male claimants and powerful neighbors. Even the British India Company was initially opposed to Bhopal being ruled by females. However, the Begums quoted Queen Victoria as their model and inspiration. This forced the British to finally give up their opposition. Each Begum left an indelible mark of her own personality on the role.

The population of Bhopal was mostly Hindu in those days. In a unique testimony to the Hindu-Muslim unity prevalent in those times, almost all the Begums had a Hindu Chief Minister to assist in their day-to-day administration.

The females of the royal family ruled the state for almost hundred years. The administrative aspects of the state were taken care of quite capably by the begums and they generally used to lead austere lives. followed their religion faithfully and were able administrators. Begum Nawab Sultan Jahan was one of the greatest Begum rulers of Bhopal.

Sultan Jahan's son Hamidullah inherited the throne in the year 1926. Under him, the Bhopal State signed the 'Instrument of Accession' and became the part of the Indian Republic in 1947. The sleepy town of Bhopal has today transformed into a swanky modern city.

Among all the rulers of Bhopal, most able rulers of the state was Nawab Sultan Jahan and consequently her son Nawab Hamidullah also took keen interest in the political affairs of the state and it was under his rule that this sleepy town was transformed into a developing city.

The chronological list of the Nawabs who ruled over Bhopal is as follows.

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Rulers Of Bhopal

Nawab Qudsia Begum,

(Gohar Begum)

Nawab Sikandar Begum

Nawab Shajahn Begum

Nawab Hamidullah Khan