Moti Mahal is a place mix of Indian and European
architectures with its terrace boundaries having European coatings. Moti Mahal
is the 3 storied with the beautiful archway on all three levels. Large windows
with doorway on the first floor are lined up overlooking the lavish grounds,
now called an “Iqbal Maidan”. Now the ground is use for political meetings and
cultural programs.
Showing posts with label archaeological World Heritage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label archaeological World Heritage. Show all posts
BUDDHIST MONUMENTS AT SANCHI
Buddhist Monuments at
Sanchi (1989), Madhya Pradesh
On a hill overlooking
the plain and about 40 km from Bhopal, the site of Sanchi comprises a group of
Buddhist monuments (monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries) all
in different states of conservation most of which date back to the 2nd and 1st
centuries B.C. It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and was a major
Buddhist center in India until the 12th century A.D.
Entrance Fee:
Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh,
Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC
Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) - Rs. 10
per head.
Others: US $ 5 or
Indian Rs. 250/- per head
(children
up to 15 years free)
ISLAMNAGAR, BHOPAL
Islamnagar
was
a Rajput town, called Jagdishpur until taken by an Afgan (Dost Mohammad Khan)
in 1715. He founded the Bhopal State with Islamnagar as its capital.
Fortifications were built within them are a palace, gardens and a charming
village. Islamnagar is 11 km away on
the Bhopal- Berasia road.
Islamnagar was the
palace of Bhopal's Afghan rulers and was built by Dost Mohammed Khan. Formal
gardens surround the palace and the pavilion. The latter a synthesis of Hindu
and Islamic decorative art, has columns lavishly embellished with floral
motifs. Other monuments to see are the Hamam of the Chaman Mahal and the
double-storied Rani Mahal.
BHIMBETKA CAVES (BHIMBETKA ROCK SHELTERS), BHOPAL
The Bhimbetka Caves are situated just 46 km from Bhopal. This is archaeological World Heritage site located in Raisen District in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and they are surrounded by the northern limits of Vindhya mountain Range. As the legend goes, these hills got their name after Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers. The name 'Bhim-bet-ka' means 'where Bhim sat down'. The name Bhimbetka is associated with Bhima, a hero-deity renowned for his immense strength, from the epic Mahabharata. The word Bhimbetka is said to derive from Bhimbaithka, meaning "sitting place of Bhima".
There are more than 600 caves that have the collection of oldest prehistoric paintings in India. These caves were found by Dr. V.S Wakankar, the famous Indian archaeologists in the year 1958. It took around 16 years to excavate the entire area covered by these caves. Although there are more than 600 caves, only 12 are open for tourists at the moment, but they show you the best paintings that are there in all other caves. And out of the 24 world heritage sites that have been recognized by UNESCO in India, Bhimbetka caves are the oldest one.
There are many interesting facts about these caves. These caves had been used as a shelter by people from the earliest of periods. Thus, you will find paintings of all periods starting from Paleolithic era to medieval era. The paintings turn out to be a mirror showing evolution of humanity through time. The style of the paintings of separate periods is so different that you can easily differentiate between them. The paintings of Paleolithic age are huge linear figures of animals like tigers, bears and rhinoceroses. As the time passed, the paintings became smaller, shapely and more precise. The paintings now depicted the daily chores of people like hunting and dancing. Slowly the artistry from raw art turned into religious images showing the change in the mindset. The oldest painting here is said to be around 12,000 years old, whereas the most recent is around 1000 years old. The colors used by the cave dwellers, were prepared by combining manganese, hematite, soft red stone and wooden coal. The paintings over the years have stayed unharmed by nature due to the reaction between the chemicals present in rocks and the color. Even animal fat and plant leaves were used in the mixture.
These caves have now become one of the most popular attractions in Bhopal. You can plan a day’s excursion to experience the relics on the walls of the caves, admire the solitude and spend a day in wonderment exploring the fascinating history of the ancient times.
GOHAR MAHAL @ BHOPAL
Gohar Mahal is one of the beautiful palaces in Bhopal. Constructed in the year 1820,, on the banks of the Upper Lake, the Gohar Mahal is a beautiful palace built by the first female ruler of Bhopal – Gohar Begum. Gohar Mahal is an architectural marvel, which presents a perfect blend of Hindu and Mughal Architecture. The palace is an architectural wonder presenting the blend of Hindu Mughal style of architecture. The arcades of the palace hold majestic look and glory. Gohar Mahal is on the verge of renovation to showcase the grandeur to the world again.
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