Bhopal

Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal

Though Bhopal is renowned as the ‘City of Lakes’, with several man made and natural lakes dotting the map of the city, the historical evidences in the city are also noteworthy. Bharat Bhavan, one of the major tourist attractions of Bhopal is also the major cultural venue of the city. mapsnworld.com can offer an insight of this notable attraction of the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Located in the Shamla Hills, Bharat Bhavan is an independent trust that was created by the Legislative body of Madhya Pradesh, in the year 1982.   

The complex of Bharat Bhavan overlooks the picturesque Bada Talaab and also offers a breathtaking view of the entire city of Bhopal. Being the cultural hub of the city, it houses a number of units that are juxtaposed under one roof. Rangmandal is the repertory, Roopankar – the Fine Arts museum and Vagarth – Center of Indian Poetry.  Besides these three, Bharat Bhavan also has suitable accommodation for the guests, the Ashram. But, probably the popular of all is Anhad, the library of Classical and Folk Music. It is the venue for the variety of musical programs of famous musicians that are organized from time to time.

Bharat Bhavan is an unparallel multi art Indian center that comprises of art gallery, arts museum, repertory theater, fine arts workshop, rehearsal room, folk and classical music, Indian poetry library, along with outdoor and indoor auditoriums. Architectural beauty of the place is also quite appreciable. Courtyard of this historical as well as cultural complex reflects an eco friendly environment with grass peeping out in between the outdoor tiles. In short it can be summarized by saying that Bharat Bhavan is worth a visit, which allows you to peep into the rich culture and history of India.

Moti Masjid

A peek into the pictures of Moti Masjid give you a shock of sheer mistake. You will be almost on the verge of complaining against the site authorities that they have wronged in the title – it is actually Jama Masjid. Hang on. Look carefully into other pictures as well and things will seem different. Bearing striking resemblance to the Jama Masjid in Delhi, this mosque is actually situated in Bhopal and is one of the significant landmarks of the city of Bhopal.

Built in 1860, the Moti Masjid was the brainchild of Sikandar Jehan Begum, daughter of Qudisiya Begum. Sikandar Begum was relatively different from the conventional Muslim women of the then era. Owing to the progressive approach and outgoing attitude of Sikandar Jehan Begum, the city of Bhopal came to be known as the domain of the comparatively liberated, even progressive women. She was a keen reformer, open to modern concepts and ideas. She famously attempted at and succeeded to a large extent in abolishing slavery and constructed bridges, roads, and architecturally rich monuments like the Moti Masjid.

With a façade of dazzling white marble, the Moti Masjid, as seen in the pictures, is a gem of architecture. It is almost like immaculate start to the entrance into something pure and pristine. Walking past the green lawns along the fountain and ultimately through the gates will take you to the courtyard of the Moti Masjid, which is beautiful. The immediate area of the shrine is of white marble and it lends a strange sense of purity and sacredness. This prayer hall in striking white marbles gives it the moniker ‘pearl’. Of course you could not have missed the two small cupolas atop the mosque and the two huge black minarets on either side of it while you were entering the masjid. The red sandstone structure with white marble in the middle looks stunningly different and exclusive.

On entering the courtyard it gives one a soothing feel amid the red sandstone pillared arcade and the square fountain pool of green waters. The cobbled compound adds to the flavor of antiquity and nostalgia. These photos of Moti Masjid are enough to take you back in time, into a world of past.

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