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Bhopal Archaeological Museum
- Collection of sculptures
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| The Archaeological Museum in Bhopal houses a splendid collection of sculptures brought from various parts of the state. Madhya Pradesh is situated at the very heart of India, and its rich cultural heritage often leaves visitors spellbound.
The museum in Bhopal provides a small sample of the rich traditions of the state. Highlights of the collection on display here are paintings of various schools, copies of paintings from the Bagh caves at Mandu, and statues of Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Wealth, and of the Buddha.
Further, you will find images of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the Hindu Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer of the Universe.
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Gohar Mahal
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| Situated right behind the Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake is the Gohar Mahal that was once an architectural gem. However, the palace has not been well maintained and is currently in a dilapidated state.
Nevertheless, the archways of the palace still retain a majestic air about them and are well worth a visit.
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Laxmi Narayana Temple
- Hindu Deities- Laxmi & Vishnu
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| Also known as Birla Temple, Laxmi Narayan temple was built by the Birlas and is commemorated to the Hindu deities, Laxmi & Vishnu. This sandy-yellow edifice, embellished with idols of many Hindu Gods and Goddesses, poses a magnificent sight. Birla Museum, adjoined to its precinct, is a storehouse of art and artifacts that date back to the 12th century. The beautifully carved archway and the trailing green lawns of the place make it a famous tourist draw of Bhopal.
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Moti Masjid
- Resemblance of Jama Masjid Delhi
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| Moti Masjid of Bhopal bears a prominent resemblance to the Jama Masjid of New Delhi. Built by Sikandar Jahan, the daughter of Kudsia Begum, in 1860, this staggering mosque brilliantly displays the heights attained by Islamic art and architecture during the Nawabi era. Fabricated with red sandstone, the highly stylized structure of the mosque is typical of Muslim architecture. It has an arresting marble façade, with two red minarets crowned by golden spikes.
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Shaukat Mahal
- Architectural monument
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| The Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil are two architectural curiosities of Bhopal.
Situated right at the entrance of the Chowk area, the Mahal is a blend of both oriental and occidental styles of architecture. The Mahal is supposed to have been designed by a decadent Frenchman who claimed to be a descendant of the Bourbon Dynasty of France.
The building is very different from the rest of the Islamic architecture in the vicinity.In the Shaukat Mahal, Gothic and post-Renaissance styles have been freely combined to produce a quaint but charming effect. The Shaukat Mahal is a beautiful alabaster-white building that has a series of intricate triangular-shaped arches on its roof – the unique feature of the palace.
The exterior of the palace is also carved with exquisite floral patterns that give the Mahal a very eco-friendly appearance.
The Shaukat Mahal is flanked by the Sadar Manzil which served as a Hall of Public Audience during the princely period.
This brick-red building has an ostentatious appearance, and the gardens that surround the palace makes the Manzil look as pretty as a postcard.
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Taj-ul Masjid
- Beautiful Mosque in India
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| One of the largest and most beautiful mosques in India, Taj-ul-Masjid literally means 'The Crown of Mosques' and is an imposing landmark of Bhopal. Its pink façade, coroneted with white-domed minarets, soars to the skyline and stands as a stunning ovation to the rule of Begums in Bhopal. Its construction began under the regime of Shah Jehan Begum, but saw completion after her death. This striking monument is also used as a religious school (madarsa) during the day.
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Upper & Lower Lakes
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| These lakes highly contribute towards beautifying the landscape of Bhopal and are credited as the artwork of Raja Bhoj. The Upper Lake is 6 sq. km. in area and is divided from the Lower Lake by an over bridge. MP Tourism's Yacht Club provides facilities and warrants exciting trips by sail, paddle and motor boats at the Upper Lake. 'Van Vihar' (safari park) and the fish-shaped aquarium near the place also contribute towards its popularity amongst the locals and tourists.
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