Taj Mahal in Bhopal ?

Heard of it - Taj Mahal in Bhopal. Yes this gem exists in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal has a Tal Mahal which is a palace built by Begum of Bhopal. Begum Shah Jahan had built this architectural marvel for her own residential purpose in year 1884. The construction of the same was started in year1871 and was completed in year 1884. The board outside the monument by the Director archeology, archives and museum states that about Rupees thirty lakhs were spend then to build this palace. Entry gate of this palace has six floors and is named as ‘Laododar’ gate. It’s this entry gives a motor vehicle or 12 horse motor baghi easy entry to the palace and the space makes it possible to easily turn. The palace has 120 rooms and 8 big halls. It has Sheesh mahal which was decorated with inlay pattern and coloured glasses. The hall of Sheesh mahal is now being renovated by the state archaeology department. In fact one of the official at the site shares when this palace was found and renovation started after more than 150 truckloads of debris was removed to make it possible to start the work.

The hall which has been renovated looks beautiful(in picture). The inlays and colored glasses make the gateways and hall beautiful. The efforts have been done to keep the original gold polish on the pillars. But that is just one hall. It will take many years to refurbish the whole palace but when it happens it will be the one of most important heritage of the city. In the courtyard of Taj Mahal it has Sawan Bhadon pavilion which is similar to ‘Sawan Bado’ of Shalimar Garden in Kashmir, It has many parts intact and effort is being made to give its original look. Arches, decorated, pillars, bastion in this palace made this as a composite amalgamation of islamic and rajput architectural styles, hoping to regain its lost pristine glory.

Contributed by anil gulati