Bhopal State facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bhopal
Bhopal
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| 1723–1949 | |||||||||
 Flag
 Coat of arms
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Motto: Nasr Minullah
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| Status | Princely state of India (1818–1949) | ||||||||
| Capital | Bhopal Islamnagar (for a brief period) |
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| Common languages | Persian (official), Hindustani | ||||||||
| Religion | Islam and Hinduism | ||||||||
| Government | Principality | ||||||||
| Nawab of Bhopal | |||||||||
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• 1723–1728
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Dost Mohammad Khan(first) | ||||||||
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• 1926–1949
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Hamidullah Khan (last) | ||||||||
| History | |||||||||
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• Established
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1723 | ||||||||
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• Disestablished
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1 June 1949 | ||||||||
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Bhopal State was an important independent area in India. It was founded in 1723. From 1818 to 1947, it was a princely state under the British Raj. This means it was ruled by its own leaders but was also part of the British Empire in India.
After India became independent in 1947, Bhopal State was an independent country for two years. It joined India in 1949. The first capital city was Islamnagar. Later, the capital moved to the city of Bhopal.
Amazing Women Rulers: The Begums
Bhopal was one of the largest Muslim states in India before it became independent. What makes Bhopal special is its history of women rulers. Between 1819 and 1926, four powerful women, known as Begums, ruled Bhopal. This was very rare for royal families at that time.
The first woman ruler was Qudsia Begum. Her daughter, Sikandar Begum, ruled after her. Then, Sikandar Begum's daughter, Shahjehan Begum, became the ruler. The last woman ruler was Jahan Begum. After 25 years, she decided to step down. Her son, Nawab Sir Hamidullah Khan, then became the ruler.
The Begums brought many good changes to Bhopal. They built water systems for the city. They also helped create railways and a postal service. In 1907, they set up a city government called a municipality.
The time of the Begums was very peaceful. This led to a special mix of cultures in Bhopal. People from different backgrounds lived together happily. Hindus were given important jobs in the government. This helped create a friendly and open culture in the state.
Images for kids
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A procession of Shia Muslims in Bhopal in the Mughal Empire.
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The Bhopal State postal service was introduced during the rule of the Begums.
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Sikandar Begum
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A young Shah Jahan Begum
