Islamnagar

In 1719, the small city of Islamnagar effectively became the capital of the Bhopal region when its ruler, Dost Mohammad Khan, took control of the entire territory. The city itself had only become his four years earlier, in 1715, when he had slaughtered the chieftain and soldiers who had been living here and renamed it from its former name, Jagdishpur.

As would be fitting for a capital, large palaces were built or renovated in Islamnagar. They were not just for the ruler himself but for his queens and extended family. Much of the two largest palaces still remains and are inside the original city walls, along with a mosque and a new village.

At the Rani Mahal palace, you’ll find a charming garden and a large hall with colonnades used for public meetings. There are residential rooms on the upper floors. The design of the palace shows a fusion between Mughal and Malwa styles. Outside are eight massive iron chests that were used to transport treasure.

The adjacent Chaman Mahal palace is even more peaceful with a large water garden designed with a beautiful sense of symmetry. It also has a fusion of design styles, with lovely eaves drooping down from the towers. From the far end, there are nice views across the countryside.

Islamnagar is just 13 kilometres from Bhopal and is worth the short trip to see an important part of the historical narrative of this region.