Brief History of the District:

Bhopal district was carved out of the erstwhile Sehore District of Bhopal division vide M.P. Govt. Notification No. 2477/1977/Sa/One/ dated 13th September, 1972.The district derives its name from the district head-quarters town Bhopal which is also the capital of Madhya Pradesh. The etymology of the term Bhopal has been derived from its former name Bhojpal as would be evident form the following extract from the imperial Gazetter of Central India, 1908 P.240. 

“The name (Bhopal) is popularly derived from Bhojpal or Bhoj’s dam, the great dam which now holds up the Bhopal city lakes, and is said to have been built by a Minister of Raja Bhoj, the Parmar ruler of Dhar. The still greater work which formerly held up the Tal (lake) being attributed to this monarch himself. The name is, however, invariably pronounced, Bhupal and Dr. Fleet considers it to be derived simply from Bhupala, a King, the popular derivation being an instance of the striving after a meaning so common in such cases.” 

Initially the lake was quite big but as time has elapsed only a small portion of it has remained to be seen as “Bada Talab” i.e. the upper lake. Since long there is a famous saying about Bhopal lake, “Talon mein tal Bhopal tal, baki sab tallaiya”. 

There is a legend that Bhopal, for long, was a part of “Mahakautar” a barrier of dense forests and hills, outlined by the Narmada separating the north, from north to south.Early history of the territory comprising Bhopal district was in oblivion. It was in the tenth century that the names of Rajput clans began to appear in Malwa. The most notable of them was Raja Bhoj who was both a great scholar and a great warrior.After the invasion by Altamash the Mohammadans began to infiltrate into Malwa which included Bhopal as a part. In 1401 Dilawar Khan Ghori took charge of this territory. He made Dhar as the capital of his kingdom. He was succeeded by his son. 

In the beginning of 14th century a Gond warrior called Yadoram established the Gond  Kingdom with his headquarters at Garha Mandla. The Gond dynasty had a number of powerful kings like Madan Shah, Gorakhdas, Arjundas and Sangram Shah. During the Mughal invasion in Malwa a sizeable area of the territory comprising Bhopal state was under the possession of Gond Kingdom. These territories were known as Chaklas of which Chakla Ginnour was one consisting of 750 villages. Bhopal was a part of it. The Gond king Nizam Shah was the ruler of this area. 

Nizam Shah died of poisoning by Chain Shah. His widow, Kamlavati and son Naval Shah became helpless. Naval Shah was a minor then. After the death of Nizam Shah, Rani Kamlavati came to an agreement with Dost Mohammed Khan to manage the affairs of the state. Dost Mohammed Khan was a shrewd and cunning Afghan Sardar who began acquiring smaller principalities. After the death of Rani Kamlavati. Dost Mohammed Khan seized the fort of Ginnor, curbed the rebels, bestowing the grants according to their degree of control upon the rest and earned their gratitude. 

By treachery and deceit, destroyed the Deora Rajputs and also slaughtered and drowned them down into a river; which since then is known as Halali, the river of salughters. He shifted his headquarters to Islaminnagar and built a fort. Dost Mohammed died in 1726 at the age of 66. By this time he had carved out the state of Bhopal and placed it on a firm footing. It was Dost Mohammed Khan who had decided to build his capital at Bhopal in 1722. His successor Yar Mohammed Khan however went back to Islamnagar. 

Marathas had a contest with Yar Mohammed Khan in which many lives were lost. The Marathas were making inroad to Malwa in 1737, Yar Mohammed Khan tried to make friendship with the Marathas by paying them handsome ransom, requesting however that his territories might not be devastated. Yar Mohammed Khan ruled for fifteen years. He died in 1742 and was buried in Islamnagar where his tomb is still standing. 

On the death of Yar Mohammed Khan, his eldest son Faiz Mohammed Khan succeeded him with the assistance of Diwan Bijai Ram. In the mean time Sultan Mohammed Khan, the brother of Yar Mohammed Khan proclained himself as a ruler and obtained possession of Fatehgarh Fort at Bhopal. Again with the help of Bijai Ram, Faiz Mohammed denounced all claims on Bhopal in lieu of some Jagirs elsewhere. Faiz Mohammed Khan attacked Raisen Fort and took possession of it.  

It was in 1745, that the Peshwa made inroads in Bhopal territory. He got help from Sultan Mohammed Khan. The Bhopal army was unable to resist the onslaught of Marathas and thus some surrounding areas viz, Ashta, Doraha, Ichhawar, Bhilsa, Shujalpur and Sehore etc. were ceded to them. 

Faiz Mohammed Khan died on 12th December, 1777. Since he was childless, his brother Hayat Mohammed Khan succeeded him with the help of lady Mamola, the widow of Yar Mohammed Khan. But the Begum Salaha widow of Faiz Mohammed Khan wished herself to take the command of the state. Rivalries had started brewing and chaotic condition prevailed. To pacify the deteriorating conditions, lady Mamola took active part in making Hayat Mohammed Khan as the deputy of Begam Salaha. This arrangement was discarded by Hayat Mohammed Khan who revolted and assumed the title and power of Nawab. 

The East India company had established its footing in India. Colonel Goddard of the East India Company had marched through Bhopal on his way to Bombay. Hayat Mohammed Khan maintained good relations and was faithful to them.  

Nawab Faulad Khan was the Diwan but developed the enemity with lady Mamola and was slained by a member of the royal family. Chhota Khan was appointed Diwan in his place. In a fierce fight which took place at Phanda, there was a loss of troops and Chhota Khan lost his life. It is Chhota Khan who had built a stone bridge to dam the lower lake which is still known as “Pul Pukhta”. Ameer Mohammed Khan succeded his father. Since his behaviour was not good he was ousted by the Nawab. Due to internal disturbances Nawab Hayat Mohammed Khan confined himslef to his palace without taking any active part in the affairs of the state. He died on 10th Nov. 1808. After the death of Hayat Mohammed Khan, his son Ghaus Mohammed became the Nawab but he was not so effective. Wazir Mohammed Khan in fact wielded power and tried to influence the Britishers. At this time the Maratha power was being built up. 

Nazar Mohammed Khan became his successor and remained in power from 1816 to 1819. On 28th February, 1818, he married Gauhar Begum who was also known Qudsia Begum. By persistent endeavour , he succeeded in entering into a pact with the Britishers. The important provisions of the treaty was that the British Govt. will guarantee and protect the principality of Bhopal against all enemies and will maintain friendship with it. Nazar Mohammed Khan died accidentally on 11th November 1819. On the death of Nazar Mohammed Khan Gohar Begam was vested with the supreme authority in the state by the political agent in Bhopal. 

In November 1837, Nawab Jehangir Mohammed Khan was vested with powers of chief of the state. It was Nawab Jehangir Khan who built a new colony which is known as Jehangirabad. His relations with Sikandar Begum became strained after some time. The  Begum moved to Islamnagar and gave birth to a daughter who was known as Shah Jahan Begum. Later on Sikandar Begum came to power. On the death of Sikandar Begum, Shah Jahan Begum became ruler of Bhopal with full powers. She did the good work for the welfare of the state. Her Highness earned the approbation of the Governor General for good administrative ability. 

On the death of Shah Jahan Begum, her daughter, Sultan Jehan Begum became the ruler. She was married to Ahmed ali Khan who was given the title of “Wazirud Daula”. He died on 4th Jan. 1902 due to heart-attack. 

A number of important buildings were constructed during the regime of her Highness, Sultan Jehan Begum. She was a patron of learning. It was during her time, the Sultania Girl’s School and Alexanderia Noble School (Now known as Hamidia High School) were established. 

On the occasion of the Prince of Wales’ visit on 4th Feb, 1922. Her Highness announced a new constitution for the Bhopal state which consisted of the establishment of an Executive Council and a Legislative Council. The president of the Council was Her Highness herself.  

Nawab Hamidulla Khan assumed the reign in 1926. His Highness was twice elected as the Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes once in 1931-32 and again in 1944-47 and took part in important deliberations affecting the political evolution of the country. With the announcement of the plan of independence of the country the Nawab of Bhopal resigned in 1947 from the Chancellorship of the Chamber of Princes. 

In 1947, a new Ministry with a non-official majority was appointed by His Highness, but in 1948 His Highness expressed his desire to retain Bhopal as a separate unit. However, the agreement for merger was signed by the Ruler on April 30, 1949 and the State was taken over by the Union Government through a Chief Commissioner on June 1, 1949.  

After the merger, Bhopal State was formed as a part ‘C’ State of Indian Union. Later as a consequence of the Reorganisation of states on linguistic basis on 1st Nov. 1956, Bhopal became the part C State or Madhya Pradesh. The Bhopal district was carved out on 02-101972, which continues to be one of the 45 districts of the State.

Physical Features:

The district lies in the eastern edge of Malwa Plateau and is situated in the central part of the state between latitude 23 degree 04’ and 23 degree 53’ north and longitude 77 degree12’ and 77 degree 40’ east. The district is bounded by Rajgarh district in the northwest, Guna district in the north, Vidisha district in the north-east, Raisen district in the south-east and Sehore district in the south-west.

Physiography:

Large part of the district is uneven. Hills range located in the northern part of the district extend in north-south direction. A high altitude zone exists in the east of Baenriver. Southern part of the district is a plateau region dissected by the streams. The average height of the district is between 472 and 630 meters above the mean sea level. The district can be divided in to two broad regions 

(i) Berasiashruby Forests and 

(ii) Bhopal plateau, 

on the basis of the Physio-Cultural characteristics. A brief description of these two regions is given below:- 

Berasia Shruby Forests: 

The region is situated in the northern part of the district and covers major part  of Berasia tahsil and a small portion of Huzur tahsil. This is on the edge of Malwa plateau and therefore a large part of it is uneven. There are string hill ranges spread over the tract. The one situated on the northern part in north-south direction has an average height of 500 metres. The range separates the water catchment zones of Parbati river in west and Banjari in the east. Another hill range with a height of 594 metres is located in the south-eastern part of this tract but a major portion of it falls in the neighbouring district of Raisen. A number of scattered hillocks appear on the east of Berasia which forms a zone separating the water flow direction.The main reserved forest ranges are Berasia, Bhopal, Ramtek and Sohaya. Besides, some pockets of protected forests are also located in this tract. 

Bhopal Plateau :

This region is situated on the southern part of the district and covers the major portion of Huzur tahsil. Lying on the edge of Malwa plateau, maximum and minimum height of the region varies between 630 and 472 metres (MSL). Most part of this plateau is dissected with streams and thus the surface is rugged. The  central part is at a higher altitude. Therefore tract resembles the shape of a cone. It is the originating place of number of streams draining in all direction. Notable among them are Halali, Bean and Chamari in north, Kerwa and Kaliasot in the south-western part of the district, which finally sub-merge into BadaTalab of Bhopal city. Since these streams originate from this area their impact on the topography is not very significant. The location of Badatal i.e. Bhopal lake is an important physical feature of this region. A pocket of Bhopal reserve forest is located in the south western part of the region. 

Drainage : 

The whole District is traversed by numerous nalas and streams which drain the area and denude the surface   during rains but remain mostly dry in the hot weather. the chief source of water supply in district are dug wells situated mostly close to the streams, and the few tanks that are mainly formed due to preservation of rain water and the reservoirs resulting from the construction of dams. The perennial revers like the Parbati, the Kolans, the Kerwa and the Kaliasot are the main sources of water-supply in the district. 

The Bhojtal was created by Paramara Raja Bhoj (1005-1055), ruler of Malwa. He established Bhopal (also named after him) to secure the eastern frontier of his kingdom. The lake was created by constructing an earthen dam across the Kolans river. The Kolans was formerly a tributary of the Halali river with the creation of the Bhojtal and a diversion channel, the upper reach of the Kolans River and the Bhojtal now drain into the Kaliasot river.  Bhadbhada dam was constructed in 1965 at the southeast corner of the Bhojtal; it now controls the outflow to the Kaliasot river. 

The Lower Lake was created in 1794 by Nawab Chhote Khan, Minister of Nawab Hayath Mohammad Khan, to beautify the city. It is also contained behind an earthen dam, and drains into the Halali river via the lower reach of the Kolans river, presently known as the Patra Drain. Both the Kaliasot and Halali rivers are tributaries of the Betba river. Raja Bhoj (1010-55) constructed Bhimkund reservoir (a very large pool of water) on river Betwa, near Bhojpur (23 degree 6´ N and 77 degree 38´ E) – a small village nearly 30 km south of Bhopal and Upper Lake on river Kolansh (tributary of Betwa) at Kamla park, Bhopal. The number deficit of streams and springs was resolved by Kalia – a local Gond chief. He pointed out a missing river, which along with its tributaries, made up the desired number. The engineers diverted the missing river through a feeder lake (Upper Lake of Bhopal) to meet the desired number. This missing river is named after Kalia Gond and is known as river Kaliasot. The present day water course of river Kaliasot, from Bhadbhda (origin) to village Bilkhiria Khurd (23 degree 8´ and 77 degree 27´ N), is unchanged.  

Climate : 

The climate is moderate in Bhopal. The summers are hot and winters cold. But it does not face extreme weather conditions.It rains moderately during rainy season.The weather is pleasant through out the year.  

The district has three clearly distinguishable seasons which divide the year into three more or less equal parts. They are the summer season, rainy and winter  seasons roughly corresponding to March-May, June-September and November to February periods. The month October however witnesses a transition from the rainy to the cold weather. 

The district receives rains from the Arabian Sea monsoon which commences by early June. July and August are the peak rainy months. The monsoon being almost over and a noticeable change in weather is observed. December and January are the coldest months, while November and February are less cold. By March it begins to grow warmer and the summer season commences from April with May being the hottest month. 

Economic Resource :

Forest :

Out of total area of 2,77,880 hectares 42,309 hectares of land is forest land. Thus about 15.22 % of total land is covered under the forest area.The forests of the district may be divided into following types 

(i) Dry Deciduous Teak forests. 

(ii)Fort hill teak forests 

(iii) Mixed Forests. 

Dry Deciduous Teak forests :

This type occupies bulk of the area on the shallow soil and well drained till sides of undulating ground. This type differs from the foot hill type in the low quality the forest of this type become leafless in winter. This type is also developed on taterites and rocks of Vindhyan formation. 

Fort hill teak forests :

It is found on the sheltered lower slables of hill where washed off soil from upper reaches has been deposited. The forest of Kolar valley is the example of this type of forest. 

Mixed Forests : 

This type occurs in parts of Bhanpur block of Bhopal range. This type of forest occurs mainly in areas where underlying rock is of Vindhyan formation. Poor quality forest trees are generally stunted. 

Tiger could be seen in forest blocks near Samardha, Sankal and Amoni in Bhopal range, wild pig is found in the ravines with thorny covers, dense forest of almost all types. Nilgai or Blue Bull is generally found in family parties throughout the district. 

The forests of the district are southern tropical Dry-Deciduous with Dry Deciduous Shrub Forests. Except for small patches of teak forests, it is mostly the mixed forest.The species of trees found in the forests of the district are Teak (Teetonagrandis), dhaora (anogeissus-latifolia), salai (Baswelliaserrata), Saj (Terminaliatomentosa), Bija (Pterocarpusmarsupium). Mahua (Madhucaindica). Semal (almeliamalabricum), Haldu (Adina cardifolia), Tendu (Diospyrosmelanoxylon), Achar (Buchananialatifolia) etc. Bamboos are also found in small measure in mixed forests.

Earlier the forest was said to be thick and wild life more plentiful. Due to  deforestation and indiscriminate shootings, the wild life has become scarce. Sambhar is found all over the district including lower slopes, chital or axis deer is  found in abundance in the southern ranges but also occurs to a limited extent in the northern ranges. Wolf, jackal, newra, fox are other wild animals found in the district. In the category of birds migratory water fowl, geese, pochard mallard, gad wall pintatail widgeon, teal and other bird visited in the winter season. The resident birds are found generally in and around human dwellings. Amongst them, house crow is most familiar. 

Mines :

The chief mines of the district are sand, stones and clay. There are two types of sand i.e. Narmada Sand and Local sand. The Mineral resources of the district are not of any importance either from the point of view of Industrial potential or that of commercial. 

Land Use : 

The most parts of the district are either hilly or plains. The district remains chiefly an agricultural district. The bulk population of district depends on agriculture.  

In the district different types of soils are found. The soils are classed locally by their appearance, situation, crop bearing properties etc. There are two principal classes namely Kalmat (Black) and Bhnawar Of these Kalmat has several varieties and as far as concerned, it is lightly grey in colour with light sandy in nature. Either of these soils is capable of bearing both autumn (Kharif) and spring (rabi) crops.   

There are some more classes ranging from medium to inferior as far as their crop growing capacity is concerned. Of these, the medium ones are suitable for growing Wheat, Rice ,Vegetables etc and the inferior ones are suitable for growing Jowar, Maize, Kutki, Rameli, Tiletc, 

The fallows land is classified into two categories namely “current fallows” and “fallows”. Under the land utilization of district, forest area is 42,309 hectares (15.22%), non agricultural land 360,73 hectares. Barenunculturable land 33,247 hect, and culturable land 1,726 hect. (Source : District Statistical Book-2009)

Agriculture : 

The district economy is basically an agrarian one.Total land utilized under agricultural is 230,140 hect., of which net sown area is 1,51,770 hect.  Wheat is grown in 67,395 hect. Paddy is grown in 585 hect. soyabean in 1,03,983 hect. Jowar in 854 hect. Maize in 2,851 hect. In the same manner pulses, namely, gram in 35,071 hect. tuar in 967 hect. urad in 291 hect. and other pulses in 4,489 hect.  In the district doubled crops area 80,278. (Source : District Statistical Book-2009)

Irrigation : 

The main sources of irrigation are wells, borewell and tanks. In the district total grown area is 2,32,048 hect. of which 88,434 hect. land is irrigated. In Berasia tahsil irrigation sources and irrigated area are comparability less than that in Huzurtahsil. In the district government and private canals are 30 through which 3116 hect. area is irrigated. Total  number of borewells are 12,868 wells are 4,683 and tanks are 28. The total irrigated area by these sources in 30,193 hect., 7,270 hect. and 1828 hect. respectively. In the district irrigated sown area is  88,434 hect. and non irrigated area is 1,43,614 hect. In the district irrigated other source 24,671 hect. (Source : District Statistical Book-2009)

Animal Husbandry :     

 In the  year 2009 out of total 3,19,619 cattle of district had 1,46,754 cow dynasty 1,06,930 buffalo dynasty.   For the treatment of animals there are veterinary hospital, and 12 dispensaries. In Bhopal, one state animal rearing training institutions and one artificial insemination centre is located. (Source : District Statistical Book-2009)

Trade And Industry : 

Within a remarkably short period, Bhopal, the capital of state has won a place on the industrial map of country. In the district there are five huge  industrial instituions. The huge industrial complex of Bharat Heavy Electricals with its ancillaries at Govindpura area together with other potential industrial units had laid the formation of a modern industrial city. 

Central India flour mills is another such large scale unit. One more such industrial institution is Permalivallace ltd. factory which manufactures densifiedcompregnated and terminated wood plastic used in electrical equipments. In Bhopal, registered number of small scale industries  is 601.      

Cottage and household industries like handloom weaving, leather goods making, blacksmithy, carpentry, bamboo works etc. are part of household industries. Large portion of population is engaged in these industries. In the olden times Bhopal state was famous for its Jari industry. Jari works in the gold or silver embroidery is well known which is done on the hand bags or purses of ladies, saries, ghagra, kurtas, blouse pieces, curtains etc. While the most famous jari artisan of Bhopal is the Batwa.  

Transport and Communication :

Bhopal, being the capital of state the district, has adequate transport and communication facilities. Raja Bhoj aerodrome is situated near Bairagarh sub area. It has been linked by air with Bombay, Indore. Gwalior-and Delhi. It is also on the route map of Indian Airlines while testing commercial viability to other destinations including, Ahemadabad, Nagpur, Bangalore etc. The district is well connected by railways; Bhopal and Habibganj being the main Railway stations of Western Central Railway. All south bound trains i.e. Delhi-Chennai, Delhi- Trivendrum, Delhi-Banglore, Delhi-Hyderabad etc pass through Bhopal.

Bhopal is also a railway junction from where direct trains for Ujjain, Indore,  Ratlam, Mumbai and Ahmedabad etc.  in  the west, Delhi, Agra, JammuTawi etc. in the North; Jaipur, Jodhpur etc in the North-West, Chennai, Banglore, Hydrabadand, Trivendrumetc in south, Bilaspur, Raipur, Patna, Howrah(Kolkata) etc in South-East are available.In other words, Bhopal is connected with all important towns of the state as well as with those of other states. 

The National Highway no. 12 (Jaipur-Jabalpur) passes through Bhopal and  through State Highway no. 18 (Bhopal-Dewas-Indore). Bhopal is also connected (through Dewas) with the National Highway No.3 (Agra-Bombay road).        

Power and Electricity : 

For the district industrial and agricultural development role of electric power is very important. In the district total numbers of villages are 519, out of which 512 villages are electrified (98.65 %). At the year 2011 total number of consumers 4,12,255 In the district. Domestic consumption of the electricity is 5,21,451 Thousand kwh,commercial consumption 1,80,450 Thousand kwh. (Source : District Statistical Book-2009,MP Sankhiyiki Sanshep- 2012)