Historical

Dhar Fort

Location

The Dhar Fort is the most important historical monument in Dhar which was the capital of the legendary king Bhoj. It is situated at a distance of about 3 km from the central area of the town.

When Alauddin Khalji came to power in Delhi, Islamic influence started spreading in Dhar. He took initiative and started the construction of the Dhar Fort. In the year 1344 the work was completed. The Dhar Fort still stands after the passage of so many years.

Dhar was an important centre at the time of the Great revolt of 1857. The Dhar Fort was captured by the Indian freedom fighters and kept in their possession for four months from July to October.

Topic

Taalab and Bawdi

Location

During the rule of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, his chronicler Abul Fazal wrote in the Ainay Akbari (Memoirs of Akbar) about the town of Chanderi. He stated that there were an estimated 1200 Bawdi (step wells) in Chanderi. The question arises, why so many Bawdi and aritifical pools. The reason of course is water management and many administrations and rulers who were thoughtful of proper civil upkeep of the towns infrastructure. During the medieval period Chanderi had a population well over one hundred thousand. So the need for proper water management was crucial. Also some of the more elaborate and grand bawdi in Chanderi were reserved for the use of royals, aristocrats, and some pools were reserved for the use of only upper class woman.

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Kirti Durg

Location

The foundation of Kirti Durg was constructed by Raja Kirti Pal in the 11th Century A.D. over the next centuries major construction, demolitions, and reconstruction have created the fort we see today. Existing additions to Kirti Durg have been made by Alauddin Khilji of Delhi, Mahmood Khilji of Malwa region, Ibrahim Lodi of Delhi, The Mughal dynasty and Sher Shah Suri of Delhi. The fort extends in a five kilometer radius. Inside the main fort is The Nokhanda Palace, Khilji Mosque, tomb of Hazrat Abdul Rehman Naar Nooli Baba, a pond, and the modern Jauhar memorial, which are worth visiting.

Topic

Harkund Bawdi

Location

The Harkund step well is built near Mauryan Hill South West of the main town and can be seen right from the Chanderi Moongawali Road. No inscriptions have been found to tell about this bawdi. The architecture though shows that of ancient Vedic style. On the North side there is a platform on which a big dome has been made. On the South side is the popular Bijasan Devi Temple. On the West side is a Shani (Shiva) Temple which is why the bawdi has been named Harkund. The step well is daily used for bathing and washing clothes.

Topic

Badshahi Qila

Location

The Shahi Qila is one majestic palace in Burhanpur, located to the east of the Tapti River. Litle of it remains today as the Shahi Qila is mostly in ruins now. However, the parts of the Palace that still stands displays amazing works of sculpture and exquisite carvings.

History of the Shahi Qila states that it was resided by Shah Jahan, at a time when he was the governor of Burhanpur. Shah Jahan became so fond of the fort that it was here, in Shahi Qila that he establishes his court for the first three years of his ascending the throne. It is said that his wife, famous as Mumtaz Mahal, of the Taj Mahal fame dies here in childbirth.

Topic

Mirza Raja Jaisingh Ki Chattri

Location

About 5km from Burhanpur, at the meeting spot of the river Tapti and Mohana is this cenotaph. This charming little edifice has pretty gumbazs (round roofs) and 32 decorated pillars. It is dedicate dto Kachawaha king Raja Jaisingh.

Raja ki Chhatri is notable monument which is situated on the bank of the Tapti about 4 miles from Burhanpur. It is said that the Chhatri was constructed by the order of Emperor Aurangzeb in honour of the memory of Raja Jai Singh, the Commander of the Mughal force in Deccan. Raja Jai Singh while returning from the Deccan died at Burhanpur.

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Begam Shahshuja's cenotaph

Location

When the Mughals established their control in this area, lots of Mughal princes and of course their queens started frequenting the Burhanpur.
During Shah Jahan's reign, one of his queens Shah Shuja came visitng this place, while the king was in Kashmir. She died here in childbirth; quite a déjà vu for Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan got this built in her memory. The cenotaph is built on a 5-foot high platform. The artistic carvings on the cenotaph are still visible. Near the cenotaph is a small mosque called the Kanati Masjid.

Topic