Heritage buildings of Bhopal tell a story of negligence & detachment from history

Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh is known for its mesmerizing green vegetation and cultural heritage but increasing urban expansion and a state-capitalist nexus threaten them to a large extent. The historical monuments in Old Bhopal, which are traced back to the British Raj, during the period of Begums, are collapsing due to socio-economic and political dynamics. On account of this, from the Shaukat Mahal and the Gauhar Mahal to the Moti Mahal, their socio-political significance in the princely state is at stake. For instance, a part of the Shaukat Mahal has been turned into an Indo-Turkish restaurant. 

The period of Begums in Bhopal led to maintain empowerment with British Raj through Historical Monuments 

Before being taken into being administered by the Government of India, Bhopal was one of the most important princely states in the central region that accepted British suzerainty. Sardar Dost Muhammad founded present-day Bhopal that later became a princely state under the British, which also included present-day Raisen and Sehore districts. Although Bhopal is known to progressive and secular people to have been ruled by women, it does not reflect women’s upliftment as their loyalty was to colonial authorities, which were patriarchal too. Despite this, four Begums : Qudsia Begum, Sikandar Begum, Shah Jahan Begum, and Sultan Jahan Begum ruled Bhopal and their power was reflected through building monuments. 

Their monuments and historical sites serve as cultural heritage that should be preserved and maintained. But there is so much negligence towards these sites that exposes failures on the part of the government and the populace to understand their historical significance. 

Negligence of preserving historical monuments is a state-capitalist approach

At this point in time, it is worthwhile to understand the negligence of preserving the historical monuments is a state-capitalist approach to escalate urban expansion and commercialise the area to garner profits. On the one hand, the state is inclined towards ultra-nationalism that glorifies the past to meet their interests at the expense of bringing historical sites to neglect. This is done to maintain the supreme power of the ruling government. On the other hand, private players have direct involvement in bringing down the historical sites to ruin; The Taj Mahal Palace is one of them. The Taj Mahal Palace was built by Shah Jahan Begum. In 2017, a private builder hailing from Indore came up with proposals to turn the palace into a heritage hotel. Let’s understand that historical heritage brings locals together but a luxurious hostel of a private player is confined to the upper class. 

In the midst of urban expansion and clearing green vegetation, the historical monuments are ignored. Also, Bhopal is known to people as a region where the world’s biggest industrial disaster (Methyl Isocyanate gas leak) happened but when it comes to acknowledging its historical sites and their importance associated with the erstwhile princely state, there is the least discussion. The district administration is quite reluctant to protect and conserve the sites. It must be apparent that a non-maintenance approach towards historical sites can lead people to detachment from the past, and nurture an uncritical and inaccurate understanding of the past. 

For instance, the Gohar Mahal is located on the banks of the Upper Lake (Bada Talab), and was built by the first Begum of Bhopal, Qudsia Begum also known as Gohar Begum in the 19th century. Its architecture is a remarkable example of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, and is vulnerable to neglect. 

Even though the Ministry of Textile and Madhya Pradesh Handloom and Handicrafts Vikas Nigam took the responsibility to maintain the site, there is no effective measure undertaken to preserve it in a manner that does not affect its significance. Inside the Mahal, the courtyard is losing its originality and essence. Its architecture seems to have been affected with the passage of time. There is an exhibition of tribal art and craft organised inside the mahal that attracts tourists and locals. The Mahal does not hold any importance more than a shelter for the exhibition now. 

Detachment from understanding the past strengthens the domain of myths

Negligence towards historical monuments breeds detachment from the past that further strengthens the domain of myths. In the current climate, people are seen taking interest in myths and mythologies. There is no willingness shown to maintain the gap between myths and historical interpretations. As a result, people are falling victim to inaccuracies and falsifications. It becomes even difficult for them to feel the essence of history. More than this, it is arduous for them to bridge the gap between past and present. 

The detachment from the past can stem from neglecting historical sites, and reducing them to rubble. In Bhopal, this is apparent; people notice it but do not acknowledge it. 

It is important to address the question : why is a Historical monument crucial? Since it develops insights into architectural styles and ruling dynasties’ power. 

The transition of Old Bhopal into a hub of food stalls and restaurants. 

Over the years, there has been a huge transition of Old Bhopal into a hub of food stalls and luxurious restaurants, which are a threat to the historical monuments. On account of urban expansion and food commercialisation, the historical sites remain ignored. 

For instance, the Shaukat Mahal that was built in the 19th century by a French architect; the Mahal is known to have been given as a gift to Sikandar Jahan Begum for her wedding. In Bhopal, it is the most prominent example of an amalgamation of Hindustani and European architectural styles. But it is disheartening to note that the architecture is not well-preserved. It is more extreme to notice that a part of the Shaukat Mahal has been turned into an Indo-Turkish restaurant, The Gumbad restaurant that allows its customers to have a mesmerizing view of Old Bhopal from its terrace while enjoying delicacies. 

There is also a historical library that has its roots in colonial times, and has been functional since 1939. It is Iqbal Library located  opposite The Gumbad Restaurant. It is said to have been an iconic institution of Urdu adab or literature; it still houses a large collection of books. It also needs attention and maintenance.

In Bhopal, there is an immediate need to seek attention and preservation methods to safeguard the historical sites from collapsing. The entire old city needs care and restoration to sustain its historicity, and its association with Riyasat-e-Bhopal. 

(The views expressed by the author are personal.)

(Nashra Rehman finds her interest in doing insightful research on art, architecture, labour and
gender rights. She prefers to develop her observation through visits to the places which have
lost their original essence over time.)