Copper Anna was issued at Bhopal by Shah Jahan Begum in 1276 AH. The obverse of the coin features, “Denomination ‘Ek Anna’ above sprays within wreath”. And the reverse of the coin depicts “Date 1276 above and Zarb Bhopal within wreath”.

There are many popular theories of Bhopal origin. One of the most popular folklore was that Bhopal was established by king Bhoja of Paramara. And he chose Dhar to be his capital. However, there was no archaeological evidence such as coins, inscriptions, historical texts or monuments to support this popular folklore.

But, we do have Bhojeshwar Temple which is located twenty- four kilometres away from Bhopal. Another theory says that the town was named after king Bhupala.

As per historical evidence, in the early 18th century Bhopal was a tiny village in the Gond kingdom. Later, Dost Mohammad Khan received Bhopal from God Queen Kamlapati as payment for his mercenary service. Later, after the death of the queen, he usurped the territory of Bhopal. It fell under a subsidiary alliance with the British from 1818 to 1947 and from 1947 to 1949, it remained an independent state.

Image Courtesy: Mintage World