2022-08-11 Thu

There are many popular theories of Bhopal origin. One of the most popular folklore was that king Bhoja of Paramara established Bhopal. 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 have Bhojeshwar Temple, which is located twenty- four kilometers 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 queen's death, he usurped Bhopal's territory. It fell under a subsidiary alliance with the British from 1818 to 1947 and from 1947 to 1949, it remained an independent state.

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

Image Courtesy: Mintage World