World Heritage Day Walk: Bhopal’s magnificent and unique inheritance captivates citizens

Special Correspondent

NewsBits.in

Bhopal: From the intricate and splendid architecture and decorations on the palaces around the Royal Complex to the unique hydraulic structures around Upper Lake, citizens got wowed by the rich historical and cultural inheritance of Bhopal during a heritage walk on Tuesday.

The early morning walk was organized by the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums on occasion of World Heritage Day. Archaeologist Pooja Saxena conducted the walk.

Former chief secretary Antony de Sa and commissioner of archaeology Anupam Rajan participated along with scores of enthusiastic citizens and students of architecture and design.

Participants were enthralled to see the golden painting at Sadar Manzil, grave vines carves in stones at Shaukat Mahal, fountain based on siphon at Gauhar Mahal, water mill and drainage system at Kamlapati Mahal.

They were also told about the brilliant combination of marble and red stone at Moti Masjid, mineral colour painting and unique design to harness the cool winds from Upper Lake at Gauhar Mahal, use of Iqbal Maidan (then Khirniwala Maidan) as open court for rulers and others.

The walk commenced at Rani Kamlapati Mahal, proceeded to Faiz Bahadur Dargah, Chameli wali Dargah, Sheetaldas ki Bagia, Gauhar Mahal, Iqbal Maidan, Shaukat Mahal and concluded at Sadar Manzil.

Addressing participants, Anupam Rajan said the aim of the heritage walk was to introduce the newer generation to the rich heritage of the city and the state. Such activities sensitize people to the importance of heritage and the need to conserve them.

He said similar walks would be conducted at other spots of archaeological and heritage importance around Bhopal.

(Photo courtesy: Abdul Sami)