Part of: Madhya Pradesh Gk set 3

Who founded Bhopal in the 11th century

Category: Madhya Pradesh Gk

Hint: Consider the historical period and the ruling dynasties of that time.

Correct Answer: C) Parmara King Bhoja.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The city of Bhopal, which is the capital of Madhya Pradesh, India, was founded in the 11th century by King Bhoja, a ruler of the Parmara dynasty. The Parmara dynasty was a prominent Hindu dynasty that ruled over parts of central India, including the region that is now Madhya Pradesh, from the 9th to the 14th century. King Bhoja, also known as Bhojadeva, was a notable figure in this dynasty, known for his patronage of arts, literature, and architecture.

King Bhoja is credited with the creation of an artificial lake, which is a significant landmark in Bhopal. The lake, known as Bhojtal, was created by constructing a dam across the Kolans River. The name "Bhopal" is derived from "Bhojpal," which means "the dam of Bhoja." This artificial lake not only provided water for the city but also became a focal point for the development of the region.

The Parmara dynasty was known for its cultural and intellectual achievements. King Bhoja was a scholar himself and is said to have authored several works on various subjects, including medicine, philosophy, and poetry. His contributions to the region's cultural and intellectual landscape were significant, and his legacy is still remembered in Bhopal and other parts of Madhya Pradesh.

It is important to distinguish King Bhoja from other historical figures who are often confused with him. For instance, Akbar and Shah Jahan were Mughal emperors who ruled in the 16th and 17th centuries, respectively, and had no connection to the founding of Bhopal. Similarly, Rana Pratap, a Rajput king, was known for his resistance against the Mughal Empire in the 16th century and had no role in the founding of Bhopal.

Understanding the historical context and the timeline of the Parmara dynasty is crucial to correctly identifying the founder of Bhopal. The Parmara dynasty's rule in central India predates the Mughal Empire and other significant historical periods, making King Bhoja the correct answer to the question of who founded Bhopal in the 11th century.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Akbar was a Mughal emperor who ruled in the 16th century, long after Bhopal was founded. He is known for his contributions to the Mughal Empire and not for founding Bhopal.
  • Option B: Shah Jahan, another Mughal emperor, ruled in the 17th century and is known for constructing the Taj Mahal. He did not have any role in the founding of Bhopal.
  • Option C: Parmara King Bhoja founded Bhopal in the 11th century. He was a prominent ruler of the Parmara dynasty and is credited with the creation of the artificial lake that gave the city its name.
  • Option D: Rana Pratap was a Rajput king who ruled in the 16th century and is known for his resistance against the Mughal Empire. He had no connection to the founding of Bhopal.

Mnemonic: Bhoja, Bhopal, both start with 'B'

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