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Madhya Pradesh Travel

Bhopal Travel

Places of Interest in Bhopal

Vidisha
Vidisha or Besnagar as it is called in the pali sculptures, once the prosperous capital of the western dominions of the Sungas, contains some remarkable antiquites that throw light on the considerable architectural development of the period.

Situated in the fork of the Betwa and Bes rivers, Vidisha, 10 km from Sanchi, occupies an important place amonst the ancient cities in India. In the 6th and 5th centuries BC, it rose to become an important trade contre and a bustling city under the Sungas, Nagas, Satvahanas and Guptas. The Emperor Ashoka was governor of Vidisha and it finds mention in Kalidasa's immortal Meghdoor. Deserted after the 6th century AD it came into prominence again as Bhilsa during the medieval period (9th to 12 th centuries AD) . It later passed on to the Malwa Sultans, the Mughals, and the Scindias.

Udaygiri Caves
13 km from Sanchi and 4 km from Vidisha are a group of rock- cut cave sanctuaries, carved into a sandstone hill that stands, sentinel like, on the horizon. An inscription in one of these states that it was produced during the reign of Chandragupta II (382-401 AD ), thus dating these caves to 4-5 AD. The caves possess all the distinctive features that gave Gupta art its unique vitality, vigour nd richness of expression, the beautifully moulded capitals, The treatment of the intercolomination, the design of the enterance way and the system of continuing the architrave as a sting course round the structure.



Gyraspur
41 km north-east of Sanchi, Gyraspur was a place of considerable importance in the medieval period. Here in the ruins called Athakhambe( Eight Pillars ) and Chaukamble ( Four Pillars) are what remains of the columned halls of two temples belonging to the 9th and 10th centuries AD. The faceted shafts of Athakhambe with their extreme delicacy of carving testify to the high degree of craftsmanship during the period. Other monuments of note at Gyraspur are of the early 10th century. Bajra Math and the Mala Devi Temple, the latter distinguished by its carved pillars with foliated motifs, representatives of the richest post-Gupta style.

Udaypur
90 km from Bhopal via Vidisha and Ganj Basoda. The colossal Neelkanthesh wara temple here is an outstanding example of Parmara art and architecture of the 11th centure AD. The crowning beauty of this temple lies in its well proportioned and gracefully designed spire or shikhar, and delicately carved medallions adorning its sides. The fascinating spire is perhaps unrivalled in beauty in the whole array of Indian temples.






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