Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh – The city beholding the glorious era of medieval history
Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh brings forth the forgotten glory of the medieval Indian Architecture. The city has rich cultural history. It was founded in 1400 AD by the Faruqi King, Nasir Khan, on the northwestern banks of the Tapti. For the next two centuries the Faruqis ruled Burhanpur. It was in the year 1600 that the Mughal Emperor Akbar captured Burhanpur. and for a century thereafter, until Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, it remained integral to Mughal ambitions in the Deccan. Burhanpur remains a city of great architectural importance, but its fame rests largely as a piligrimage for Bohra Muslims as well as for Sikhs. Today the place is well known for its Isabgol plant.
Places to see at Burhanpur: Standing on the banks of river Tapti, Burhanpur contains numerous sites of historical importance.
Jama Masjid
Located at the very centre of town in Gandhi Chowk, was begun by the Faruqi ruler, Adil Shah, and completed by Emperor Akbar. Its symmetrical arches and sparsely decorated pillars create a sense of severe beauty, while the two 36 m high minars tower over the mosque’s arched compound.
Badshahi Qila
A well fortified fort having many structures added to it, the fort houses the Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-aam maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India are set beautifully manicured gardens which come alive in the evenings with families and young couples.
Zenana Hammam
The most striking structure in the Badshahi Qila is the Zenana Hammam. Built in a combination of Mughal and Persian styles, the bath were once decorated with beautiful frescoes on the ceiling, some of which still survive. Visitors can still clearly see an image of what the local guides claim is an early drawing of the Taj Mahal.
Kundi Bhandara
A rare water system (collection and distribution of water) was formed in the rule of Abdul Raheem Khankhana in 1615 A.D. such systems were prevalent in Uran and Iraq. The techniques of these system were taken from these countries, during that period eight water systems were built to supply pure water to the citizens.
Dargah –e –Hakimi
About 3 km from Gadhi Chowk in Burhanpur is the Dargah-e-hakimi, a most sacred pilgrimage for Dawoodi Bohra Muslims. It is the mazar of Syedi Abdulqadir Hakimuddin. Hakimuddin came to Burhanpur in 1729 to spread the word of the Prophet. The entire complex is so well kept that locals refer to it as chhota Amreeka or “little America”.
Nearby attractions at Burhanpur: From Burhanpur you can easily make excursions to places like:
Mahal Gulara
Beautifully located on the banks of the Badi Utaoli river is Mahal Gulara, a Mughal pleasure retreat 21 Kms from Burhanpur on Amaravati Road when, as a prince, Shahjahan arrived to govern Burhanpur, he is said to have fallen in love with a beautiful and talented singer named Gulara. Shah Jahan would spend many moonlit night in this palace as she sang for him. The prince married the singer and named the nearby village after her.
Asirgarh Fort
Perched high on the Satpura range, just under 25 km north of Burhanpur is Asirgarh, one of the most magnificent forts of India, rivaling even the great Golconda in impregnability. Initially ruled local chieftain, Asa Aheer, the fort was captured by the Faruqis in 1400.It soon became the region’s most coveted fortification mainly for its strategic location. Any ruler with ambitions on the Decca had to first control Asirgarh. Indeed, Asirgarh was known as the Dakkhan Ka Darwaza or Gateway to the Deccan.
Ichhadevi Temple
The famous temple of lchhadevi is located 23 km from Burhanpur. Believed to answer any prayer made to her, the Goddess in much revered by the locals. Though the present structure is fairly recent, the original site is said to be over 450 years old.
Things to do at Burhanpur: Explore the historical places of Burhanpur.
How to go ?
By Air:
The nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai International Airport at Indore (180km).
By Bus:
Regular bus services connect Burhanpur with Indore, Khargone, Jalgaon, Khandwa Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Ujjain, Dhar and Bhopal .
By Train:
Burhanpur has its own railway station, 8 km from Gandhi Chowk that is well connected by all major rail routes of the country.
Where to stay ?
The accommodation facilities at Burhanpur are adequate. Some options are:
Hotel Ambar and Holiday Resort: 094240 – 24949, (07325) 251197, 255154
Hotel Panchvati: +(91)-7325-255633, +(91)-9893857555
Hotel Ambika Residency: +91-7325 242-238, 9752689880
Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.
