BHOPAL, an Indian State in the Central India Agency. Its area is 6,902 sq.m., and its population in 1931 was Bhopal is the principal Muslim State in Central India, and second only to Hyderabad for the whole of India. The surface of the country is uneven, being traversed by the Vindhya ranges, a peak of which near Raysen is upwards of 2,500ft. above sea-level. The general inclination of the country is towards the north, in which direction most of the streams of the State flow, while others, passing through the Vindhya ranges, flow to the Nerbudda.
Bhopal State was founded in 1723 by Dost Mohammed Khan, an Afghan adventurer. In 1778, when Gen. Thomas Goddard made his bold march across India, the State of Bhopal was the only Indian Power that showed itself friendly; and in 1817, at the outbreak of the Pindari War, a treaty was concluded between the chief and the British Government. Since then Bhopal has been steadily loyal to the British Government, and during the Mutiny it rendered good services. The throne descended in the female line from when Sikandar Begum became ruler, until 1926, when Sultan Jahan Begum abdicated in favour of her third and only surviving son. Succeeding begums have taken a great interest in the work of govern ing the State, which they carried on with marked success. Sultan Jahan Begum, who succeeded on the death of her mother, Shah Jahan Begum, in June 1901, was the only female ruler in India, and attained a unique position by her strength of character, sagac ity and enlightenment. She re organized the whole Administra tion, advanced education and medical aid, and devoted herself especially to the amelioration of the condition of women in her State.
The State pays the British Government a subsidy for the Bhopal battalion, and maintains also a force of imperial service troops. The residence of the political agent and the headquar ters of the Bhopal battalion are at Sehore, 20m. W. of Bhopal city. The city of Bhopal had a population in 1931 of 61,037. The palace, with its rock fortress, is called Fatehgarh. An excellent water-supply has been provided from two large artificial lakes.
Bhopal agency, an administra tive section of Central India, takes its name from the State of Bhopal, which is included in it.
The Bhopal agency is administered by the agent to the governor general in Central India.