The State capital district was formed in 1972 and was ruled by Begums for more than a century

Background

Bhopal district, the seat of the State government of Madhya Pradesh, was formed in 1972. It lies between 23.07 and 23.54 North latitude and 77.12 and 77.40 East longitude, at an elevation of 180 to 505 metres. Its two lakes still dominate the city and form its nucleus, and the district is surrounded by lakes and hills. The city traces back to the eleventh century Bhojpal, founded by Raja Bhoj, while the present city was established by the Afghan soldier Dost Mohammed, who lived from 1707 to 1740. Begums ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926.