Bhopal. If the sweet sound of bells from temples and loud Azan from mosques resonate simultaneously, then understand that you are in that city, where Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb has spread its beautiful colors for centuries. This city is Bhopal – the city of lakes, a reflection of Nawabi culture, an example of natural beauty and a living collection of historical heritage.
Culture and brotherhood
One of Bhopal’s most remarkable qualities is its inclusive and shared culture. It’s not unusual to find temples, mosques, and tombs coexisting peacefully beside the same pond—a beautiful representation of harmony. This is the city that proudly hosts both the grand Taj-ul-Masajid, one of the largest mosques in Asia, and the modest Dhai Seedhi Masjid, believed to be the world’s smallest. The Urdu language, with its lyrical charm, serves as a common mode of communication across communities here.
Strolling through the lanes of Bhopal, if someone asks for directions, a true Bhopali will often walk them all the way to the doorstep. Such gestures are not rare—they’re woven into the city’s identity. Another hallmark of Bhopal is its open-heartedness. Whoever comes here—from any part of India, for work or business—is warmly welcomed and soon becomes one with the city. The BHEL factory stands as a shining testament to this spirit. Many officers and employees who once came here for jobs chose to make Bhopal their permanent home after retirement. Likewise, countless individuals arrived seeking business opportunities and ended up making this city their own.
Bhopal’s interesting ‘Urfiyat’ – A world of name behind the name!
The identity of Bhopal, Bhopali and Bhopaliyat is not limited to the lakes, historical buildings, climate, etiquette and culture, but is also famous for its unique and interesting ‘Urfiyats’. When there are many people with the same name in a locality, it becomes necessary to add something after the name to create an identity, whether it is related to the dress, speech, hobby or any interesting story – every Bhopali gets his special “Urfi title”.
So meet this unique list of names of Bhopal
Meet Bhopal’s vibrant world of nicknames—where every alias carries a story, a smile, and a slice of neighborhood history. There’s Tariq Tie, always impeccably dressed in a tie; Tariq Flat, whose flat cheeks say it all; Tariq Cleft Lip, known in every street for his unique feature; and Tariq Shabra, instantly recognized by his expressive eyes. Then there’s Arif Egg Breakfast, a morning legend across town, and Arif Bulbul, whose melodious voice wins hearts. Babulal 501 earned his name from a popular cigarette brand, while Seth Chhaganlal remains the epitome of timeless “Seth-ness” in the neighborhood.
The city remembers names like Ravindra Singh Lakhrat, Babulal Lathmar, Chandmal Hitler, Mohan Panchayati, Lala Mulkraj, Sardarmal Lalwani, and Nahar Singh Surma Bhopali—all respected for their distinct personality and influence. Akhilesh Agarwal Gafoore and Waheed Agarwal are known not just for their business, but also for their deep friendship. Say the names Hafeez Pajama or Chand Katore, and a wave of laughter follows. Chand Chudve remains the neighborhood’s iconic character. Names like Suresh 501, Anil Agarwal Patiye, and Devesh Simhal Vakeel Saheb carry weight just by the sound of them. Babu Saheb Ghode and Babu Saheb are known for their dignified simplicity, while Aloo Bade rules the world of taste. Lok Singh Taal Thonku is the undefeated champion of every local debate. Bhopal’s lanes echo with names like Raees Bhura, Munne Model Ground, Munne Painter, Muin Qadde and Mahir Madina —each bringing a smile, each etched in memory. Here, people are often better known by their nicknames than their actual names.
Some names carry humor with a bite—Javed Chapte, Javed Chirate, or Unfit, while others like Banne Pehelwan and Banne Lakhera reveal different shades of a single locality. Nicknames such as Kallu Atthe, Babu Bhadbhuje, Munne Phukki, Irani, and Dhoond reflect habits, trades, or inside jokes that only locals truly understand. Characters like Saeed Bull, Chutkate, Waheed Dhelki, and Arif Piss are classic Bhopali originals, where every name tells a tale—woven with humor, affection, and shared memories.
These charming aliases of Bhopal don’t show up on GPS—but they live forever in the laughter, gossip, and hearts of the people. That’s the true soul of Bhopal—where friendship, fun, and identity are etched in every nickname.
Hindu-Muslim unity in Bhopal: An example of cultural coexistence
The strongest link of Bhopal’s cultural heritage is its Hindu-Muslim unity, which is not just a symbol of social harmony, but is a unique example of tolerance and partnership that flourished amidst historical conflicts. When the British policy of ‘divide and rule’ gave rise to communal tension in other parts of the country, Bhopal still preserved its Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb. People of every class loved each other and had a heartfelt affection. In the Battle of 1812, Hindu warriors like Dangar Singh, Jai Singh, and Aman Singh Patel played an important role in the defense of Bhopal. Even women took active participation in the war, showing that brotherhood was alive not only at the religious level, but also at the level of national consciousness.
The role of Hindus in the administration of the Bhopal state was important in every period. High positions like Diwan (Prime Minister) were held by Hindu officials like Lala Ghani Ram, Lala Phoolanath, Raja Avadh Narayan. This inclusiveness was not just formal — these officials were also confidants of the nawabs. Nawab Qudsia Begum had a Hindu, a Muslim and a Christian minister appointed to her court — a symbol of respect for religious diversity at the time.
After the inzimaam (inclusion) of the state, among the Sharif refugees (refugees from high families) was Sardar Gurbaksh Singh, whose son Amrik Singh runs Ranjit Hotel. He would go with Bahu Mian to greet Nawab Sahib on Eid. Once Nawab Sahib asked how Bhopal was feeling, to which Sardar Sahib folded his hands and said that where there is the shadow of the poor, how can anyone not be happy — saying this he became emotional.
Examples of religious tolerance
The Nawabs of Bhopal upheld the rights of Hindu citizens and jagirdars with the same respect as their Muslim counterparts. Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum, in a remarkable gesture of inclusivity, actively participated in Hindu festivals such as Rang Panchami and Sawan ke Jhula. She also launched the “Sadavrat” scheme, aimed at supporting poor Hindus by providing them with food and essentials for travel. A powerful example of mutual respect is seen in the architecture of Hawa Mahal—its wall was intentionally left crooked because a nearby Hindu resident declined to sell his land. Rather than forcing the issue, the government honored his decision.
In Bhopal, religious boundaries never dictated residential patterns. The city never witnessed exclusive Hindu or Muslim neighborhoods; instead, people of all faiths lived side by side. Joys and sorrows, festivals and weddings were shared across communities, nurturing an atmosphere of unity. This coexistence created fertile ground for the growth of Urdu—not just as the language of the royal court, but as the everyday language of the people, shaped and enriched by both Hindus and Muslims.
The story of Bhopal is far more than the history of a princely state. It stands as a vibrant testament to communal harmony, religious tolerance, and cultural collaboration. In today’s world, Bhopal remains a shining example of how diverse communities can forge a strong, respectful, and unified society rooted in shared traditions and mutual understanding.
Names of neighbourhoods after days
Bhopal’s interesting creativity is also reflected in the names of its neighbourhoods – Mangalwara, Budhwara, Itwara, Jumerati, Peergate – these neighbourhoods do not reflect the identity of any one community but the shared culture of the entire city. This is the reason why people here are the first to come forward to help each other in times of disaster.
Shuja Khan Ka Atta is one of those historically and culturally rich lanes of Bhopal, whose soil has given birth to many famous and influential personalities. Although many famous people have passed through the princely state of Bhopal like Kaka Miyan of Jumerati, Tabu Miyan and Shafiq Pathan of Ibrahimpura, Raffu Pehelwan of Laxmi Talkies, Doctor Zahirul Islam of Budhwara, Hakeem Akhtar Alam of Imami Gate, Shakir Ali Khan and Munnu Lal Johri of Sarafa Chowk, but Shuja Khan Ka Atta has a different history of its own. The land here has not only been fertile, but it has also given birth to many stars of society, literature and business. With time, this area has now become a big business centre, due to which many families of the old residents have settled in different VIP areas of the city in search of peace. But the charm of this locality once used to shine with bright faces like Zahoor Hashmi, educationist Dr. Syed Ashfaq Ali, poet Akhtar Saeed Khan, Nawab Mian ‘Cigarette’, Maulana Imran Khan and Salik Bhopali.
Bhopal’s gutka, wallet and nawabi wallets
There was a time when the specialty of Bhopal’s gutka was famous everywhere. This was not the gutka that is kept in people’s pockets like today, but it was prepared from dry fruits, colorful spices and perfume fragrance, which was presented decorated in beautiful wallets. Bhopal’s ‘wallets’ were a symbol of nawabi pride, and even today this tradition is alive in some shops of Sarafa Bazaar.
Stories of Brotherhood – Warmth of Relationships
Bhopal is a city where not just neighbourhoods of a particular community but all communities live together with understanding, brotherhood and mutual love. They are seen helping each other in times of disaster. I myself have been a resident of Itwara locality of Bhopal. A family of Sahu community lived in front of our ancestral house, which is still very close to our heart. My sister had tied Rakhi to this family. This family accompanied us to Sehore in my marriage procession, and when my mother passed away in 1977, the first kitchen came from their house. Even today the same intimacy remains intact in our happiness and sorrow.
Bhopal: A symbol of secular identity
One of the oldest temples in Bhopal, the Kali Mata Mandir, stands near the Chhota Talab and is revered as a historically significant site of worship. Manuabhan ki Tekri, located in the airport area, is a prominent temple of the Shwetambar Jain community. Now also known as Mahavir Giri, this sacred hill draws thousands of devotees annually. The Birla Mandir, perched on a hilltop, is another major spiritual landmark and a central place of faith for the city. Among Jain temples, the ancient Adinath Digambar Jain Mandir at Chowk is particularly well known. These, along with many other temples, including Birla Mandir, continue to serve as enduring centers of devotion and cultural heritage.
Sikhism holds a long-standing and influential presence in Bhopal, symbolized through its three historically significant Gurudwaras—located at Shahjahanabad, Hamidia Road, and Idgah Hills. Gurudwara Nanaksar in Shahjahanabad, established in the 19th century, still upholds the spiritual traditions of Gurbani, Sangat, and Langar. Gurudwara Guru Singh Sabha on Hamidia Road functions as the city’s principal hub for religious and social activity, regularly hosting Kirtans, educational camps, and community services. Set amid serene natural surroundings, Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar at Idgah Hills attracts large gatherings during major Sikh festivals. These sacred sites are more than places of worship—they are living institutions of service, unity, and social commitment.
The city’s historic churches stand as eloquent markers of Bhopal’s religious and cultural diversity. The St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Church, over 150 years old, was built during the British era with the consent of Nawab Sikander Jahan Begum. Known for its striking architecture and tranquil atmosphere, it remains a cherished site of prayer and reflection. The St. Joseph Catholic Church, among Bhopal’s oldest, continues to play a vibrant role in religious gatherings and community events. The Infant Jesus Church, with its ornate altar and grand Christmas celebrations, is both a spiritual center and a draw for cultural tourism. The enduring presence of these churches further enriches Bhopal’s legacy of interfaith harmony and shared cultural values.
Legacy of the Nawabs: From Taj Mahal to Babe-e-Aali
The building of the Taj Mahal in Bhopal, which was dedicated by Nawab Hamidullah Khan to provide shelter to Sindhi refugees from Pakistan, is still an example of communal harmony. The Jama Masjid situated in the heart of Bhopal city is a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity. Magnificent buildings like Golghar, Gauhar Mahal, Minto Hall, Sadar Manzil and Babe-e-Aali are witnesses to their beauty and brotherhood. Once upon a time, a huge exhibition of household goods for women used to be held in Babe-e-Aali in Bhopal. In which the big traders of the city used to set up their shops in the exhibition. Men above 10 years of age were not allowed to come to the exhibition. The Nawabs of Bhopal used to play Holi with the city residents on Rangpanchami after the Holi festival. In those days, marriages were performed by erecting tents in the neighborhood. Bhopal was identified by its special ride Tanga in those times. He himself paid the fare for the horse carriage ride for the guests who came to attend the wedding ceremony.
Barkatullah Bhopali: A great son who ignited the fire of freedom
The land of Bhopal has the pride of having a brave freedom fighter who dedicated his entire life to India’s freedom. Maulana Mohammad Barkatullah Bhopali – a name that emerged as a flame against the British rule. Born in a mud house, this great man kept the torch of freedom burning while wandering in 26 countries of the world for 45 years. When he reached England in 1890, he saw why in the same empire one country (England) was prosperous and the other (India) was in a bad state. He made his pen and tongue his weapons against this injustice. He became the editor of ‘Al-Inqlab’ in Paris, started a newspaper named ‘Islamic Fraternity’ in Japan, laid the foundation of ‘Gadar Party’ with Lala Hardayal in Germany and went to America and united the Indians. In 1915, during the First World War, he met revolutionary Lenin in Russia, and under the guidance of Gandhiji, along with Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, established the Government of India in exile in Afghanistan. Barkatullah Bhopali was appointed the Prime Minister in it. Today, ‘Barkatullah University’ and ‘Barkatullah Bhavan’ are established in Bhopal in his name.
Land of poets, hockey players and former presidents
Bhopal not only gave the country famous poets and writers, but also gave it international recognition in the field of hockey. Players from this city brought glory to the country with hockey sticks made of khapota wood. This is the Bhopal that brought Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma to the post of President – it is a matter of pride for every Bhopali.
If we mention Bhopal, it is also important to mention the Obedulla Khan Hockey Gold Cup, otherwise it will be considered incomplete. This tournament was celebrated like a festival in Bhopal. Bhopalis waited for it the whole year. Apart from Hindustan, international teams also participated in this tournament. It was the era of bicycles, every cyclist was seen heading towards the Aishbagh Stadium.
It is also important to know that this tournament was started in 1931-32 in the name of Prince Obedulla Khan, son of Begum Sultan Jahan of the princely state of Bhopal. It is considered to be the oldest hockey tournament in India. At that time, there were 65 hockey clubs in Bhopal alone. The town of Raisen district ‘Aubedullaganj’ is also named after Prince Aubedulla. Bhopal was once called the ‘nursery of hockey’.
Bhopal-City of numbers
As time passed, Bhopal continued to expand, and with this growth came new neighborhoods—many of which acquired unique names, often based on numbers. One of the most well-known is “1250”, referring to the Jaiprakash District Hospital, popularly known as JP Hospital. The name comes from the 1,250 government quarters constructed in the area, making both the hospital and the locality synonymous with the number.Close by is “Second”, named after bus stop number two, although its actual name is Tulsi Nagar. Interestingly, the count skips ahead—areas numbered three and four are absent, and one directly arrives at area number five and market number five, which are, in fact, parts of Shivaji Nagar. Number six also belongs to Shivaji Nagar, and to assist mini-bus drivers and passengers, additional stops called six-and-a-quarter and six-and-a-half emerged between stops six and seven. These numbers are not just bus stop indicators; residents proudly mention them as part of their addresses. Moving forward, stop number eight, also known as Ravishankar Market, and the nearby commercial hub identified as number nine, continue the pattern. Between numbers 10 and 11, a quirky new identity—10.5—has also found place on the map. Next is number 11, and just beside it is 1100 Quarters, named after another large block of government residences. The tradition of number-based localities even continues with the PWD office, commonly referred to as the number 12 office, owing to its location at bus stop number 12.Some of the city’s most upscale areas are also known by numbers—45 Bungalows and 74 Bungalows, where high-ranking officers including ministers, IAS, IPS, and IFS officials reside. Locals often mention that Char Imli, now a posh area, once was a dense forest marked by four grand tamarind trees, giving the locality its name. The names 45 and 74 Bungalows came about simply from the count of official residences built there.Today, as Bhopal continues to stretch outward, its urban sprawl has reached what locals call “the tail end” of the city. On both sides of Hoshangabad Road (NH-12), newly developed colonies bearing names like arcades, palaces, viharas, and purams are rapidly forming. Expansion has now reached the bend toward Bhojpur, and with the city’s growing reach measured in miles, this stretch is popularly referred to as “11 Miles”—the symbolic end of a city that keeps growing.
Towards Modern Bhopal: Flight of Smart City
Currently Bhopal is developing as a smart city. Projects like overbridge, smart road, metro rail are connecting the old city to the new city. The airport is still operational for special services and the tower of the old textile mill named ‘Putli Ghar’ still bears testimony to history.
My Bhopal is in blessings
Some memorable moments from the window of my past which I still cherish in my memories. I consider myself fortunate that even at the age of 71, I am still connected to this culture, brotherhood and peace of Bhopal. I pray that this city always flourishes like this, its Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb never gets affected by any evil eye and its beauty remains intact.
(The author is a retired Joint Director, Directorate of Public Relations, Government of Madhya Pradesh)
