Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh combines scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. The capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal situated in the heart of India, boasts a fascinating confluence of historicity and modernity. It is situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapal , founded by Raja Bhoj. Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile, the old city with its teeming market places and fine old mosques and palaces still bear the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers, among them the succession of powerful Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926. Equally impressive is the new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern edifices. As interesting as the city itself is the story about how Bhopal got its name.