Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, situated around two artificial lakes amidst picturesque settings is also known as the city of lakes. Bhopal was built on the site of an 11th century city, ‘Bhojapal’, founded by the legendary king, Raja Bhoja. The existing city was developed by Dost Mohammed (1708-1740) one of Emperor Aurangazeb’s Afghan governors. His progeny, including efficient women rulers ruled Bhopal until 1947 when the state finally joined the Indian Union. The old city with its crowded market places, fine old mosques and palaces intermingles with the new city with the broad avenues, high rise offices and parks and gardens.