Indo Islamic Heritage
Shah Ali Shah Island, situated in the Upper Lake of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462002, is well-connected to key transportation hubs. The nearest railway station is Bhopal Junction (Station Code: BPL), approximately 6.5 km away, a major junction on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Hyderabad railway lines, offering connectivity to major Indian cities. The closest bus station is the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Habibganj, about 10 km from the island, providing frequent state and private bus services to cities like Indore, Jabalpur, and Nagpur. The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj International Airport (BHO), located in Gandhi Nagar, roughly 15 km northwest of the island, serving domestic flights to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, with limited international connectivity. Taxis and local buses are readily available from these hubs for easy access to the Upper Lake area.
Shah Ali Shah Island, located in the Upper Lake (also known as Bhojtal) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462002, is a small but significant site within one of India’s oldest man-made lakes, created in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty. The Upper Lake, originally called Bada Talab, was constructed by building an earthen dam across the Kolans River, reportedly to cure Raja Bhoj’s skin disease by combining the waters of 365 tributaries, as advised by a saint, with the help of Gond Commander Kalia who identified a hidden river to complete the count. Spanning 31 km² with a catchment area of 361 km², the lake is a vital water source, supplying 40% of Bhopal’s drinking water (approximately 30 million imperial gallons daily) and supporting irrigation and fishing for local communities. The island itself houses the tomb of Shah Ali Shah, a site of religious and archaeological importance, though specific historical details about the saint or the tomb’s establishment are scarce. The lake, renamed Bhojtal in 2011 to honor Raja Bhoj, is part of the Bhoj Wetland, a Ramsar site since 2002, recognized for its ecological significance, hosting diverse flora and fauna, including 106 macrophyte species, 208 phytoplankton species, and birds like the sarus crane. Surrounded by Van Vihar National Park to the south and Kamla Park to the east, the Upper Lake area is a cultural and recreational hub, with the National Sailing School and Bhopal Zoo nearby, attracting tourists for boating and scenic views. The Bhadbhada dam, built in 1965, regulates the lake’s outflow to the Kaliasote River. Despite its historical and ecological value, the lake faces challenges like pollution and encroachment, prompting conservation efforts. The island and lake together reflect Bhopal’s rich history, blending 11th-century engineering with cultural and environmental significance.
Year of Built: Not Known
Address: Upper Lake Area, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462002
Country: India
State: Madhya Pradesh
District: Bhopal
Pincode: 462002
Longitude: 77.3833°E.
Latitude: 23.2500°N