INTRODUCTION
Burhanpur is located in south-west of Madhya Pradesh state in Central India. It is a historical town on the north bank of the Tapti River, barely 20 km from the Maharashtra border. Mostly it is visited by those tourists who are travelings from Ajanta-Ellora to Indore/Mandu/Maheshwar or vice-versa. Earlier is was in Khandwa district of state but later in 15th August 2003, Burhanpur detached off to the Khandwa district and became independent district in itself. This region also known as eastern Nimad. The town established in Mughal era, around 1400 AD by king Nasir Khan Farukhi, also known as Gateway of South (Dakkan ka Darwaza). In Mughal period it was to be the capital for a short span of time. Current tourist attractions are the monuments & buildings bearing Islamic architecture and their engineering skills during rule of Farukhi sultans and Mughals.
Even ‘Skannd Puran’ of Hindu religion, articulate some of incidents took place here in ultra-ancient history of india, but then Burhanpur was known as “Brahattpur”. Some Jain epics too mentioned burhanpur in brief way. The ornamentation & Development of Burhanpur executed by Farukhi dynasty, those were seemed too much keen to build places surround like – seven stories royal palace, Daulatkhana, Farukhi mausoleums, Bibi ki maszid, Jainabad & Aadilpura ki sarae. The great jama-maszij (mosque) is situated at the centre of the city; the most admiring thing about this place is to the fulfilled presence of Indian medieval history, the place is stashed with many mausoleums, mosques and Mughal’s ruin. The city has its municipal corporation & district headquarter.
HISTORY
In Archaic time from the reference of 'Skannd Puran' of Hindu religion, this place was known as 'Brahattpur', but in modern medieval History, when Mughals were ruling over country, this place derives the name Burhanpur from a Sufi saint ‘Shaikh Burhanuddin Garib' from Daulatabad. Mughals Ruled Burhanpur after Farukhi Dynasty, Abulfazal wrote that after the win over Gujrat and Malwa, Humayun rested here for over seven days. Akbar sent Faizy as an ambassador to Raj-e-Ali-kha-Farukhi who was ruling Burhanpur in Hijri 999, who also known as Adil-shah-farukhi in the History. There is a hand written note book by faizy kept in Hyderabad land record office, which elaborates Burhanpur's geological position, cultural description, handicraft art, industry and detailed information about sociology of the city. Faizy was consider to be very close and faithful for Akbar, it is said that once Faizy recommended, renowned Hakeem Misri to Akbar for placing him as a royal hakim in Darbar, and Akbar did so. Akbar won Asirgarh fort after so many circumstances and end the farukhi dynasty completely, there he released a new golden currency of Asirgarh, in coins form to make that win memorable, in which he carved an eagle, which were the sign of Akbar Empire, there are many inscriptions which were carved by Akbar, can be seen in Asirgarh & Burhanpur's Jama mosque.
Burhanpur were known to be 'the door of deccan' at the time of Mughal period, it was to be the most sensitive place, as far as the concern of security & commanding over southern region of India. Considering its importance, only skilled rulers was being deployed here, who either happens to be the son of king of the Delhi or the close relatives. Mughal emperors like Shahjahan & Aurangzeb ruled this place. Jahangir's (son of Akbar) son Khurram got the title of Shahjahan after his win in Burhanpur. In June 1931, Mumtajmahal died here, and then her corpse brought in Jainabad’s Aahukhana Baag for some time. At this same place Aurangzeb with her beloved Heerabai (Jainabadi begum) fell in love, later their story became famous. The 125 years of Mughal ruling time, transformed the art & culture of this place.
The water distribution system then, was well equipped and is a great example of engineering of that time, most of part of the town still getting water supply from that old system. This water distribution system was executed in the year 1615 AD, in the supervision of Abdul Raheem Khankhana. Khankhana’s darbari historian, Abdul baki wrote in “mayansire reheemi” that some expert geologists found water resources in Satpura’s region, then water was being carried out to some secret undermines for distributing it in town. These mines are about 80 to 100 feet deep and there are well designed ventilation system for air, light & cleanness of the way. After seeing all these arrangements of water supply, it also reminds that how conscious mughals were in order to save the water on that time.
Burhanpur was not only known as to be the door of deccan, but it was the prominent place of mughals for the defense & Army concern as well as it had a great significance in order to trade and industry, this place was a broad manufacturer of cotton & silk, embroidery in clothes along with printings over them made this place a big trade hub, there were a paper factory, cannon factories, and coins molding factories. In the time of Aurangjeb a ‘hebtulmulk’ cannon was built here in the supervision of Mohammad Hussein, today which is kept in security in Nagpur. Here also were glass industry and earthen vessels were famous for its art and craft. During the period of Jahangir, a foreign tourist visited this place named Tomas row, he inspired with the art, culture & financial prosperity of this place. In 1720 AD, Nijamulmulk Asaf kha, formed his separate reign and included Burhanpur in his state. Nijam hand it over to Bazirao Peshwa at 1760 AD. In 1770 AD, Bazirao Peshwa gave it to Madho ji Sindhiya, and then British ruled this place from 1803 to 1947 AD. After independence, Burhanpur is in Madhya Pradesh state at Central India.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Their are number of places to visit in Burhanpur town. Most of them are historical monuments, mausoleums and buildings built during Farukhi dynasty and Mughal dynasty. They depicts Muslim architecture in design and pattern. Some of the must see attractions are as given below:
Asirgarh:
It is a historical & strategically important fort about 14 miles far from Burhanpur, there is a historic, invincible fort at the top of a mound of satpura hills. This fort was considered very important in order to regulate southern part of India, as some historian addressed it with the name “the key of deccan” some author said that after conquering this fort, ways to seizing southern area or ‘Khandesh’ become more easier. It is about 259.1 meter high from its base and 701 meter high from sea level. There is a mosque, lord Shiva temple and one palace inside this fort to see. It is actually developed in 3 parts and each part have its own name. First part is called "Asirgarh", second part is "Kamargarh" and thrid part is called "Malaygarh".
Faurkhi Mausoleum: At the north of the town, where the king of the Farukhi dynasty buried down, a courtyard surrounded with couple of buildings called “Hazeerat-e-Farukhiya”. In that building there is two high spires, one mosque, and the spires of the building made by stone which is a great example of Mughal architecture and handicraft.
Shahanwaz Khan's Mausoleum: Close to the town at the bank of Utawli River, there is a fascinating mausoleum made by complete black stones, the inner side of this building along with spire colored beautifully.
Begum Shahsuza's Mausoleum: In this mausoleum, Shahjahan’s Daughter-in-law, means, wife of Shahsuza buried down. The shape of its spire is like watermelon, the interior designs of this mausoleum are matching with Agra fort.
Akbari Sarai: Abdul-raheem-khan-khana built it in the period of Jahangir, in this same sarai the ambassador of British’s first king, sir Tomas Row stayed here at that time, an inscription at this sarai describes it all. There is a bath place of Abdul-raheem-khan-khana at the west side of this sarai.
Black Mosque: It considers being the oldest mosque of this town, Naseer Kha, The first emperor of Farukhi Dynasty built it using black stone.
Gurudwara: Burhanpur gurudwara is counted among important pilgrimage place for followers for Sikh religion followers. Founder of Sikh religion, Guru Nanakdev ji and their last guru (teacher)Guru Govind Singh Ji have visited this gurudwara. Most of the gurudwara are located on bank of Tapti river. Here you can see the Guru Granth Sahib (religious book) & weapons of Guru Govind Singh Ji. This Guruswara is about 400 years old.
Biwi's Mosque: This mosque was built by the order of Begum Rukayya, at the time of king of the Farukhi dynasty, Aajam Humayun. Biwi Rukayya was a daughter of the emperor of Gujrat, Mujjaffar shah. The construction year has given is 1453 AD.
Aahukhana: This park is in front of Royal fort, at the next side of Tapti River. This was to be the Hunting area of Shahjahan Daniyal. Its courtyard is consists with one tank, a palace, which were built by Shahjahan. There is a big water container at the east side out to this courtyard. This park was planted in Iranian style, also known as Alam-aara, and Baag-e-Jainabad. Shahjahan’s beloved wife Mumtaj-mahal, buried down here for six months after her death. Once prince Aurangjeb was stayed here to his aunt, while heading south for a battle, during his stay he fell in love with Heerabai (Jainabadi begum) in this park (bag).
Karara or Gulara Palace Seven miles far from the town, Gulara Palace is famous for its natural beauty. Here is a water fall which makes this place beautiful at moon light; pond has two palaces both side. There is also a mausoleum of Hazrat Nizamuddin at a high place of Utaavli River, who was a religious mentor of Adil-khan.
Water supply system: Mughal engineers gifted exemplary water supply system to Burhanpur town which is still actively used in town. They made 8 water-supply system which provides sufficient water inflow for town in past. They are counted among some highly appreciated engineering works done during Mughal dynasty in India. Most of the work done during rule of Mughal emperors Shahjahan & Aurangzeb. Their are number of underground water flow channels in Satpura hills that avails water to Tapti river. Mughal engineers controlled those water channels at 3 points to develop water-reservoirs which are known by the names "Mool Bhandara", "Sukha Bhandara" and "Chintaharan Bhandara". They are located in north of Burhanpur town and are at a height of approx. 100 feet from town land. Taking advantage of this height engineers made small canal towards town. After independence, this water supply system is still active and used with some changes by government engineers. Canals were replaced by pipelines. There are many other places to see around Burhanpur except to above mentioned places like – Raja Jaisingh ki Chattri, Palace of RaoRatan, Jain temples of Sonbardi, Shri Shantinath Swetambari Jain Temple, Jama Mosque Royal Palace, Delhi Darwaza, statues of Shantinath, Parshwanath, God Shankheshwar.
HOW TO REACH
By Air: Burhanpur is a small town in south-west Madhya Pradesh. To reach Burhanpur by Flight, nearest airport is in Indore city, located at a distance of 210kms. Indore airport has good flight connectivity with other major airports of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Raipur, Nagpur etc.
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DISTANCE CHART
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LOCATION MAP
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From
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Distance
(in Kms)
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| Indore |
200 |
| Ajanta Caves |
210 |
| Bhopal |
340 |
| Aurangabad |
350 |
| Ellora Caves |
345 |
| Omkareshwar |
130 |
By Train: Burhanpur has its own railway station whose railway code is "BAU". It falls on Mumbai-Delhi & Mumbai-Allahabad, central rail route. There are many super-fast, express trains for this destination. Burhanpur has direct train connectivity with important tourist destinations and cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Gwalior, Katni, Jabalpur, Pipariya, Jhansi, Bhopal,
By Road: Being close to Maharashtra state border, there is very good road accessibility for Bhusawal, Jalgaon, Aurangabad etc. Road condition is very well from Indore too, many road transporter ply their buses from Indore to Burhanpur.
GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
Burhanpur is located in South-West of Madhya Pradesh state, close to state border with Maharashtra state. Tapti river flows through this district from east to west and is important source of water for this town. The terrain in which Burhanpur is located is a upland plain of Deccan plateau in south. Climate of Burhanpur is dry and remain extreme hot during summers where temperature can goes up to 45°C or more in day time. In winter temperature remain from 8°.C to 29°C during months from November to February. It received south-west monsoon from Arabian sea and Indian ocean during months from July to October.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Burhanpur basically showcases historical monuments & buildings for visitors which can be visited throughout the year by tourists. As it is dry and comparatively hot place for weather & climate may be a deciding factor for visitor to visit this destination. Climate from October to March will be best time to visit Burhanpur as during this time climate remain good and journey can be enjoyed by tourists from India and other countries.
ACCOMMODATION
Burhanpur is a small town and mostly visited by tourists traveling from Indore/Mandu/Maheshwar/Omkareshwar to Aurangabad/Ajanta Caves/Ellora caves. As it now unfortunately it is not treated as a tourist destination but a halting destination due to long travel distance between Aurangabad tourist sector and Indore tourism sector. Due to less tourist arrival, accommodation facilities in Burhanpur is limited to 3-4 budget & standard category hotels in which Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department hotel called "Tapti Retreat" is a best reliable option. Some more private hotels are also available for accommodation.
NEXT TO MADHYA PRADESH
Burhanpur is in South-West corner of Madhya Pradesh state, close to the border to Maharashtra state. It is a small historical township mostly visited by tourists traveling from Indore tourism sector to Aurangabad tourism sector or vice-versa. Its nearby tourist destinations are Mandu, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Aurangabad, Ajanta Caves, Ellora caves. Basically surrounding tourism destinations pilgrim centers and heritage sites.
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