Burhanpur

File:Shah-Jahan hunting lions at Burhanpur (July 1630).jpg Shah Jahan hunting wild Asiatic lions in Burhanpur (July 1630)]]

Burhanpur was an important town under the Rashtrakuta Dynasty from 753–982. Excavations of the Tapti River and Asirgarh Fort have discovered many coins, goddess idols and temples from the prehistoric era. However, Burhanpur came to prominence during the medieval period.{{cn|date=July 2023}}

In 1388, Malik Nasir Khan, the Faruqi dynasty Sultan of Khandesh, discovered Burhanpur, at the behest of Shaikh Zainuddin and named it after a well-known medieval Sufi saint, Burhan-ud-Din. Burhanpur became the capital of the Khandesh sultanate. Later, Miran Adil Khan II (reigned 1457–1501), another sultan of this dynasty, built a citadel and a number of palaces in Burhanpur.{{cite book |last=Shyam |first=Radhey |year=1981 |title=The Kingdom of Khandesh |location=Delhi |publisher=Idarah-i-Adabiyat-i-Delli |page=21}} During his long reign, Burhanpur was transformed into a major centre for trade and textile production.{{cn|date=July 2023}}

In 1601, the Mughal emperor Akbar annexed the Khandesh sultanate and Burhanpur became the capital of Khandesh subah,{{Cite book |last=Sen |first=Sailendra |title=A Textbook of Medieval Indian History |publisher=Primus Books |year=2013 |isbn=978-9-38060-734-4 |pages=164}} one of three new top-level provinces in the Mughal empire, added in 1601 (like Berar Subah in 1869 and Ahmadnagar subah in 1601–35) to the initial dozen as he conquered much of the Deccan.{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}} The town served as the residence of Khandesh's Mughal governor, Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan, during Akbar and Jahangir's rule. He constructed a new water supply for the town, as well as several gardens.{{Cite book|first1=George|last1=Michell|first2=Mark|last2=Zebrowski|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/231789599|title=Architecture and art of the Deccan Sultanates|date=1999|publisher=Cambridge Univ. Press|isbn=0-521-56321-6|pages=53|oclc=231789599}} In 1609, Mughal emperor Jahangir appointed his second son Parviz to the governorship of the Mughal provinces of the Deccan, and the prince chose Burhanpur as his headquarters and his residence.{{cn|date=July 2023}}

File:Royal bath or hammam shahi qila Burhanpur.jpg

Many historical monuments survive in the area around Burhanpur, mainly dating from the rule of the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Burhanpur was an important Mughal outpost. Shah Jahan spent a considerable amount of time in this town, and helped add to the Shahi Qila. The Shahi Qila is one majestic palace in Burhanpur, located to the west of the Tapti River. Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas were built on the terrace of the Qila. Little of it remains today, as the Qila is mostly in ruins. However, the parts of the palace that are still standing display exquisite sculpture and carvings. The main attraction at the palace is the hamam or royal bath. It was specifically built for Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal so that she could enjoy a luxurious bath. It is said that she died there while giving birth to her fourteenth child. Even today, the ceiling has many intricate paintings. One of these paintings depicts a monument which is said to have been the inspiration for the Taj Mahal, her final resting place.[http://www.travelindia-guide.com/tour.../burhanpur-monuments.aspx] {{dead link|date=October 2018}} She was initially buried there for six months before being moved. The original grave called the Aahukhana is in disrepair.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/in-neglected-burhanpur-where-mumtaz-mahal-once-rested/article17759131.ece|title=In neglected Burhanpur, where Mumtaz Mahal once rested|first=Rana|last=Safvi|date=2 April 2017|access-date=31 October 2018|newspaper=The Hindu}}{{cite news |last1=M. |first1=Ramakrishnan |last2=Nair |first2=Sanjeev |date=3 November 2017 |title=Video: Why Burhanpur, not Agra, was Shah Jahan's first choice for the Taj Mahal |url=https://scroll.in/video/856461/video-why-burhanpur-not-agra-was-shah-jahans-first-choice-for-the-taj-mahal |work=Scroll.in |access-date=5 June 2023}}

Around 1670 Daud Khan was the Subhadar (Governor) of Khandesh province, under the rule of Aurangzeb.{{Cite book |last=Sarkar |first=Jadunath |title=Shivaji And His Times |year=1919 |location=London, England |pages=195 |language=en}}

In the 1720s, the town was taken by the Maratha Peshwa Bajirao during his expedition to Malwa and Delhi. In the 1750s, a Maratha army under Sadashivrao Bhau, who defeated the Nizam of Hyderabad, took control of the town. At the downfall of the Maratha Empire, the town was given to Maratha Sardar Holkar, Scindia, and then finally in 1818 was handed over to the British by the Marathas.{{cite book |author=Jaswant Lal Mehta |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d1wUgKKzawoC&pg=PA212 |title=Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1707-1813 |date=1 January 2005 |publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd |isbn=978-1-932705-54-6 |pages=212– |access-date=2 June 2012}}

Burhanpur is situated on the southwestern border of Madhya Pradesh, near the banks of the Tapti River.{{Cite web |title=जिला बुरहानपुर, मध्यप्रदेश शासन {{!}} दक्षिण का द्वार {{!}} भारत |url=https://burhanpur.nic.in/ |website=burhanpur.nic.in/|access-date=5 May 2022 |language=hi}}

{{see also|List of cities in Madhya Pradesh}}

As 2011 Indian Census, the population of Burhanpur in 2011 was 210,886, of which males and females were 108,187 and 102,699 respectively. The population in the age group of 0 to 6 years was 28,930, of which 15,035 were males and 13,895 were females. The total number of literates in Burhanpur was 147,056, which constituted 69.7% of the population with male literacy of 73.3% and female literacy of 65.9%. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population of Burhanpur was 80.8%, of which male literacy rate was 85.1% and female literacy rate was 76.3%. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population was 14,440 and 2,179 respectively. Burhanpur had 38118 households in 2011.{{cite web |title=Census of India: Burhanpur |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=567942 |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |access-date=26 October 2019}}

{{bar box

|title=Religions in Burhanpur City (2011){{cite web |title=Table C-1 Population By Religious Community: Madhya Pradesh|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11381/download/14494/DDW23C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

|titlebar=#Fcd116

|left1=Religion

|right1=Percent

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|bars=

{{bar percent|Islam|green|50.53}}

{{bar percent|Hinduism|darkorange|45.81}}

{{bar percent|Buddhism|mediumblue|2.67}}

{{bar percent|Jainism|brown|0.60}}

{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.39}}

}}

Islam and Hinduism is followed by 50.5% and 45.8 of the population respectively, with small number of Sikhs and Christians.

{{Pie chart

|caption = Languages of Burhanpur (2011)

|label1 = Urdu |value1 = 44.77 |color1 = green

|label2 = Hindi |value2 = 23.57 |color2 = orange

|label3 = Marathi |value3 = 21.23 |color3 = red

|label4 = Gujarati |value4 = 4.68 |color4 = skyblue

|label5 = Sindhi |value5 = 3.02 |color5 = limegreen

|label6 = Nimadi |value6 = 1.00 |color6 = mediumvioletred

|label7 = Others |value7 = 1.73 |color7 = grey

}}

Urdu is the most commonly spoken language. Hindi and Marathi are the other prominent languages. Gujarati, Sindhi and Marwari are also spoken. Nimadi is the local dialect.{{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Chhattisgarh |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10198/download/13310/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-2200.XLSX |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

Burhanpur is known for its textile industry. It is the largest hub for the power loom industry in the state. It is also known for having one NTC (National Textile Corporation) project. It has a number of textile companies which are well known for interlining cloths, Grey Markin, Bleached Dhoti, Cambric, Power loom Cloth bakram and other types of fabric. There are also several cotton and oil mills in the city.{{cite web |title=Brief Industrial Profile of Burhanpur District |url=http://dcmsme.gov.in/dips/2016-17/Burhanpur%20DIPS.pdf |publisher=Government of India Ministry of MSME |access-date=24 November 2019 |page=3 |archive-date=22 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322133526/http://dcmsme.gov.in/dips/2016-17/Burhanpur%20DIPS.pdf |url-status=dead }}

File:Dargah -e-Hakimi garden, Burhanpur.jpg File:Annual Report of the Archaeological Survey of India 1913-14 Plate VIa (page 74 crop).jpg]]Burhanpur was ruled by several dynasties,{{Cite web|title = History of Burhanpur, British Rule in Burhanpur, Origin of Burhanpur|url = http://www.burhanpuronline.in/city-guide/History-of-Burhanpur|website = Burhanpuronline.in|access-date = 19 October 2015}} and consequently has many visitor attractions of historical interest. It has three rivers, the Tapti, the Utavali and the Mohna, with several natural sights for visitors to Burhanpur. The city has four small ghats. Being the home of a very diverse population, Burhanpur has a notable Gurudwara,{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} Masjid,{{Cite web|title = Burhanpur Tourism, Tourist Places in Burhanpur, Sightseeing Burhanpur|url = http://www.burhanpuronline.in/city-guide/burhanpur-tourism|website = Burhanpuronline.in|access-date = 19 October 2015}} Church, a world-famous Dargah{{Cite web|title = Things to Do - Dargah E Hakimi Burhanpur, Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh|url = http://www.nivalink.com/things-to-do/dargah-e-hakimi-burhanpur|website = Nivalink.com|access-date = 19 October 2015}}

• Asirgarh Fort – The fort built by Asa Ahir of the Ahir dynasty is notable for its historical architecture. This fort during its prime time was difficult to win because of being built at a great height, with strong outer walls which are still standing intact. It is situated on Burhanpur-Khandwa Highway, {{convert|20|km|mi}} from Burhanpur.
• Shahi Qila – A rare fort with a complete garden on its terrace. It was built in the Farooqi Dynasty and ruled by Shahjahan for a long period of time. His beloved wife Mumtaz died here and it is believed that the Taj Mahal was decided to be made in Burhanpur before the plan was cancelled due to lack of white marble here at the time, though Mumtaz was buried here for six months after her death until Taj Mahal construction was completed.
• Jama Masjid – The Jama Masjid is a historic monument as well as a place of worship. It is centrally located in Gandhi Chowk. The construction of Jama Masjid started in Farooqi rule. The construction of the monument took very long and continued even after Farooqi leader Adil Shah's demise. Then Emperor Akbar supervised and completed the work of the Masjid. There are two large minarets, three round cupolas and extensive artwork on its symmetric pillars which are well conserved.

File:Main entrance of Jama Masjid, Burhanpur.jpg| Main entrance of Jama Masjid, Burhanpur

File:Jama masjid Burhanpur, front decorative entrance facade.jpg| Mosque front decorative entrance facade

File:Qibla, Jama Masjid , Burhanpur.jpg | Qibla, Jama Masjid

File:Four arc shape pillars with midpoint lock, Jama masjid, Burhanpur.jpg| Four arc shape pillars with midpoint lock at roof top

File:Translated manuscript photo, engraved on masjid wall.jpg| photo of Translation of inscription, engraved on masjid wall

File:Pillar allignment from Qibla to extreme outer entrance gate.jpg| Pillar alignment from Qibla to extreme outer entrance gate

File:Engraved writing detailing Jama Masjid history.jpg| Engraved writing detailing Jama Masjid history

File:Big Tasbeeh of old Mogul era kept in Jama masjid.jpg | Big Tasbeeh of old Mogul era kept in Jama masjid

File:Jama masjid , Burhanpur Minaret and front open space.jpg| Jama masjid, Burhanpur Minaret and front open space

File:Qibla sculpture in detail, Jama Masjid, Burhanpur.jpg | Qibla sculpture in detail

• Dargah-e-Hakimi – The tomb complex 'Dargah-e-Hakimi' includes mosques, gardens, and accommodation facilities for visitors. Here the holy Dawoodi Bohra saint, Sayyedi Abdul Qadir Hakimuddin is buried, with his monument visited by pilgrims from several countries.
• Tomb of Shah Nawaz Khan - The tomb of Shah Nawaz Khan is a visible grand tomb of the Mughal rule built of black stone on the banks of the Utavali River, at a distance of 2 kilometres north of Burhanpur. This building has its own special place among other buildings built during the Mughal period in Burhanpur. Shah Nawaz Khan's real name was 'Iraj'. He was born in Ahmedabad (Gujarat). He was the eldest son of Subedar Abdul Rahim Khankhana of Burhanpur. This tomb is in good condition even after so many years. This place is considered the best tourist destination for the city residents.

Burhanpur is well connected to other cities of India via railway network. The city has one railway station, while regular buses are available for travel to nearby cities. The closest airport is Jalgaon Airport, a domestic airport, which is present on south side of the city, while Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport is the nearest customs airport within the state. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the nearest international airport located in Mumbai in Maharashtra.

• The city is mentioned in Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days as Burhampoor.{{cite web |title=The Project Gutenberg eBook of Around the World in Eighty Days, by Jules Verne |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/103/old/80day10h.htm |website=www.gutenberg.org |access-date=6 October 2020}}
• Sacking of Burhanpur (1681) by the Maratha army was shown in 2025 film Chhaava.{{cite news |last1=Ramnath |first1=Nandini |date=14 February 2025 |title=‘Chhaava’ review: A brutally violent version of Maratha history |url=https://scroll.in/reel/1079101/chhaava-review-a-brutally-violent-version-of-maratha-history |work=Scroll.in |access-date=28 February 2025}}

• Zainabadi Mahal, concubine of Aurangzeb from Zainabad in Burhanpur

{{reflist}}

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{{Wikivoyage|Burhanpur}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20111120203813/http://www.burhanpurlive.com/ Burhanpur Historical City]
• [https://myburhanpur.appspot.com My Burhanpur - The Historical City]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20170829114820/http://burhanpur.nic.in/ Burhanpur Gateway to South India]

{{Indore Division}}

Category:Cities and towns in Burhanpur district

Category:Former capital cities in India

Category:Cities in Madhya Pradesh