The capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal was founded in the 11th century by raja Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty. By the 18th century, it was held by a Muslim dynasty whose rulers included several remarkable women, the Begums of Bhopal. The city, ringed by hills, stretches along the shores of two artificial lakes, the Upper and Lowe Lakes. Bhopal is a good base for visiting some of the states fascinating sites.