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Vidisha
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Place details
- Locality
- Vidisha
- Region
- Madhya Pradesh
- Country
- India
- Population
- 155,951
- Timezone
Travel guide
Understand
Vidisha, historically known as Besnagar, is one of the oldest cities in India, with a history dating back to the Mauryan Empire (3rd century BCE). It was an important trade and cultural centre during ancient times and is closely associated with Emperor Ashoka, who was the governor of Vidisha before becoming the ruler of the Mauryan Empire. The city flourished during the Gupta period and later under the rule of the Paramara dynasty.
Today, Vidisha is a small but culturally rich city that offers a glimpse into India's ancient past. Its proximity to Sanchi makes it a convenient stop for travellers exploring the region.
Get around
Auto-rickshaws: The most common mode of transport within the city.
Taxis: Available for hire for longer distances or day trips.
Buses: Local buses connect major points within the city.
Do
Explore the ancient ruins and archaeological sites.
Visit the nearby Sanchi Stupa for a deeper understanding of Buddhist history.
Take a day trip to Udaypur for its temples and natural beauty.
Buy
Local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Traditional Madhya Pradesh textiles and artifacts.
Eat
Local Cuisine: Try traditional Madhya Pradesh dishes like poha, jalebi, and dal bafla.
Street Food: Visit local markets for chaat and other snacks.
Drink
Stick to bottled water for safety.
Fresh sugarcane juice is a popular local drink.
Sleep
Budget Hotels: Several budget options are available in the city center.
Mid-Range Hotels: Comfortable accommodations with basic amenities.
~15 min read
Article
20 sectionsContents
- Demographics
- History
- Besnagar
- Emergence as Bhelsa
- Jainism in Vidisha
- Climate
- Historic places and monuments
- Vidisha District Museum
- Notable people
- Historic
- Social works
- Education
- Art and sports
- Politicians
- Transport
- Education
- Economy
- Agriculture
- Industries
- References
Vidisha (formerly known as Bhelsa and known as Besnagar and Bhaddilpur or Bhaddalpur in ancient times) is a Jain pilgrimage centre, located in Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and the administrative headquarters of Vidisha district. It is located 62.5 km northeast of the state capital, Bhopal. The name "Vidisha" is derived from the nearby river "Bais", mentioned in the Puranas. "Vidisha" also finds its historic reference in ancient epic Ramayana, under the rule of Rama's youngest brother Shatrughna, later on under the rule of Shatrughna's younger son Shatrughati.
The district was created as Bhilsa District in 1904 by joining the tehsils of Vidisha (also known as Bhilsa) and Basoda (but not Basoda State) which were then part of Gwalior state. After India's independence in 1947, the former princely state of Gwalior became part of Madhya Bharat state, which was formed in 1948.
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