shajapur

Shajapur is a town in Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh state in west central India. It is the administrative headquarters of Shajapur district. Shajapur is named after the Mughal emperor Shahjahan, who stopped there in 1640. The original name was Shahjahanpur, which was later shortened to Shajapur. In the 18th century the town became part of the dominion of the Maratha leader Sindhia, founder of the state of Gwalior, and was the headquarters of a district of Gwalior state until Indian independence in 1947. After Independence, Shajapur and its district became part of Madhya Bharat state, which was merged into Madhya Pradesh on 1st November 1956. Shajapur was recognised at the time of Shahjahan. Observing the natural beauty of this area, Fauj of Shahjahan decided to take a halt here. This place was known as Khankarakhedi. Shahjahan and his fauj liked this place very much and consequently when Shahjahan became Samrat he considered the importance of this place for his Southern campaign. In 1640 Meer Bigo was appointed here as Koutwal. He with Shri jagannath Rawal prepared four dwars in four directions. In centre a marketing centre was developed. Consequently this area was populated gradually and converted in colony. Surrounding this place a wall was also prepared. Then in respect of king Shahjahan it was named as Shahjahanpur. After downfall of Mughal dynasty, Shahjahanpur was brought in the Scindia state in 1732 and so many administrative changes were performed. The name Shahjahanpur was now Shajapur in this period only. A beautiful palace in the fort was also developed by Tarabai. In 1904 it was declared as a district.