Murshidabad

MURSHIDABAD , BAHARAMPUR

 CONNECTIONS:
MurshidabadMurshidabad named after Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the Dewan of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa under Emperor Aurangzeb, is intimately related to events that ultimately changed the history of India. At Palsy near Murshidabad was fought the historic battle between Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula and Lord Clive. The relics strewn today speak of those times. But the history of this region dates back perhaps a little farther. The travelogue describes Karnasubarna near Murshidabad as the first capital of ancient Bengal.

Murshidabad Map Murshidabad,  the last capital city of independent Bengal, is situated on the banks of the Ganges river. Murshidabad has been named after Bengal's Nawab Murshid Kuli Khan. The Nawab shifted the capital of Bengal to Murshidabad in 1705.

During the days of the Nawabs, Murshidabad was  said to be at par with London in terms of splendor. The capital was shifted to Calcutta in 1773 by which time the East India company had gained control of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Today Murshidabad is a small district town. It is interesting to note that the site of the ancient  capital city of  Karnasubarna is nearby.

As a historic town, Murshidabad has witnessed treachery and palace politics which finally resulted in Bengal (and later India) passing into the hands of the East India Company.

Siraj Ud Daullah was the last independent Nawab of Bengal. In 1757 AD a conspiracy between the Company and his uncle Mir Jafar led to defeat of his forces  by the Company troops in the battle of Palsy.  He was later murdered in Murshidabad. Mir Jafar, who betrayed Siraj became the new puppet Nawab.

For more details of Bengal's history refer to the history section in this website. 

The Hazarduari Palace (Palace with a thousand doors) is probably the chief attraction of Murshidabad. It was built in 1837 by Duncan Macleod of the Bengal Engineers for the Nawabs of Bengal (descendants of Mir Jafar). The palace took 17 years to build and is a museum today. It has 114 rooms and 8 galleries. 

Fairs and Festivals

Muharram is celebrated with grandeur. Bera Bhasan on the Ganga with lights and fireworks is celebrated during mid-September.

Places to see

One of  the other attractions is the Katra Masjid built in 1724 AD by Nawab Murshidkuli Khan. It is modeled on the lines of the Mecca mosque. Murshidkuli Khan's tomb is also in this mosque.

The Jahankosh, a huge cannon, is another attraction. It is 17.5 ft long and 16,880 lbs. in weight. It was built by Janardhan Karmakar in Dhaka.

The Nimak Haram Deorhi or the Traitor's gate is where Siraj was assassinated.His grave is at Khusbagh (Garden of delight) along with the grave of Nawab Alivardi Khan. His wife's tomb is also here.

Kathgola has the ruins of the garden house of Jagat Seth one of the co-conspirators against Siraj. At Kathgola in the garden house of a Jain merchant there is a Parswanath Temple. The ruins of the palace of Jagat Seth, one of the richest bankers and financiers of the 18th century, are about 2 km from the cemetery of Jafraganj. The fabled cannon Jahankosh can still be seen. Khushbagh, across the river, is the royal resting-place of Alivardi Khan and his grandson Siraj-ud-Daula. Moti Jheel Palace was the residence of Ghasiti Begum, the scheming daughter of Nawab Alivardi Kahn.

Murshidabad is famous for its silks.

Jiaganj - Azimganj:

The Jiaganj - Azimganj area has a few Jain temples. Jiaganj is 9 kms from Baharampur while Azimganj is 14 kms away.

Not far from Azimganj is the Rani Bhabani's  terracotta temple which is considered to be one of the best examples of Bengal's terracotta art.

Palsy (Palashi):

Palsy is the site of the famous battle of Palsy fought in 1757. The outcome of this battle shaped India's destiny. It is 50 kms south of Murshidabad.

Hajarduari (1837)

With its 1000 doors and Gothic style, is now a museum. The palace was built by Nawab Humanyun Jah. Contains a rare collection of old arms, curios, china, and paintings. Across stands the great Imambara. Siraj-Ud-Daula was assassinated at the Nimak Haram Deorhi or the Traitor’s Gate. Murshid Quli Khan lies buried at the entrance of the Katra mosque.

MURSHIDABAD:

CONNECTIONS :

Murshidabad is 182 kms from Calcutta and 11 kms from Baharampur, the district headquarters.

From Calcutta:

By Train : By train from Sealdah  to Baharampur and Murshidabad. 

By Bus: Bus services directly from Calcutta upto Baharampur / Mushidabad.

Lodging:

WBTDC Tourist Lodge, Baharampur.

Lalbagh Municipality Guest House, Lalbagh.

Several low - mid range private hotels.