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Murshidabad, named after Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, theDewan of Bengal,
Biharand Onssa under Emperor Aurangzeb is intimately related to
events that ultimately changed the history of India. At Plassy 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 histoiy of
this region dates back perhaps a little farther. The famous Chinese
traveller Huien Tsang-s travelogue describes Kamasubarna near Murshidabad
as the first capital ofanicent Bengal.
How to go
Easily accessible by rail (197 km) and road Several buses ply between
Calcutta and Berhampore ( 211 km ) daily. Berhampore the district
headquarters is about 12 km from Murshidabad.
Places of Interest
Hajarduari (1837 ) with its 1000 doors and Gothic style, is now
a museum. The palace was built by Nawab Humayun 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.
MurshidQuIi Khan lies buried at the entrance of the Katra Mosque.
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, is about 2 km from the
cemetery of Jafraganj.
The fabled cannon Jahankosh can still be seen. Khusbagh, across
the river, is the royal resting place ofAlivardiKhan and his grandson
Siraj- ud-daula. Moti Jheel Palace was the residence ofGhasiti Begum,
the scheming daughter of Nawab Alivardi Khan.
Plassey, where a monument marks the historic battle site, is 40
km. from Murshidabad. At Baranagore (23 km. ), the temple built
by Rani Bhabani is one of the finest 18th century terracotta temples
in Bengal. Some 2 km. away is the Kiriteswari Temple, Nabhichandi,
on the Lalbagh road, is one of the Pithasthanas.
Ajimganj and Jiaganj ( 9 & 14 km. from Berhampore ) are noted
for their Jain temples. Excavations at the sites of Karnasubarna
and Gokama reveal stupas and viharas. Cossimbazar near Berhampore
was a busy English river port in the 18th and 19th centuries. The
Cossimbazar Palace dominates the scene. Maharaja Nandakumar's palace
at Kunjaghata contains valuable documents.
The region is rich in textiles and handicrafts, Baluchari sari,
now a product of Vishnupur was originally woven at Jiaganj.
Murshidabad silks are still famous. Brass and bell metal wares of
Khagra, Berhampore are well known. Ivory carvings of Murshidabad
are the pride of Bengal's handicrafts.
Fairs & Festivals
Muharrarn is celebrated with grandeur. Bera Bhasan on the Ganga
with lights and fireworks is celebrated during mid- Saptember
