Nestled on the banks of the Bhagirathi River in West Bengal, Murshidabad is a city that resonates with tales of nawabs, palaces, battles, and cultural grandeur. Once the capital of Bengal under the Nawabs, Murshidabad was a thriving hub of politics, art, trade, and architecture in the 18th century. Today, it stands as a living museum of Bengal’s rich history, offering travelers a journey back in time to the Mughal and colonial eras.
In this blog, we’ll explore the history of Murshidabad, its architectural wonders, how to reach, timings, entry fees, and travel tips that will help you plan a memorable trip.
History of Murshidabad
Murshidabad’s history is deeply intertwined with the rise and fall of Bengal’s nawabs and the colonial power struggle between the British and the French.
- Foundation: The city was founded in 1704 by Murshid Quli Khan, the first Nawab of Bengal, who shifted the capital from Dacca (Dhaka) to Murshidabad. The city was named after him.
- Capital of Bengal: Under the Nawabs, Murshidabad became one of the wealthiest cities in India. It was a thriving center of silk weaving, banking, and trade, attracting merchants from across the world.
- Battle of Plassey (1757): The fate of Murshidabad changed dramatically after the Battle of Plassey, fought between Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah and the British East India Company. The defeat of the Nawab marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India.
- Decline: After losing political power, Murshidabad slowly declined in prominence. However, it remained a cultural and artistic hub, with Nawabi traditions continuing in music, cuisine, and crafts.
- Modern Era: Today, Murshidabad is renowned for its historical monuments, palaces, mosques, and temples, drawing heritage travelers and history enthusiasts from all over the world.
Architecture and Heritage of Murshidabad
Murshidabad is a treasure trove of Indo-Islamic and colonial architecture. The cityscape is dotted with palaces, mosques, gardens, and tombs that reflect the grandeur of the Nawabi era.
1. Hazarduari Palace
- Built in 1837 by Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah under the supervision of British architect Duncan Macleod.
- Known as the “Palace of a Thousand Doors,” it has 1,000 doors (among which 900 are real and 100 are false for security).
- The palace houses a museum with over 4,000 artifacts, including weapons, portraits, furniture, chandeliers, and manuscripts.
2. Nizamat Imambara
- Built in 1847 by Nawab Nazim Mansoor Ali Khan, it is one of the largest imambaras in India.
- Located opposite Hazarduari Palace, it is used during Muharram and other religious occasions.
3. Katra Mosque
- Built by Murshid Quli Khan in 1724, it is one of the oldest mosques in Murshidabad.
- The mosque was initially designed to house 2,000 students and still stands as a blend of Mughal and Islamic architecture.
4. Kathgola Palace
- A beautiful mansion built by the Jain merchant Lakshmipat Dugar.
- Known for its ornate interiors, gardens, and historical significance, it also houses statues and rare paintings.
5. Tomb of Siraj-ud-Daulah
- The last independent Nawab of Bengal rests in Khushbagh, a garden cemetery that also houses the graves of his family.
6. Jafarganj Cemetery
- Contains over 1,000 tombs of Nawabs and their relatives.
7. Other Attractions
- Wasif Manzil (New Palace) – A smaller palace near Hazarduari.
- Motijheel – A beautiful lake surrounded by historical ruins.
- Nasipur Palace – A mansion built by wealthy zamindars reflecting European influence.
How to Reach Murshidabad
Murshidabad is well-connected by rail and road, making it accessible from Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal.
By Air
- The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata), about 200 km away.
- From the airport, taxis and buses are available to Murshidabad.
By Train
- Murshidabad and Berhampore Court railway stations connect the town to Kolkata, Malda, and other major cities.
- Popular trains: Bhagirathi Express, Hazarduari Express, and Lalgola Passenger.
By Road
- Murshidabad is about 200 km from Kolkata and can be reached by NH34.
- State transport buses and private AC buses regularly operate between Kolkata and Murshidabad.
- Travel time: Approx. 5–6 hours by road.
By Ferry/Boat
- Local ferries operate across the Bhagirathi River, giving visitors a scenic way to explore nearby ghats and villages.
Timings and Entry Fees
Visiting Murshidabad is like exploring an open-air museum, but specific monuments have timings and entry charges.
Hazarduari Palace Museum
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays).
- Entry Fee: ₹20 (Indians), ₹250 (Foreigners).
Nizamat Imambara
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: Free (donations accepted).
Katra Mosque
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: Free.
Kathgola Palace
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: ₹10 – ₹20 approx.
Other Monuments (Wasif Manzil, Nasipur Palace, etc.)
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: ₹10 – ₹20 approx.
Best Time to Visit Murshidabad
- Winter (October – March): Ideal season with pleasant weather (15–25°C). Perfect for exploring monuments.
- Summer (April – June): Hot and humid, not recommended.
- Monsoon (July – September): Heavy rains may affect travel but add lush greenery.
Cultural Significance of Murshidabad
Murshidabad is not just about palaces; it is a melting pot of Bengali, Mughal, and European influences.
- Silk Industry: Murshidabad silk (Baluchari sarees) is world-famous for intricate weaves depicting mythological scenes.
- Cuisine: Nawabi dishes like rezala, kebabs, and Mughlai parathas coexist with Bengali sweets like roshogolla and mihidana.
- Festivals: Muharram, Durga Puja, and Eid are celebrated with grandeur.
Nearby Attractions
- 1. Berhampore – The administrative town with colonial-era buildings.
- 2. Plassey – Famous battlefield site located 40 km away.
- 3. Cossimbazar – Known for its Dutch and English cemeteries and old mansions.
- 4. Khoshbagh Garden – Burial ground of Siraj-ud-Daulah.
- 5. Baranagar – Village with 18th-century terracotta temples.
Travel Tips for Visitors
- 1. Hire a local guide for in-depth historical context.
- 2. Best way to explore is by cycle rickshaw or hired car.
- 3. Cossimbazar – Known for its Dutch and English cemeteries and old mansions.
- 4. Early mornings and evenings are great for photography.
- 5. Book accommodations in Berhampore for better facilities.
Conclusion
Murshidabad is a city that echoes the grandeur and tragedy of Bengal’s royal past. From the majestic Hazarduari Palace to the tranquil Katra Mosque, from silk weaving traditions to the infamous Battle of Plassey, every corner of this historic town tells a story.
A visit to Murshidabad is more than just sightseeing — it’s a journey into Bengal’s royal heritage, cultural richness, and architectural brilliance. Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or a curious traveler, Murshidabad promises an unforgettable experience.
