MURSHIDABAD
A quiet town on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, Murshidabad has stood
witness to events that changed the course of Indian history. Capital during the
reign of Siraj-ud-daula, the Nawab of Bengal, Murshidabad was also a
flourishing trading town between inland India and the port of Calcutta.

Places Of Interest:
There are many places of interest here.

Nimak Haram Deohri (Traitor Gate) is the place where Siraj-ud-daula was
assassinated after the battle of Plassey.

Khusbagh (Garden of Happiness) is a boat ride across the river, where Siraj is
buried.

Hazarduari (Palace of a Thousand Doors) is built in classical architectural
style. Now a museum, the palace houses, among other artifacts, the Nawab's
silver throne, ivory sofa and ivory palanquins.

Other important landmarks are the Great Imambara, Moti Jhil (Pearl Lake) and
the impressive ruins of Katra Mosque, built in 1723, and Medina Mosque.

Nizamatkila, an Italian style palace of Nawab Mir Jafar, stands beside
Bhagirathi river.

The Jain Parasnath Temple is at Kathgola.

Another interesting palace is Wasif Manzil, with its unique collection of
curios, paintings, arms and costumes.

The Char Bangla Temple at Baranagore was built in the 18th century by Rani
Bhavani.

The Bhavaniswar Temple, too, is one of the finest examples of terracotta
sculpture in West Bengal. It is located 23 km from Murshidabad.

Specialities:
Besides the crumbling mansions and cemeteries of the English and Dutch
settlements, Murshidabad is famous for raw silk (tussar) production. The
Government Silk Research Centre is located here.

Exquisite ivory carvings, gleaming brassware and traditional handicrafts are
the other specialities of the town.

Communication:
Situated 221 km north of Calcutta, Murshidabad is connected by railway and
road. Long distance bus services (to Calcutta, Malda and Siliguri) are
available at Berhampore, 11 km south of Murshidabad. Berhampore is also linked
by railway service from Calcutta.

You may stay at the Tourist Lodge of West Bengal Tourism Development
Corporation at Berhampore, 11 km from Murshidabad.