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