| 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 Kolkata.
Places Of Interest:
There are many places of interest here.
Nimak Haram Deohri (Traitor’s 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.
| Murshidabad |
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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 Kolkata,
Murshidabad is connected by railway and road. Long distance bus services (to Kolkata,
Malda and Siliguri) are available at Berhampore, 11 km south of Murshidabad. Berhampore is
also linked by railway service from Kolkata.
You may stay at the Tourist Lodge of West
Bengal Tourism Development Corporation at Berhampore, 11 km from Murshidabad.
For details contact:
West Bengal Tourism
3/2B, BBD Bag (East)
Kolkata 700001
Ph: 248 8271/ 248 5917/ 248 5168
Fax: 033-248 8290
New Delhi
Ph: 373 2840
Madras
Ph: 83 0293
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