Murshidabad
Discover Murshidabad
Murshidabad (Bengali: মুর্শিদাবাদ Murśidābād) is a historic town in central West Bengal. It was the capital of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha during the Nawab rule. The last capital city of independent Bengal was named after Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the Diwan of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. It is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. A city of splendours and famous for its silk, it was made the capital of Bengal in 1717. The British East India Company starts its journey from that place. The British shifted the capital to Calcutta in 1773. Murshidabad (MOOR-shih-dah-bahd) became the capital of Bengal under Murshid Quli Khan in 1727. He was the first independent ruler of the region, which consisted of present-day Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha. Murshidabad was a flourishing trade and commerce centre and historical records even suggested that Murshidabad contributed about 20% of the Indian economy and a staggering 5% of the world GDP. After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, Murshidabad was considered as prosperous as London. Sadly, Murshidabad has long lost its former glory and only traces of its glorious past survive to this day. Whatever has survived is still enough to turn Murshidabad into a leading tourism destination, but sadly the place lacks proper tourist infrastructure. Still, Murshidabad along with Bishnupur and Gour-Pandua are the three important historic tourist destinations of West Bengal.
What to Experience in Murshidabad
Taste of Murshidabad...
Not available
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Murshidabad.
Nothing special in Murshidabad particularly for Kolkatans. Nawabi Ghee-e bhaja chhanabora has been replaced by Dalda-bhaja one. Still Kolkatans can relish sweets and curd of Murshidabad because those are much cheaper here. If you sit for lunch in a roadside ordinary hotel near Hazarduari, first ask whether the menu follows meal-system or à la carte and the rate. Otherwise, you may feel cheated after the lunch is over. The ground water here is contaminated with arsenic, so you are better off drinking from the municipal supply of surface water or bottled drinking water of reputed companies, not of ordinary companies, here and there in Murshidabad, even if those are cheaper by ₹2 per litre.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsMurshidabad is well connected from Kolkata by both rail and road. Regular long distance buses are also available from Kolkata. Volvo bus service is available for the Kolkata-Baharampur route. By auto rickshaw. Cars are also available for hire. Horse-drawn carriage is also an option for short distances. There are no fixed rates so bargaining is required. Motijhil (মতিঝিল Matijhil), the beautiful horseshoe-shaped lake of Murshidabad, was excavated by Nawazesh Mohammad, the husband of Ghasseti Begum. In the palace adjoining it (now in ruins), Lord Clive celebrated the acquisition of the Diwani of Bengal Subah (Bengal, Bihar and Odisha) in 1765. Motijhil was the home of Warren Hastings when he became the Political President at the durbar of the Nawab Nazim (1771–1773). Sir John Shore, afterwards Lord Teignmouth, also lived here. Motijhil is also known as the "Company Bagh", due to the fact of it having been in the occupation of the East India Company....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
By auto rickshaw. Cars are also available for hire. Horse-drawn carriage is also an option for short distances. There are no fixed rates so bargaining is required. Motijhil (মতিঝিল Matijhil), the beautiful horseshoe-shaped lake of Murshidabad, was excavated by Nawazesh Mohammad, the husband of Ghasseti Begum. In the palace adjoining it (now in ruins), Lord Clive celebrated the acquisition of the Diwani of Bengal Subah (Bengal, Bihar and Odisha) in 1765. Motijhil was the home of Warren Hastings when he became the Political President at the durbar of the Nawab Nazim (1771–1773). Sir John Shore, afterwards Lord Teignmouth, also lived here. Motijhil is also known as the "Company Bagh", due to the fact of it having been in the occupation of the East India Company. Today, it has been converted into a park complete with toy train rides and a children's activity centre. The lodge managed by WBTDCL is within the park complex. Nothing special in Murshidabad particularly for Kolkatans.
Money & Budget
Nothing special in Murshidabad particularly for Kolkatans. Nawabi Ghee-e bhaja chhanabora has been replaced by Dalda-bhaja one. Still Kolkatans can relish sweets and curd of Murshidabad because those are much cheaper here. If you sit for lunch in a roadside ordinary hotel near Hazarduari, first ask whether the menu follows meal-system or à la carte and the rate. Otherwise, you may feel cheated after the lunch is over. The ground water here is contaminated with arsenic, so you are better off drinking from the municipal supply of surface water or bottled drinking water of reputed companies, not of ordinary companies, here and there in Murshidabad, even if those are cheaper by ₹2 per litre.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Murshidabad
Monkey
Beach
brown and white concrete building near green trees during daytime
Moody Sky
@sarkaranuvab_
Play ground for birds
sun shine again
party starts with cloud
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Monkey
Beach
brown and white concrete building near green trees during daytime
Moody Sky