HAZARDUARI PALACE

The Hazarduari Palace, or the palace with a thousand doors is the chief tourist attraction of Murshidabad. This three-storey palace was built in 1837 by Duncan McLeod for the Nawab Najim Humaun Jah, descendent of Mir Zafar. It has thousand doors (among which only 900 are real) and 114 rooms and 8 galleries, built in European architectural style. The total area of Hazarduari Palace is 41 acres. It is now a museum and has an exquisite collection of armoury, splendid paintings, exhaustive portraits of the Nawabs, various works of art including beautiful works of ivory (Murshidabad school) of China (European) and many other valuables. The Armoury has 2700 arms in its collections of which only few are displayed. Swords used by Shiraj-ud-Daulla and his grandfather, Nawab Alivardi Khan, can be seen here. The other attractions in this floor are Vintage Cars and Fittan Cars used by the Nawabs and their families. The library containing rare collections is not accessible to the public unless special permission is obtained. The building, rectangular on plan ( 424 feet Long and 200 feet broad and 80 feet high). The Palace was used for holding the "Durbar" or meetings and other official work of the Nawabs and also as the residence of the high ranking British Officials. Between the palace and the Imambara is a small mosque, Madina, with colourful tiled verandahs. The Mosque has an ornamented replica of Hazrat Muhammad's tomb at Madina. Around the palace are other attractions like the Wasef Manzil(the New Palace) by the bank of the Ganga, Tripolia Gate, the Dakshin Darwaza, the Chak Darwaza, the Imambara, the Gharighar (the Clock Tower), the Bachchawali Tope (a canon) and the Madina, the only surviving structure built by Siraj-ud-Doula.The Bachchawali Tope (canon) was made between the 12th and the 14th century, probably by the Mohammedan rulers of Gour, and requires about 18 Kg of gun powder for a single shelling.

IMAMBARA Parallel to the north face of the Hazarduari Palace, stands the Nizamat Imambara, built in 1847 AD. by Nawab Nazim Mansoor Ali Khan Feradun Jah, son of Humayun Jah, at a cost of more than 6 lacs, after the Imambara built by Siraj-ud-Doula had been destroyed by fire. It took only eleven months to construct this Imambara. The Imambara, which is the largest in Bengal, is perhaps the largest in India.

WASEF MANZIL This Palace was built by Sir Wasef Ali Mirza, Nawab of Murshidabad. This beautiful Palace was also the residence of Nawab Wasef Ali Mirza. This palace is very near to the Hazarduari Palace and is near the South Gate. The staircases made of marble and beautiful statues of this Palace are worth seeing. The entry fee is Rupee 1 (Indian currency) for Indian nationals.

KATRA MOSQUE

Katra Mosque is about one and a half km from Murshidabad Railway Station on the Berhampore-Lalgola Road. This imposing structure was built by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan in 1723-24 and it remains one of the most important tourist attractions. The gorgeous building with its huge domes and high minarets has a simple cemetery of the Nawab below the front staircase.

JAHANKOSHA CANON Jahan Kosha, a huge cannon, is about 1 km of Katra. It was built in the early 17th century by craftsman Janardan Karmakar of Dhaka. Kadam Sarif is a beautiful mosque near Jahan Kosha said to contain a replica of the footprint of Hazrat Mohammad, the prophet. The canon is 17.5 ft long and weighs 16,880 lb., with a girth of 5 feet at the touch hole end. The diameter of the touch hole is one and a half inches, and that of the orifice is 6 inches.

JAFARGANJ CEMETERY About half a mile from the Hazarduari Palace is Jafarganj the ruined palace of Mir Jafar. The Cemetery contains the tombs of the Nawab's Nazim, from Mir Jafar to Humayun Jah. Mir Jafar's father Syud Ahmed Nazafi, Alivardi Khan's sister, Shahkhanum, Mir Jafar's widows, Munni Begam and Babbu Begam, Mohamed Ali Khan, the brother and Ismail Ali Khan and Asraf Ali Khan, the sons-in-law of Mir Jafar, lie buried here. This cemetery was built by Mir Jafar, over an area of 3.51 acres.

KHOSH BAGH Khosh Bach lies on the opposite banks of Bhagirathi. The grave of Nawab Alivardi Khan, Alivardi's Mother, Siraj-ud-Doula and his wife Lutfannesha and other members of the Nawab family lie here. The Khosh Bagh cemetery is built over 7.65 acres of land.

KATGOLA Mahimapur is half a km North of the Nasipur Palace. Here, the palace of Jagat Seth and the once famous Pareshnath Temple are now in ruins. Katgola, the palace garden of Raja Dhanpat Singh Dugar and Lakshmipat Singh Dugar and their famous Adinath Temple were built in 1873, by Harreck Chand. The walls of this temple are also intricately designed. A typically Jain style of ornamentation lends a unique beauty to this Jain temple. It is about half a km SouthEast of Mahimapur. Though some of its glory has been lost, it still remains a major tourist attraction, chiefly because of the beautiful temple with an admirable work of stucco.

NASIPUR PALACE The Nasipur Palace was built by Kirti Chand, a descendent of Debi Singh. Debi Sing, who settled here from Punjab, was a tax collector in the early days of the East India Company. Within the palace compound is the Ramachandra Temple, one of the largest temples in the district. Adjacent is the palatial temple of Lakshmi-Narayana, famous for its Jhulanjatra celebrations. The main building of the Raj Bari , which is a two storied house with a grand flight of stairs, has an imposing facade. The present Raj Bari was constructed by Raja Keertichand Bahadur. The founder of the family, namely, Debi Singh of history, settled in a village near the railway station of Bokhara, where his Thakur Bari still exists. FOOTI MOSQUE Footi Mosque is an unfinished work by Nawab Sarafraz Khan. Though not well publicised, it is worth seeing for its unique architectural style. About three quarters of a mile to the east of the Hazarduari Palace, at Kumrapore, is the Footi Masjid. It is said to have been built by Sarafraj Khan in a single night.

MOTI JHEEL Motijheel is about one km South of Lalbagh. This beautiful horseshoe shaped lake was excavated by Nawazesh Mohammad, the husband of the famous Ghasseti Begum. In the palace adjoining it (now in ruins) Lord Clive celebrated the acquisition of the Dewani of Sube Bangla (Bengal, Bihar & Orissa) in 1765. Moti Jheel was the home of Warren Hastings when he became the Political President at the Durbar of the Nawab Nazim ( 1771 - 73 AD ). Sir John Shore, afterwards Lord Teinmouth, also lived here. Moti Jheel is also known as the "Company Bagh", due to the fact of it having been in the occupation of the East India Company. The only old building existing is the Mosque of Shahamat Jang To the east of Nawajesh Muhammad's mosque, is a small enclosure within which are four tombs and to the east of which and outside it is one tomb. Here lies the mortal remains of Shahamat Jang alias Nawajesh Muhammad, Ekram-ud-Doula the younger brother of Siraj-ud-Doula, Ekram-ud-Doula's Tutor, Shumsheree Ali Khan the General of Nawajesh Muhammad, and the Nurse of Ekram-ud-Doula.. NIMAK HARAM DEORI (The Traitors Gate) The Nimak Haram Deori or the Traitor's Gate is the main gate of Jafraganj Palace of Mir-Zafar.It is one Km North of Hazarduari. Within this palace was killed Nawab Siraj-ud-Doula in an act of great betrayal. On the other side of the road are the cemeteries of Mir-Zafar and his descendents.

Murshidabad District Museum The District Museum at Jiaganj is the brainchild of Late Rai Bahadur Surendra Narayan Singha of Jiaganj ,who had contributed everything contained therein. The site of the Museum and the invaluable sculptures and others antiquities are entirely his contributions and collections. The Museum is located at Nehalia , Jiaganj just beside the palace of Late Rai Bahadur. Late Rai Bahadur collected large no. of stone sculptures from different parts of the country especially from erstwhile Bengal and Bihar. He donated all items to the West Bengal Govt. in 1962. The construction of the Museum building was started by West Bengal Govt. in 1965-66 over the land donated by late Rai Bahadur but the construction could only be completed in 1985. Ultimately in the year 2004, the then District Magistrate, Sri Manoj Pant,IAS materialized the long cherished dream of Late Raibahadur Surendra Narayan Singha, Nehalia by opening it to the public with two galleries. The District Museum is located at Nehalia,Jiaganj- about 2km away from Jiaganj Rly Stn. on Sealdah-Lalgola route. It is kept open on all days except Wednesdays and a nominal entry fee of Rs.2/- is charged on each adult visitor. However photography inside is not allowed. The Curator of the Museum may be contacted for any query over telephone no. 03483257287.

One new gallery (third gallery) has been constructed during this financial year. At present there are three full fledged galleries. Sculptures and different art objects are displayed in those galleries through wall showcases and pedestals. Some marvelous masterpieces recovered through recent archeological excavations in different sites in this district have also been displayed. The affairs of the District Museum are controlled by a Managing Committee headed by the District Magistrate, Murshidabad as the President. SDO,Lalbagh is executing the developmental works of the Museum as the MemberSecretary. It has been featured as the State assisted Museum and the Directorate of Archeology & Museum under the Deptt.of Information & Culture,Govt.of West Bengal constantly renders financial grants and technical expertise to this Museum. Some of the invaluable art objects of the District Museum are as follows:

1. Black Stone Sculptures(C 8th Cent. AD to C 13th Cent. AD) 2. Early Potteries 3. Manuscripts (on Ayurveda,Tantra,Ramayana) 4. Precious and rare books. 5. Early Terracotta. 6. Dashavatara Pillar. 7. Idols made of metal. 8. Early medieval inscriptions. 9. Antique coins.
In the recently set up third gallery the history and development of famous brass works of Khagra , Murshidabad and the glimpses of the rich heritage of Murshidabad silk are also displayed for creating awareness among the visitors.

Jangipur is in the Northern part of the district. It is accessible from Malda by road through NH-34. A combined tour can be planned. It is equally accessible from Berhampore. Raghunathganj - Jangipur is a Sub-Divisional town spread on both sides of the Bhagirathi, connected by a bridge. There are in the town some temples and the ruins of a silk kuthi in the town. A visit to the Subhas Dweep , an island park with a snake-garden, is a must. Charka village is about one and a half km from Raghunathganj. It has the tombs of the Pir Rejjak Shah and Jamal Khan is famous for the Muharram celebrations. Bangshabati bil on NH 34 is 8 km from Raghunathganj and on the NH-34 and attracts bird-lovers. Aurangabad is famous for its bidi industry. Nimtita Zamindari palace is where Satyajit Ray did the shooting of Jalsaghar. Farakka, the largest river barrage in the world, also attract many tourists. Many species of water birds are found in the barrage area.

Jiaganj and Azimganj are old townships on the banks of Bhagirathi where the Jain culture flourished. There are some old Jain Temples and a Museum. Near Azimganj is the fascinating Baranagar temple complex built by Rani Bhabani (1714 1793), the Zamindar of Natore. The brick-built temples are considered to be amongst the best example s of Bengal Terracotta art. The Baranagar Temple complex is Natore. The Bhabaniswara, Char the main temples. The town of Jiaganj has grown on near Murshidabad, it is advisable to chiefly the creation of Rani Bhabani of Bangla, Jod Bangla and Rajrajeshwari are both sides of the Bhagirathi. Though it is very keep two separate days for visit to the two zones. The Jain temples are the main attraction here. Among them the temples of Adinath,Bimalnath, Sambhunath and the large temple near Azimganj city station should not be missed. The Jiaganj Museum, having rare collections of art and artefacts, is expected to open shortly.

Kiriteswari Temple, one of the 51 Pithasthanas (a place where some part of the body of the goddess Sati is said to have fallen) where the Kirit (the crown) of the goddess to have fallen is not far away. The ruins of some of the old temples are also of Archeological interest. The Dahapara temple nearby attracts many devotees.

Kandi is a Sub-Divisional town. It is 30 km South-West of Berhampore by road. Here the Kandi Palace houses the palatial temple of Radha Ballabha. The Rudradeba temple of Ruppur is also worth seeing. In the police station compound, the very rare and ancient sculpture of the Boirochana incarnation of Buddha having snakes around His neck should not be missed. Jemo is the birthplace of the famous essayist and friend of Tagore, Ramendrasundar Trivedi. In his house are preserved things used by Trivedi. The Baghdanga temple complex of Shiva with the main temple Kaleeshwara is also nearby. Here Panchthupi is an old village 15 km South of Kandi. It has remnants of a Buddhist Vihara called Barokonar Deul dating back to the Pala Dynasty. The Panchayatan (locally known as Nabaratna) Shiva temple in the middle of the village is unique in its architectural style in the whole of West Bengal. The Jor-Bangla Shyamsundar Temple and the magnificent Singhavihani Temple should also be visited. "Shripatha" is a hand-written Gita, said to be in the handwriting of Shri Chaitanya. It can be seen in the Radha-Gopinatha Temple of Bharatpur, thirteen km from Kandi. Shri Gadadhar Goswami, a close companion of Shri Chaitanya, has established this temple. Nearby is Salar village, where one finds signs of a once thriving Muslim and Hindu cultures. Banwari temple of Banwaribad built in the Mughal style is near Salar and attracts many devotees.

Barrack Square in the town of Berhampore is a square field surrounded by old barracks, now Govt. buildings. One of them is the college of Textile Technology. Nearby is the Krishnath College, established in 1853, even earlier than the University of Kolkata (Calcuta); worth seeing for its European architectural style. Other places of interest are the Central Sericulture Institute, the Bhagirathi Milk Project, Zilla Parishad Bhawan, the cemetery of Burmese King Thibo, the Karbala Mosque and the Khagra market area, buzzing with bell-metal utensils shops. The British Cemetery in Cossimbazar is where Mary, the first wife of WarrenHastings and their baby daughter Elizabeth lie here. Other attractions are the Dutch Cemetery, the Cossimbazar Rajbari and the Chhoto Rajbari. Sargachhi Ramakrishna Mission Ashram is on the way to Kolkata on the NH-34 10 km South of Berhampore. It was established in 1897 by Swami Akhandananda, a direct disciple of Shri Ramakrishna, even before the Belur Math was established. The tomb of Mirmadan, the faithful general of Nawab Siraj-ud-Doula, killed in thebattle of Plassey is at Faridpur village 3 km West of Rejinagar Police Station.

Sagardighi is about 30 km North-West of Berhampore by Road. It has many remains of the Pala Dynasty of Bengal. There is a lake of the same name here, which is the largest in the District. It was excavated during the Pala period. Sekherdighi is another large lake excavated by Hossain Shah. Other places of interest are the beautifulKherur Mosque, the ruins of the palace of Hossain Shah at Chandpara and the Chandanbati temple.

Hotel/Lodge 1.Berhampore Tourist Lodge.

Double room 7 @ Rs.250/DXL 1 @ Rs.400/AC6 @ Rs.500/2.Hotel Samrat, Berhampore. 51147 / 51725 17 @ Rs.150-250/15 @ Rs.150-300/AC-2 @ Rs.450/AC-8 @ Rs.450-900/3. Hotel Bhagirathi, Berhampore 54928 / 56309 14 @ Rs.125/13 @ Rs.225/AC 3 @ Rs. 350/4. Sangam Hotel , Berhampore 55197 3 @ Rs.125/10 @ Rs.200/AC 3 @ Rs.550/5.Hotel White House 55443/59264/58689 7 @ Rs.125/22 @ Rs.250/AC-3 @ Rs. 300/6.Berhampore Lodge 50500/50830/50576 12 @ Rs.115/- -178/20 @ Rs.147-299/AC-10 @ Rs.402-690/7.Nivedita Lodge, Berhampore. 52537 8 @ Rs.30-75/13 @ Rs.50-175/3 dormitory @ Rs.75-140/8. Berhampore Circuit House * 50577 * Accommodation restricted

Charges (As on October 2002) Contact No Single room 50439 / 59711

Dormitory

9 @ Rs.50/@ Rs.50/- per bed.

Hotel/Lodge 9. Youth Hostel, Lalbagh

10. Netaji Abas, Lalbagh. 11. Hotel Manjusha, Lalbagh. 12. Hotel Anurag, Lalbagh 13.Guest house, Wasif Manjil, Lalbagh ** 14. Hotel Indrajit,Lalbagh (as on 03482-271858, 2007) 270564, 9434000435

Charges (As on October 2002) Contact No Single room (033) 210-9206 As per Govt. 248-0626 approved rate ( 32/1 BBD Bag Kolkata-10) 03482 70033 03482 70321 2 @ Rs.100/03482 70629

Double room 6 @ Rs.60/-

Dormitory Gen @ Rs.20/Student @ Rs.10/@ Rs.30/30 @ Rs.30/-

9 @ Rs.60/18 @ Rs.200/18 @ Rs.50-100/-

2
Non AC: Rs.200/- onwards , AC :As per season