Footi Mosque or masjid as it called in Urdu is an unfinished work of Nawab Sarafaraz Khan. It is located at a distance of a mile from Hazarduari Palace. Though unfinished the mosque has some unique architectural features that attract tourists to this spot. It is said that Sarafaraz Khan built this structure in one night.
Tag: Berhampur
Kathgola Palace, Murshidabad
The Kathgola Palace built in the garden premises of Raja Dhanpat Singh Dugar and Lakshmipath Singh Dugar is located in half a km South-East part of Mahimapur (modern Nashipur) town in Murshidabad. It is an impressive structure constituting a central drawing room, a library, billiard room, bedroom and dining room. Built during 1870s as a rest house amidst the garden it has porches on all 4 sides. The pool sides are beautiful providing natural ventilation. The fantastic view of the countryside from the second floor will mesmerize you. Also there is the Adinath Temple which is of immense importance to the Jains.
Image Source: Flickr
Nasipur Palace, Murshidabad
According to Holiday HotSpot, Nasipur Palace, old name Mahimapur Raj Bari is one of the primary attractions of Murshidabad which generally brims with visitors. Constructed in 1723-24 by Murshi Quli Khan this imposing structure has high minarets, huge domes and also a cemetery of the Nawab just below the staircase. Ramachandra Temple, one of the largest temples in Murshidabad is inside the palace compound. The Nasipur Palace is only 1.5kilometers from the Railway station on the Berhampore-Lalgola route.
Image Source: Flickr
Nimak Haram Deori, Murshidabad
Nimak Haram Deori is the main gate leading to Mir Jafar, the traitor’s palace Jafargunj. It is located at a distance of only 1 kilometer north from the magnificent Hazarduari. Visitors cannot enter into the palace as it is well guarded. This palace stands as the memorial of the darkest hour in the history of Bengal as Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah was killed here in an act of the betrayal. This assassination was decisive in the colonization of Bengal and India.
Photo Courtesy: Tarun Pradhan, Flickr/Rajib Kumar Bhattacharya
War Memorial at the Battle of Plassey Ground, Murshidabad
The battle ground of Plassey lying on the banks of the Bhagirathi River holds lot of historical significance. The British East India Company defeated the last independent Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah in the Battle of Plassey on 23 June 1757 which decided the fate of Calcutta and India. The British built the war memorial in the same year and the statue of The Nawab was erected by West Bengal government in the recent times. Mir Jafar, the commander-in-chief of the Nawab’s army betrayed him by accepting bribe from Lord Clive sealing the fate of slavery for Indians for the next 200 years.
Image Source: Flickr
Mosque at Khoshbag Cemetary, Murshidabad
This mosque is located inside the premises of Khoshbag which is the final resting place of the Nawabs belonging to the Afshar dynasty ruling Bengal. It has the tombs of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, his wife, grandfather and grandfather’s mother. Located on the west bank of Bhagirathi River, this is a famous toursist spot.
Cemetery of Siraj-Ud-Daula (Khoshbag ), Murshidabad
The cemetery of Siraj-ud-Daulah or Khoshbag as it is popularly known as is located at the Bhagirathi River bank in the west. The tomb is also shared by his wife, Lutf-un-nisa and his grandfather, Alivardi Khan. Basically Khoshbag is home to the tombs of Nawabs from the Afshar dynasty. Khoshbag covers an area of 7.65 acres of land. This is a prime holiday hotspot and thus secures a permanent place in other listings on the most notable tourist attractions in Murshidabad.
Moti Jheel near Lalbagh, Murshidabad
Moti Jheel, literal meaning Pearl Lake is a charming horseshoe shaped lake located 1 kilometer south of Lalbagh. The land adjoining Moti Jheel witnessed the celebration of Lord Clive after he acquired Bengal, Bihar and Orissa in 1765. It was also home of Warren Hatings during his tenure as Political President at Nawab Nazim’s durbar in 1771 AD. Moti Jheel is also referred to as the ‘Company Bagh’ because it was occupied by East India Company for a long time. Holiday HotSpot has also found out that the only existing building in the area is the Shahamat Jang.
Following are the other leading spots within Mitijheel:
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Ruins of Mitijheel Palace
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Motijheel Mosque
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Motijheel Cemetery
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Jahankosha Canon near Katra Mosque, Murshidabad
Jahankosha canon also known as the Great Gun, exactly means the “Destroyer of the World” weighing 16,880 lb is 17.5 feet long with a girth of 5 feet at the touch hole end. The diameter of the touch hole is 1.5 inches and the diameter of the orifice is 6 inches. The celebrated canon is located at a short distance of 1 kilometer from Katra and was constructed in the 17th century by a craftsman named Janardan Karmakar belonging to Dhaka. There is a mosque named Kadam Sarif close to the canon which is said to house the replica of Hazrat Mohammad, the Prophet’s footprint.
The cannon is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Image Source: Flickr
Saibad
Murshidabad is one of the well-known districts in West Bengal and located on the southern bank of Bhagirathi (a tributary of Ganges River). The rich history of the town can be traced in its “Mughal” roots. It used to be the capital of Bengal during the Mughal rule in India. In the year 1704 Murshid Quli Khan, the Diwan of Bengal serving during the time of Aurangzeb had transferred the capital city from Dhaka (now in Bangladesh) and renamed the city after his own name. In 1716 Quli Khan was conferred with the title of Nawab which was further followed by Murshidabad becoming its capital.
Now, Saibad being one of the prime attractions of this historically rich city has its own importance in the West Bengal tourism scene. It lays midway between Murshidabad and Berhampur. One of the primary attractions of Saibad is the American Church with a pond, garden and a graveyard that is here since as early as 1660s. A service is held every Sunday morning and it is situated near Dayamoyi Kali Bari. As per reports, the prime attraction of Saibad- the American Church had been constructed in the year 1758 and reconstructed later in 2007. The calm ambience and the neat and well-maintained surroundings serve as the main draw. Just a mere picture of this church can give you a glimpse of what actually awaits you here- a deeply gratifying touring experience marked by serenity and inner peace. This can be an ideal destination for nature lovers as well. So if you’re planning a trip to Murshidabad soon do not make the mistake of leaving out Saibad from your itinerary besides Baranagore, Cossimbazar etc
How to Reach
You would be able to reach Murshidabad by train, bus or flight. Kolkata is home to the airport that is nearest to Murshidabad.