Murshidabad named after Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the Dewan of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa under Emperor Aurangzeb, is intimately related to events that ultimately changed the history of India. At Plassey 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 history of this region dates back perhaps a little farther. The travelogue describes Karnasubarna near Murshidabad as the first capital of ancient Bengal.

Muharram is celebrated with grandeur. Bera Bhasan on the Ganga with lights and fireworks is celebrated during mid-September.

Hajarduari (1837)
With its 1000 doors and Gothic style, is now a museum. The palace was built by Nawab Humanyun Jah. Contains a rare collection of old arms, curios, china, and paintings. Across stands the great Imambara. Siraj-Ud-Daula was assasinated at the Nimak Haram Deorhi or the Traitor’s Gate. Murshid Quli Khan lies buried at the entrance of the Katra mosque.

Kathgola
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, are about 2 km from the cemetery of Jafraganj. The fabled cannon Jahankosh can still be seen. Khushbagh, across the river, is the royal resting-place of Alivardi Khan and his grandson Siraj-ud-Daula. Moti Jheel Palace was the residence of Ghasiti Begum, the scheming daughter of Nawab Alivardi Kahn.

Plassey
It marks the historic battle site. It is 40 km from Murshidabad. At Baranagore (23 km), the temple built by Rani Bhabhani is one of the finest 18th century terracotta temples in Bengal. Some 2-km away is the Kiriteswari Temple. Nabichandi, on the Lalbagh road, is one of the Pithasthanas. Ajimganj and Jiaganj (9 & 14 km. From Berhampur) are noted for their Jain temples. Excavations at the sites of Karnasubarna and Gokarna reveal stupas and viharas. Cossimbazar near Berhampur 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.

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.