Moti Jheel

Unveil the historical treasures of Murshidabad – Moti Jheel

The city of Murshidabad is situated on the eastern bank of the Bhagirathi River, which is a distributary of the Ganges. The District Of Murshidabad has an area of 2143 sq. m and coordinates at 24.18°N 88.27°E. Murshidabad was a town in the Bengal Presidency during the British Raj. In the Mughal era, it was the capital of Bengal. In 1704, Murshid Quli Khan, being the Diwan or the council of Bengal under Aurangzeb transferred the capital from Dhaka (now in Bangladesh), and renamed the city Murshidabad after his own name. In 1716, he attained the designation of Nawab (ruler) of the Subah (province) of Bengal, and the city became his capital. Moti Jheel, which literally means ‘Pearl Lake’, is also known as Company Bagh due to its association with the East India Company. It is a horse-shoe-shaped lake in Murshidabad, West Bengal.

Historical Reference Moti Jheel

Moti jheel, the fountainhead of British empowerment in India, stands as a witness to the phenomenal turning point in the history of India. A lake measuring 350 acre, oxbow in shape formed out of a deserted bed of river Bhagirathi, the Motijheel, acquired its name from a large scale pearl cultivation during the Nawabi era. The Jheel was known for raising golden shaded pearls obtained from ‘unino margaritifera’ species. With the black marble stones being brought from the ruins of Gaur, Nawazesh Ahmed Khan constructed the Sangidalan or the ‘stone palace’ for his beloved wife Ghaseti Begum, the elder most daughter of Nawab Nazim Ali Verdi Khan. Ali Verdi Khan chose his favorite grandson, Siraj Ud Dullah to be his immediate successor and he ascended the throne of Bengal in 1756. Disliking his accession, Ghaseti Begum, Siraj’s maternal aunt made her palace the centre of anti-nawab intrigues. She used her massive wealth and influence to sew together an alliance of forces including Mir Jafar, the Jagat Seth and the British to dethrone the young Nawab. Siraj stormed out to Plassey from Motij heel on 23rd June 1757. The scheme played out in the field as most of the army was proved to be inactive under the duplicitous direction of Mir Zafar, the commander-in-chief of the Nawab. The consequences of the battle saw the conversion of a trading company, rising into a political power. Lord Clive formally took over the reins of the financial administration of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa on 29th April 1765 with the grant of the then-Mughal emperor. This incident marks the actual birth of British rule in India. Between 1757- 1786, Moti Jheel was the official residence of different British councils including Lord Clive and Warren Hastings. It is known for its majestic palaces, gardens, beautiful lake, and its rendezvous with the subcontinent’s history.

Travel Moti Jheel

Moti Jheel carrying such an immensely rich history is definitely a ‘must-visit destination’ for tourists. Just beside the heritage, West Bengal Government has constructed a huge Park measuring 33 Bighas. This modern park has a place for accommodation, a museum, light and sound shows, toy trains, and many more such things that one may expect in any giant amusement park. It is undoubtedly a must-visit in Murshidabad.

How to reach

Moti Jheel is a lake located in the city of Lucknow, India. The easiest way to reach Moti Jheel is by using one of the following modes of transportation:

• By car: You can hire a taxi or drive to Moti Jheel, as there is ample parking space available.
• By public transport: You can take a bus or an auto-rickshaw to reach Moti Jheel. The nearest bus stop is the Charbagh Bus Stand.
• By train: The nearest railway station to Moti Jheel is the Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station, from where you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the lake.

Note: The exact location and best mode of transportation may vary depending on your starting point.

Attractions

Moti Jheel is a popular tourist destination in Lucknow, India, and offers several attractions for visitors to enjoy:

1. Scenic beauty: The lake is surrounded by lush green trees and offers a peaceful environment for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
2. Boating: Visitors can go for a boat ride on the lake, which is a popular activity among tourists.
3. Picnicking: The lake is a popular spot for picnics, and families and friends can enjoy a day out while having food and drinks.
4. Wildlife: Moti Jheel is home to several species of birds and is a popular spot for birdwatching.
5. History: The lake has a rich history and is believed to have been built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the 18th century.
6. Evening walks: Moti Jheel is a popular spot for evening walks, and visitors can enjoy the cool breeze and the beauty of the lake at sunset.
7. Photography: With its scenic beauty, the lake is a popular spot for photography, and visitors can capture memories of their trip to Moti Jheel.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Moti Jheel in Lucknow, India, depends on what you’re looking to do and experience during your visit. Here are a few suggestions based on different factors:

1. Weather: The months from October to March are the best time to visit Moti Jheel as the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities like picnicking, boating, and evening walks.
2. Birdwatching: If you’re interested in birdwatching, the best time to visit Moti Jheel is during the winter months when several migratory birds can be seen in the area.
3. Photography: For photography enthusiasts, the best time to visit Moti Jheel is during the monsoon months when the lake is surrounded by lush green trees and the weather is overcast, offering a perfect backdrop for photos.

In general, the best time to visit Moti Jheel depends on your personal preferences and the activities you want to do during your visit. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before planning your trip to ensure that you have the best possible experience.

Nearby attractions

Moti Jheel is located in Lucknow, India, which is a city rich in history and culture and offers several attractions for visitors to explore. Here are a few nearby attractions that you can visit while in the area:

1. Bara Imambara: This is a magnificent monument and mosque built in the 18th century by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. It is one of the largest structures in the world and is known for its intricate carvings and unique architecture.
2. Chhota Imambara: This is another beautiful mosque and monument located in Lucknow, known for its intricate carvings, minarets, and stunning central dome.
3. Rumi Darwaza: This is a large gateway located in Lucknow and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It is known for its unique and intricate design and is a popular spot for photography.
4. The Residency: This is a historical building located in Lucknow, which was the residence of the British Resident General during the colonial period. It is now a museum and is a popular spot for history enthusiasts.
5. Ambedkar Memorial Park: This is a large park located in Lucknow and is dedicated to the memory of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, one of India’s most important political leaders. The park features a large statue of Dr. Ambedkar and is a popular spot for picnicking and relaxing.

These are just a few of the many nearby attractions that you can visit while in the area. If you’re interested in exploring more, you can also check with local tourism boards for more information on other nearby attractions.