Murshidabad Hazarduari

About Murshidabad Hazarduari palace

Murshidabad Hazarduari is a palace in the city of Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. It was built in the 19th century and is known for its thousand doors (hazards are in Bengali means “a thousand doors”), of which only a few are functional. The palace is now a museum showcasing the history and culture of Murshidabad. It is considered to be one of the important tourist attractions in the city and is a popular destination for history buffs and architectural enthusiasts.

History

Murshidabad Hazarduari Palace was built in 1837 by architect Duncan MacLeod for the Nawab Najim Humayun Jah of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. It was originally used as the administrative headquarters of the Nawabs of Murshidabad and was the center of power and wealth in Bengal during the 18th and 19th centuries. After the death of the last Nawab, the palace became the property of the British East India Company and was later converted into a museum in the 20th century. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of Murshidabad, including treasures, arms and ammunition, manuscripts, and paintings from the past. The palace is now a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Indo-European architecture in India.

Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Murshidabad Hazarduari Palace:

1. Thousand Doors: The palace is named “Hazarduari” because it has over a thousand doors, although only a few are functional.
2. Indo-European Architecture: The palace was built in the Indo-European style of architecture, a combination of Indian and European architectural styles.
3. Historical Significance: Murshidabad was once the capital of Bengal and was one of the most important centers of power and wealth in India during the 18th and 19th centuries.
4. Artifacts and Treasures: The palace museum contains a rich collection of artifacts and treasures from the past, including manuscripts, paintings, weapons, and other objects of historical significance.
5. Protected Monument: The palace is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Indo-European architecture in the country.
6. Popular Tourist Destination: The palace is a popular tourist destination, attracting history buffs and architectural enthusiasts from around the world.

Architecture

Murshidabad Hazarduari Palace is a prime example of Indo-European architecture, which is a combination of Indian and European architectural styles. It was designed and built by architect Duncan MacLeod in 1837 for the Nawab Najim Humayun Jah of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. The palace features a combination of Indian and European elements, including grand arches, intricate carvings, and columns in the European style, along with Indian elements such as large courtyards, balconies, and pillared verandas. The palace is also known for its large central dome, which is a prominent feature of the building’s architecture. The dome is surrounded by several smaller domes and towers, adding to the palace’s grandeur. The palace is now a museum and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Indo-European architecture in India.

Timings and Entry Fees

The timings for visiting Murshidabad Hazarduari Palace are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days except Fridays. The entry fees for Indian nationals is INR 10 per person, and for foreign nationals, it is INR 250 per person. Children below 15 years of age are allowed free entry. Note that the entry fees and timings are subject to change, so it’s best to check with the local authorities before visiting.

How to reach

Murshidabad Hazarduari Palace is located in the city of Murshidabad in West Bengal, India. Here are the ways to reach the palace:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Murshidabad is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, which is approximately 180 km from Murshidabad. From the airport, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Murshidabad.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station to Murshidabad is the Murshidabad Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the railway station, one can take a taxi or a local mode of transportation to reach the palace.
3. By Bus: Murshidabad is well-connected to major cities in West Bengal by road. There are frequent bus services available from Kolkata and other nearby cities to Murshidabad.
4. By Car: One can also drive to Murshidabad, as the city is well-connected by road to major cities in West Bengal. There are several car rental services available in Kolkata and other nearby cities.

It is advisable to plan your visit in advance and check the local transportation options to ensure a hassle-free trip to Murshidabad Hazarduari Palace.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Murshidabad Hazarduari Palace is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and conducive for sightseeing. During these months, the temperature is moderate, making it comfortable to explore the palace and the city. The summer months can be quite hot, while the monsoon season brings heavy rains, which can make it difficult to visit the palace. Hence, it is recommended to plan your visit during the winter months to get the best experience. Note that the palace remains closed on Fridays, so plan your visit accordingly.

Nearby attractions

Murshidabad Hazarduari Palace is located in the city of Murshidabad, which is home to several other tourist attractions that are worth visiting. Here are some of the nearby attractions in and around Murshidabad:

1. Katra Masjid: This mosque is one of the largest in India and is known for its impressive architecture.
2. Jahan Kosha Cannon: This is one of the largest cannons in the world and is located near the palace.
3. Wasef Manzil: This is the birthplace of Nawab Wasif Ali Mirza, and is now a museum showcasing his personal belongings and manuscripts.
4. Nizamat Imambara: This imambara was built by Nawab Nazim Mansoor Ali in the 19th century and is an important religious site for the Shia Muslim community.
5. Motijheel: This is a large artificial lake located in the center of the city and is a popular spot for picnics and boating.
6. Hazarduari Park: This park is located near the palace and is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
7. Khosh Bagh: This is the mausoleum of Alivardi Khan and is considered to be one of the most beautiful tombs in India.

These nearby attractions provide a rich cultural and historical experience for visitors and can be easily combined with a visit to Murshidabad Hazarduari Palace.