Way back in time, when Murshidabad was the capital of the Nawabs of Bengal, the place was a flourishing port on the Ganges, tucked inside a bend in the river. So it was here - around 1700 - that Ajodhya Ram Roy of Pirojpur village decided to settle down with his family. Ajodhya Ram Roy and his son Dinobandhu Roy traded in silk and built up a sizable business in silk export. But after the English East India Company defeated the Nawab of Murshidabad and subsequently decided to straighten out the course of Ganges to facilitate direct passage of boats between Murshidabad and Behrampore (now Baharampur), the place lost its strategic importance and dwindled away. The Roy family too began to look at other options. Since the 1700s, as new generations of the Roy family started to unfold, each member had their own things of interest & different hobbies. This lead to the rajbari bearing proof of their interests. Some were very keen on wrestling while others were keen on making a garden.
AccommodationAccommodation: 14 people with a double occupancy room.
Nearest Tourist AttractionHazarduari Palace
Spread over a massive area of 41 acres, the magnificence of Murshidabad's Hazarduari Palace is second to none. This stunning structure spreads over a massive area of 41 acres on the Kila Nizamat campus, and its splendour is second to none. The breathtaking palace is located on the banks of River Bhagirathi and is famous for its grandeur. Tourists from all over the world flock this attraction every year to escape the present and get a glimpse of the Nawabi lifestyle. The name roughly translates to 'a thousand doors' as this palace is embellished with a thousand ornamental gateways. Out of these, 900 doors are real, and the rest are false doors which were built to confuse any intruders. The construction style of the palace is an amalgam of Italian and Greek architectural styles and is a great example of Murshidabad's rich cultural heritage.
Nizmat Imbabura
On the northern side of the palace lies The Nizamat Imambara, built in 1847 AD by Nawab Nazim Mansoor Ali Khan Feradun Jah, son of Humayun Jah. The stunning mosque was built after the Imambara built by Siraj-ud-Doula got burnt down in a fire.
Moti Jheel
Motijheel used to comprise of a palace and a beautiful lake. The lake still survives, while the palace perished. Motijheel is one of the few places that reflect both Indian and British history.
Footi Mosque
Footi mosque was started by Nawab Sarfaraz Khan. It is located towards the east of the Hazarduari Palace, at Kumrapore. The mosque is believed to be the brainchild of Sarfaraz Khan alone.
Katra Mosque
Another striking tourist spot of Murshidabad and perhaps one of the most well maintained too, Katra Mosque was built in 1724 by Murad Farash Khan, a devoted follower of Murshid Quli Khan.
Shopping in Murshidabad
Murshidabad is particularly famous for its handicrafts (ivory and wood). Also, another thriving industry is the silk Industry. Sarees from Murshidabad are sold all over the country.
