Murshidabad Hazarduari Palace: History and Its Significance

West Bengal of India is a state that is enriched with a solid historical background still holding one of the rich cultural importance with its celebrations, art, literature, and cuisine. Similarly, the state has Hazarduari Palace, a well-known architecture that signifies the beauty, art, and culture of Murshidabad and its bygone days.

In 1985, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) disclosed several facts about Hazarduari Palace, including its old name called Bara Kothi. This also amazed the people stating that it’s impossible to figure out the actual worth of the historical architect in today’s scenario.

All About Hazarduari Palace, Murshidabad

The most popular thing about Hazarduari Palace is its thousand doors in which actual doors only count to 900, but the other 100 doors are unreal. The basic idea behind the structure was the security of the people living inside the palace so that no invaders could attack them from outside the campus border.

This was constructed to misguide the invaders who would struggle to find the actual door to get inside the palace and help the Nawab’s army escape and plan a foolproof strategy. 

From 1824 to 1838, the Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah was the ruler of Bengal, owning the Hazarduari Palace. Since then, the palace has been one of India’s historical artefacts and assets that has enormously benefited the nation to promote its fine art, revealing the ruler’s lifestyle and brave stories to the tourists.

History of Hazarduari Palace, West Bengal

Murshidabad Hazarduari is one of the precious tourist places that India holds currently. In 1837, the palace was built by Mir Jafar and his family, exclusively designed by General Duncan McLeod. 

The Hazar Duari Murshidabad complex has a Madina mosque, Nizam Imambaara, Clock, etc. Although Indian palaces are named after their ruler, Hazar Duari was named for its characteristics, “a thousand doors” for its characteristics. 

Expanding deep to the subject, West Bengals” Murshidabad itself is a known name as it was the largest city globally. When Nawab Murshid-Quil-Khan used to rule Bihar, Orissa, and Bengal, Murshidabad was the capital of the entire empire. However, this is not what West Bengal has in the historical collection. 

When Britishers came to India and started their trade business, they captured the entire country under its colony. And Calcutta (now Kolkata) was announced as the nation’s capital by them. Interestingly, they even convinced Mir Jafar to cheat Nawab and help the Britishers achieve their agenda.

Architectural Design of the Hazarduari Palace

The Murshidabad Hazar Duari Palace was built after demolishing Nizamat Kila back then. The construction undoubtedly has a well-researched design with 37 stones heading to the upper portico. There were numerous huge gateways with different names.

The main gateway had Naubat Khanas, where musicians had their galleries to settle and play music. Including this, it has seven giant pillars having 5.5 m its base and 18 ft in height. This great architect of Murshidabad was all set to create the buzz in 1837 with its multiple specialities. 

Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah laid the foundation stone to make it an actual Nawabi Palace. But the concrete bed was so in-depth that the Nawab had to use a ladder where he even fainted due to the huge crowd and suffocation. 

The Nawab Palace is nearly 40 ft away from the River Bhagirathi. Hazaar Dwari frontage has a north-facing staircase which again was a discussion then. The palace consists of a total of 114 rooms with several doors. The primary focus of the designer was to showcase the Indo-European architects.

What’s Inside the Hazarduari Palace?

Inside the palace, a museum has a great collection of antiques, old furniture, treasured paintings, tools, instruments, and more. You will find the Muhammad- i-Beg’s dagger with which he killed Siraj-ud-Dualah. Along with this, a palanquin was used by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s daughter Zebunissa. 

There are historical books from where you can learn about the palace. Here you could also see the precious hookah carved with marble along with the silver throne of Nawab Feradun Jah.  

Including this, some artworks of French, Italian, and Dutch artists can also be seen. Undoubtedly, Murshidabad Hazarduari is worth visiting to reveal the old mysteries and engage with mesmerising artefacts. 

Political Significance of the Hazarduari Palace, West Bengal

West Bengal is the hub of Indian history that connects to the political importance of Murshidabad Hazarduari Palace. This old fort was used for the empire’s royal and official gatherings.

Heading to this, Hazar Duari was also used by the Britishers, who even granted accommodation facilities to their higher authority officials to stay inside the campus.  

Inside the palace, the old artwork and vintage furniture speak a lot about the taste of Nawab. One who visits the palace could feel the ancient days closely. 

Facts About the Hazarduari Palace

The Mystery Mirror

Interestingly, Hazarduari Palace has a mystery mirror where the person who stands in front of it cannot see themselves, but others can. The mirror was planned to be placed at 90 degrees. 

The reason behind this was to mislead the invaders who could harm the Nawab before they could realise that they were the target. This magic mirror is placed outside the gallery, and visitors try the experiment to know the story’s relevance. 

The Nizamat Imambara

This wooden Imambara went through an accident and caught fire completely. Due to this, the first Imambara built did not exist after 1848. 

However, it was rebuilt after two years. And the Nizamat Imambara is still listed under the title of India’s biggest Imambara.

Bacchawali Tope

Bacchawali is a canon that may look ordinary to you but holds a strong and distinctive reason for its structure. As the name suggests, it is connected to a pregnant woman or a woman who has just given birth to a baby. 

The weight of this cannon is 7657kg, where 18 kilograms of gunpowder is needed for a single shot. And you will be amazed to know that this cannon has been used just once to date. 

This is because the loud volume it generated could make any pregnant woman deliver the child within 10 miles radius. 

The Crystal Chandelier

The Crystal Chandelier is a sign of royalty that nobody can deny. And when it comes to exploring a place like Hazar Duari, then you must not miss the chance of being under the world’s second-largest chandelier after the one in Buckingham Palace. 

This astonishing chandelier had thousand and one lit candles back when there was no electricity. Ninety-six electric bulbs have now replaced these candles after urbanisation. Queen Victoria gifted it to the Nawab, which still adds antiquity to the palace’s beauty. 

The Madina Mosque

Madina Mosque was built by Nawab Siraj-ud-Dualah, situated close to the Nizamat Imambara. Fortunately, the mosque escaped the fire caught by the Imambara due to its proximity. 

It is said that the soil used for its construction was mixed with the soil brought from Mecca. The primary reason behind this was to let the inferior local Muslim community embrace the feeling of Hajj. 

Ways to Reach Hazarduari Palace

• First, you need to travel by train from Kolkata Murshidabad Station. 
• From there, you can get a battery cab that will charge you Rs.10 per head. 
• You may find some cost-effective hotels to help you stay near Hazarduari Palace. 
• But you need to decide beforehand at the nearest hotel from Murshidabad Hazar Duari. 
• The total distance from Murshidabad railway station and Hazarduari is approximately 3km. 

Timings and Entry Fees for Hazarduari Palace

Entry Timing: 6:00 am to 6:00pm

Hazarduari Ticket Fees

Indian Visitors: Rs. 20 each

Tourists: Rs 250 each

Note: You may book online tickets through travel sites as well. 

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