Hazarduari palace & museum

Historical Grandeur

Hazarduari Palace, literally meaning "a palace with a thousand doors," is the undisputed crown jewel of Murshidabad, the last capital of independent Bengal. Built in 1837 by Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, it stands as a colossal testament to the opulent Nawabi lifestyle and the architectural tastes prevalent in the early 19th century. Designed by British architect Duncan Macleod, the palace exhibits a distinctive European architectural style, blending Italian and Greek influences, which was quite fashionable during the colonial period. It was primarily built as a grand durbar hall for official gatherings and a residence for the Nawab. The palace’s name is derived from its 1000 doors, of which 900 are real and 100 are false, designed perhaps to confuse intruders or simply as an architectural flourish to impress visitors.

Museum & Relics

Today, Hazarduari Palace functions as a magnificent museum, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It houses an extraordinary collection of artifacts that once belonged to the Nawabs of Bengal and their European contemporaries. The museum's vast collection spans over 41 acres within the Kila Nizamat complex. Key exhibits include a stunning array of weapons (including the sword of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah), royal furniture (such as the exquisite Darbar Hall throne), antique paintings by renowned European artists, portraits of Nawabs and British officials, ivory works, porcelain, old manuscripts, and various curiosities from the Nawabi era. Each item tells a story, offering deep insights into the political, social, and cultural milieu of 18th and 19th-century Bengal. The palace grounds are also beautifully landscaped with lush green gardens, adding to its regal charm.

Getting There

Hazarduari Palace is centrally located in Murshidabad, making it highly accessible for tourists and history enthusiasts.

By Rail

• Nearest Station: Murshidabad Railway Station (Murshidabad Junction), just a few kilometers from the palace.
• Connected to Kolkata (Sealdah) and other major stations in West Bengal via several local and express trains.
• From the station, visitors can hire cycle-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, or taxis to reach the palace comfortably.

By Road

• Murshidabad is about 200–220 km from Kolkata.
• Travel time: Around 5–6 hours depending on traffic.
• Options include hiring a private car or taking a direct bus from Kolkata (Esplanade/Dharmatala) to Murshidabad.
• The route is generally smooth with good road conditions.

By Air

• Nearest Major Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Kolkata.
• From the airport, visitors typically proceed via train or road to reach Murshidabad.

Local Transport

• Getting around in Murshidabad is convenient with cycle-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and hired cars.
• These are ideal for visiting not only Hazarduari Palace but also nearby attractions like Katra Masjid, Motijhil, Nizamat Imambara, and more.

Visitor Reviews

Grandeur Unveiled! A Journey Through Time! by Priyanka Dey

Hazarduari Palace is truly magnificent! The sheer scale of the palace and its 'thousand doors' concept are fascinating. The museum inside is a treasure trove of history, from antique weapons to stunning paintings. We spent hours immersed in the Nawabi era. A must-visit for history lovers, absolutely breathtaking! Smile

Visited in December 2024 with friends

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