Hazarduari in Murshidabad: Visit the Palace of a Thousand Doors!

An erstwhile palace turned museum, Hazarduari literally means ‘one with 1000 doors’. Interestingly, not all the doors actually lead to passageways or chambers, and almost hundred are fake. Yes! Designed specially to thwart enemies and confuse them as they try to find their way around the palace. Isn’t that a really cool idea?

Housing the second-largest chandelier in the world (Queen Victoria presented it to the Nawab, just a size smaller than the one at Buckingham Palace) and bestowed with eye-popping antiquities, Hazarduari has the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. With so many feathers in its cap, no wonder the palace makes it to every travel buff’s list.

Built in early 19^th century by the then Nawab Nazim Humayun Jha, local legend has it that the foundation runs so deep, the Nawab actually had to climb down a ladder to lay the foundation stone and fainted from suffocation!

The entrance gates are large enough for elephants to pass through along with their mahouts, and is immediately below the music chamber known as Naubat Khanas. Originally housing the Nizamat Kila, the complex today houses important Islamic buildings of significance as well as an educational institution.

#MMTHighlight: Hazarduari Palace Museum

A treasure trove of historical artefacts and personal effects of the erstwhile nawabs, Hazarduari Palace Museum is the biggest site museum managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. With two grand carriages on display at the entrance porch – a Victorian carriage and a camel carriage – the museum highlights further include Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah’s sword, vintage cars, priceless landscape paintings and a wealth of collection.

Look out for the Durbar Hall chandelier – one of the prized antiquities of the museum, the Mir Madan cannon – one bloody relic of the Battle of Plassey, the dagger which pierced through Siraj-ud-Daulah and the Dutch cannon presented to Alivardi Khan by the Dutch government. Oh and of course, don’t miss the ivory palanquin used by Mughal princess Zebunissa that finds a place in the Royal Exhibits gallery.

#FunTip: Stand in front of the set of mirrors adorning the Nawab’s dressing table. You’ll be able to see everyone around you except yourself! Now that’s what we call some physics fun.

Other attractions:

Overlooking the Bhagirathi river, the complex is famous for its sprawling grounds. Make your way to the spectacular Bacchawali Tope stationed between the Madina Mosque and Chowk Masjid, hop over to the Clock Tower which grants a breathtaking majestic view of the palace and enjoy the crimson sunset soaking in the majestic views of the palace grounds serenaded by the meandering Bhagirathi river.

Sounds inviting? 

#MMTQuickTips:

Nearest airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport

Nearest railway station: Murshidabad Railway Station

The Palace has a nominal entry fee and restricts the use of cameras and video recorders.

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