10 Interesting Facts of Hazarduari Palace, Murshidabad
Murshidabad is one of the best destinations for heritage tourism in West Bengal. The city is rich in terms of history, historical events and even pre-historic excavations. It is one of the 18 districts of West Bengal, ruled by kings of pre-Mauryan era (6th century BC).
Earliest known ruler is the Emperor Bimbisara (543BC to 491BC) of the Haryanka dynasty. Their rule extended to Anga, present West Bengal. In 424BC Nanda dynasty overthrew Mauryan rule. After that the kingdom passed through hands of several rulers. Humayun Jah and Feradun Jah the last of the Nawabs ruled Bengal till 1850s.
Road Trip through Places of Attraction in West Bengal
After a night halt at Nabadwip we set set off on our road trip to Murshidabad very early in the morning. Plan was to spend the entire day sight seeing in Murshidabad. Distance of 113km between Nabadwip to Murshidabad was done in 3 hours with one small break in between.
We were on our 3rd day of road trip through top tourist attractions of West Bengal.
Historic Places in Murshidabad
To be honest the city deserves a two day itinerary to do justice to the several historic places worth visiting. My research of the place showed the Kathgola Palace, Adinath Jain Temple, forts and Imambaras are all so beautiful. But 1000 doors / 1000 duari Hazarduari Palace tops the list!
1000 duari photo Murshidabad
Hazarduari Palace Murshidabad
The name defines the palace. Hazarduari translates to 1000 doors. (hazar – 1000, duar – door). This majestic palace was built in 19th century by architect Duncan Macleod. The city was then ruled by Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa (1824–1838). The only sad part to the construction as I see is that a fort, Nizamat Fort, that existed here was demolished to build the grand palace.
Wiki mentions this incident which happened at the start of construction.
The concrete bed on which the foundation stone was to be laid was built so deep that the Nawab had to use a ladder to descend. The suffocating atmosphere created due to the large concourse of people, which stood surrounding them, caused His Highness to faint. The foundation stone was laid after he was brought up.
Hazarduari Palace Tour
Well, I expected 1000 doors but in reality there are actually 900 real doors. Remaining 100 fake doors were built to mislead the enemy attackers. The huge pillars, 18ft tall, all around the palace add grandeur to it. Without them probably the European style signature look would be missing. I am forgetting the number of rooms I crossed (there are 114 rooms), and I lost count of the doors too.
Lion in sitting posture at the foot of the huge flight of stairs, this reminded me so much of European architectures.
There are 114 rooms and each room was spacious and full of old furniture, walls adorned with paintings collected by Nawabs (Muslim rulers), marble statues collected by them and huge library holding rare books and manuscripts. It will take good couple of hours to tour through all the rooms, yet not be satisfied. If you are running short of time you can note the most interesting facts of Hazarduari Palace.
During its heydays this palace was used for daily durbar works, and as residence of Nawabs and many British officials. The colossal pillars, the façade of the building, the lofty dome adorned with stucco ornamentation make the palace look grand! It is a fine example of Indo-European architecture style.
Most unfortunate part was the board displaying the sign “No photography”. Folks there are so strict. They held back our cameras at the ticket counters and we are supposed to collect while exiting.
10 Interesting Facts of Hazarduari Palace
1. Nizamat Imambara
There existed a wooden Imambara in this same place till 1846. Sadly during a celebratory function the Imambara caught fire and was reduced to ashes completely. However within a couple of years, by 1848, the Imambara was rebuilt. This Imambara is believed to be the biggest one in whole of India.
2. Madina Mosque
Just close to Nizamat Imambara is the Madina Mosque which miraculously escaped the fire which struck the Imambara. Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah constructed this mosque. It is believed that they brought soil from Mecca and mixed it in foundation soil of this mosque. The idea was to provide an opportunity to the poorer members of the local Muslim community to have an experience of Hajj.
3. Flight of stairs one of the biggest in India
This grand flight of stairs has 37 steps of stone leads up to the palace’s upper portico. Lower most one is 108 feet (33 m) long.
4. Bacchawali Tope
This cannon is placed in the lawns of Hazarduari Palace. What may look like ordinary cannon to you has an interesting story, the reason why I included it in list of interesting facts of Hazarduari Palace!
The two ends of it with different diameters is distinct. This cannon was fired only once because the explosive sound of the firing was so loud that it induced child delivery in most of the pregnant women in vicinity. It was heard within a range of 10miles radius. The name indicates the story – bacchawali – pregnant women or women who delivered, and tope – cannon.
Weight of the cannon is 7657kg and requires 18kg of gunpowder for one shot. Reading the statistic I was glad this cannon was used only once.
5. Zurud Mosque
This mosque is bang opposite to the west gate of Hazarduari Palace and made under orders of Sirajud-Daullah. When I saw in 2013 it had a dull faded white look. Latest reports say it is painted bright yellow and glows in dark.
Zurud Mosque in April 2013
6. Clock Tower
Locally popular as Ghari Ghor, has clocks on all 4 sides; probably built with the intention of helping sailors sailing down the Bhagirath River. It is also popular as Big Ben of Murshidabad. Sagor Mistri, an Indian Bengali assistant of Colonel McLeod, the architect of the palace designed this clock tower.
7. Crystal Chandelier
Don’t miss the crystal chandelier in the Durbar Hall of the palace. Amidst all the furniture used by the Nawab there is a grand crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling.
The prestige factor associated with it is – This is the second largest chandelier in the world, after one in Buckingham Palace. It was given to the Nawab by Queen Victoria herself. The chandelier was lit by 1001 candles in those days when there was no electricity. Now they use 96 bulbs.
8. Mirror Magic
Also watch out for two pairs of mirrors in the museum, another of interesting facts of Hazarduari Palace. They are placed at an angle of 90 degrees in such a way that one cannot see one’s own face but others can see. Nawab used this to prevent predators from harming him.
It was cleverly positioned so that the predator cannot see his face and assume it to be just a mirror, while Nawab could and the predator would be caught. Visitors to museum usually experiment this out. It is outside the gallery on the landing area of the staircase which leads to the upper floors.
9. Fake Doors in Durbar Hall
The Durbar Hall, gallery no. 7, is circular in plan and has four doors at the cardinal points. Some of the doors are fake; find out which of them are.
10. Interesting collection in Museum in Palace
There are 19 galleries housing precious 2700 collections including British, Indian and even Dutch relics. Then there are furniture, weapons, crockery, paintings, antiques and manuscripts, mute witnesses to Mughal and British rule. But if you are facing time crunch you can rush through and see these artifacts in the galleries mentioned.
- Gallery 1 & 2 – You can see the dagger with which Muhammad i-Beg killed Siraj ud-Daulah.
- In Gallery no. 3 – One of the most renowned objects is an ivory palanquin used by Zebunissa, the daughter of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (1658–1707 AD).
- Gallery 8 – The silver throne of the Nawab Feradun Jah and his prized hookah, surrounded on either side by exquisitely carved marble candle stands.
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Very informative post! I”m curious about the Clock Tower and the Mosque. All the architectures are very English and look preserved but why photos are not allowed?
This is such a gem. Hazarduari palace definitely piques my interest. Even 900 doors is not a bad deal. And that is a smart thing to do – have fake doors to stall the enemy. And largest number of stairs or rather one of them…now that must have been something. I hope I can get there soon. Cheers
IN HAZARIBAGH THERE IS AN SO BIG CROCODILE IN THE TIME OF MUGAL’S IS FREEZED . THE PALKI MADE OF SILVER AND ELEPHANTS TEETH MAKE THIS PALACE WORTHI TO VISIT. LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST THERE ARE MANY OLD WEAPONS WHICH USED IN THE WAR THESE ARE MAKE ME SO ENTEROGIZED . OVERALL THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES THAT I VISIT
114 rooms? Hazarduari Palace is huge! It would be fun to try out the magic mirrors. What is the purpose of the fake doors in Durbar Hall? I bet the grand flight of stairs is amazing, such a bummer there is no photography.
The story alone about the 900 doors plus 100 fake doors makes the Hazarduari palace worth a visit. Clearly some very creative architects if they also created a 100+ foot step on the stairs. Such cool stats!
That’s a cool story about the fake doors. And I agree it definitely looks like you need two full days there, that place has a lot of history!
Sounds like a maze and fascinating exploration. 900 doors and 100 fake ones to confuse attackers. Really smart! It’s too bad you were not able to capture photos of this impressive palace. Great article, though.
I’m glad they stuck to the name and added an extra 100 fake doors to confuse attackers. Too bad they don’t allow photography inside the building, I’m sure the rooms are stunning. I can’t wait to try out the mirror magic so I can catch my attackers off guard. Or at least my friends! Thanks for sharing!
I love the idea that 100 fake doors were built to confuse and trick enemies, very creative and tactical. The palace looks great, I’d love to see it one day.
900 actual doors and 100 fake ones. So it does have 1000 doors after all…that is fascinating aspect of the architecture of this palace. We have endless wonders in our country, and only a fraction are in public eye.
Good spicy post….and to think of it i thought murshidabad is a dull drab place
Nice and Informative Post and Thanks to you I came to know all these..
Interesting information.. I did not know about this before. Thanx for enriching my knowledge !
this one is interesting .. nice capture !
"No photography allowed" these words are like hell for any photo lover..anyway you managed some nice clicks!
Wow, Nice clicks! Thanks for the great post
That's a very beautiful and interesting palace.
Yes it does remind of museums in Europe on a afterthought, is it similar to the Chowmohalla palace in Hyd?
nice shots Ind…
Interesting palace.
Wonderful monument,thousand pillars. Thanks for sharing about this place. West Bengal has lot in offer.
Nice post, Great captures.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
This is a very impressive-looking palace. It's a shame you weren't allowed to take photos inside.
You did manage to get some great shots even though they held back your camera for the interiors. Thanks for sharing. cheers.
The building looks European as well. In the style at the end of the 17th century.
Thank you for your comment on my blog about my friend Elizabeth.
Wil, ABCW Team.
So many intriguing stories from Indian history!
I've seen a number of Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata inspired by this palace. Need to visit it sometime!
The details make true impression on the palace and great photos to go along with it!
It has the look of an English manor house, amazing. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Beautiful pictures and info. This 1000- duari palace was known to me though I never visited. I also become sad to come across signages reading "No Photography". Murshidabad has many more pre colonial buildings and may be most of them are in ruins.
don't you just hate that sign – NO PHOTOGRAPHY?
Wow, really, the palace looking nice and has an interesting history. such wonderful article…
Looking at the first two pics, i thought they were from your Europe series… Looks like a very well maintained palace.. The third pic resembles B'lore n Mumbai town halls…
Wondrous indeed! Sad though that no photography allowed
Very imposing indeed.But pray tell me what they will do with 114 rooms except by keeping them closd or allowing all and sundry attached to royal family to occupy.
I see no logic in denying photography especially in such beautiful historic monuments.What risks can they pose?
You are lucky in visiting so kmany places of interest and we too in getting to know of them through you.Thanks
Very interesting… Thanks for sharing…
Amazing and beautiful place and terrific captures as always, Indrani! Have a great week!
How sad you were unable to take photos inside! It would be very interesting to see, I'm sure!
Very good post Indrani
greetings, Joop
900 real doors is impressive!
Looks Like a Interesting Place, Nice Clicks. .
Treasure House INDIA!
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