_1745345548154_thumb_1200.jpeg?w=1200&q=75&fm=webp)
Hundreds of years ago, the winding Bhagirathi River split into several smaller lakes, one of which is Motijheel, which means "the pearl lake" in English. Recently manicured and transformed into an environmentally friendly nature park, it is situated about three kilometres southeast of the Hazarduari Palace. The West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDC) operates a tourism property on the grounds. Motijheel, Murshidabad, now stands as the crowning jewel in this historical Bengal town!
Tracing the royal history of Motijheel
Long before the Battle of Plassey, Motijheel had a rich history. Nawazish Muhammad Khan, Alivardi Khan's son-in-law, used it as a pleasure garden. A three-domed mosque, a majestic entrance, and a regal site called Sang-i-dalan made up the complex. Using black basalt pillars salvaged from Gaur's ruins, the palace was erected around 1740. The name comes from the fact that pearls were grown in the lake during this period.
Ghaseti Begum, who was the widow of Nawazish Khan, became ruler of the region after her husband's death. Siraj ud-Daulah amassed vast riches and banished his maternal aunt Ghaseti Begum from Motijheel upon his accession to the throne in 1756. Ghaseti Begam was not satisfied and plotted her retribution. At the Battle of Plassey, which resulted in Siraj ud-Daulah's death and the establishment of British control over India, Ghaseti Begum, along with Mir Jafar, Siraj ud-Daulah's commander, and the banker Jagat Seth, chose to side with Clive.
William Watts, the head of the Cossimbazar factory south of Motijheel, met in secret with Clive, Ghaseti Begum, Mir Jafar, Jagat Seth, and the other conspirators. At Sang-i-dalan, Motijheel, the gathering took place. The ruin of Sang-i-dalan and the Motijheel dynasty have long since disappeared. The sole remaining structure is the mosque, which may be seen near the entrance to Motijheel, which is one of the most important Murshidabad tourist places!
Murshidabad sightseeing- What to expect at Motijheel
Built by Nawazish Khan between 1749 and 1750, the three-dome mosque may be found on the northern neck of the oxbow lake, as attested to by the Persian inscription. Slender minarets adorn each of the four corners of the rectangular foundation. Among the five tombs in the front part are those of Nawazish Khan and Ekramuddaula, his adoptive son.
Both branches of the oxbow lake now encompass the park. A recently built arched doorway on the west side serves as the entrance. At the curve of the oxbow lake, at the end of the park, is the gateway that leads to another entrance surrounded by palm trees. The route features tributes to Alivardi Khan, Murshid Quli Khan, and Siraj ud-Daulah. The park's Warren Hastings statue is located at the park's edge, where the oxbow lake bends.
Remnants of the great battle
Next to the tiny section of the Sang-i-dalan wall that remains, there is a platform that holds the five sculptures representing the participants in the clandestine plot meeting. Statues depicting Siraj's colossal army during the Battle of Plassey, replete with elephants, camels, and horses, stand next to it. Due to technical difficulties, a light and sound show that included them has been cancelled. This is also the case for a number of the park's other attractions. Both the watercraft and the musical fountain have long since stopped functioning but once served as one of the best places to visit in Murshidabad!
Motijheel- the most beautiful Murshidabad tourist spot
This Murshidabad tourist spot also comes with attractions for the children! The park's kiddie area, with its slides and other attractions, is open and running, and visitors may have a pleasure ride on the road train as they go around the park. For journeys that are easier on the planet, tandem bikes are offered. The rose garden is neat and tidy, and it has various rose varieties. With its many trees and well-groomed gardens, the park is in good condition. A few of the tourist huts are furnished with benches so that guests may take a break.
You will also find a government eating and resting area at Motijheel! Rooms are on the upper levels, while the ground level has an office, function hall, and eating area. Guests have the freedom to wander around the property on a battery-operated golf cart, and there are cottages available, which are situated around 200 metres away.
Bird watchers- you’re in luck!
Many species, both resident and migratory, use the lake as a nesting site. Motijheel is a great place to see lesser whistling ducks and open-billed storks. As it flits across the park's immaculate lawns, the Red Wattled Lapwing is spotted. Stay at the Motijheel compound the next time you're in Murshidabad to experience a fascinating blend of history and nature. The park is a great place to take a stroll in the evening, even if you can't get lodging.