Murshidabad

Murshidabad is located in central West Bengal, on the eastern bank of the Bhagirathi–Hooghly River, a major distributary of the Ganga. Its riverine position placed it at the heart of Bengal’s inland waterway network, allowing easy movement of goods, people, and administrative authority. Fertile alluvial plains supported agriculture, while river trade sustained urban growth.

Before rising as a capital, the region consisted of agrarian settlements and river ports connected to older centres such as Gaur and Rajmahal.

Foundation as a Nawabi Capital

Murshidabad’s transformation began in the early 18th century when Murshid Quli Khan, the Mughal-appointed Diwan of Bengal, shifted the provincial capital from Dhaka to the Bhagirathi riverbank around 1704–1717. The city was named Murshidabad after him.

This move marked a decisive change in Bengal’s political geography. Murshidabad became the administrative and financial capital of Bengal, overseeing one of the richest provinces of the Mughal Empire. Revenue collection, judicial authority, and military administration were concentrated here.

Economic Power and Urban Growth

During the first half of the 18th century, Murshidabad emerged as one of the wealthiest cities in India. Its prosperity was driven by Bengal’s thriving textile industry, silk production, banking networks, and agricultural surplus.

Merchant communities, bankers (including the influential Jagat Seth family), artisans, and officials settled in the city. River traffic connected Murshidabad with Patna, Dhaka, and the port of Calcutta, making it a major node in regional and international trade.

Urban development included palaces, mosques, gardens, markets, and administrative buildings, giving the city a grand capital character.

Nawabs of Bengal and Political Authority

Under successive Nawabs of Bengal, Murshidabad remained the centre of power. The Nawabs exercised substantial autonomy from the Mughal emperor, functioning as de facto rulers of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

The city housed royal residences such as the Hazarduari Palace complex, as well as courts and military establishments. Murshidabad symbolised Bengal’s political independence within the weakening Mughal framework.

The Battle of Plassey and British Ascendancy

Murshidabad’s historical trajectory changed dramatically after the Battle of Plassey (1757). Although the battle itself occurred near Palashi, its consequences directly affected Murshidabad, the Nawabi capital.

The defeat of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah and the rise of British-backed Nawabs marked the beginning of British political dominance in Bengal. While Murshidabad nominally remained the capital for a time, real power shifted to the British East India Company.

In 1772, the Company moved the administrative capital to Calcutta, signalling Murshidabad’s political decline.

Decline and Loss of Capital Status

Following the loss of capital status, Murshidabad experienced economic and demographic decline. Trade routes reoriented toward Calcutta, and many merchant families relocated.

The Nawabs continued to reside in Murshidabad but with reduced authority, functioning under British supervision. The city’s role shifted from an imperial capital to a ceremonial and administrative town.

British Period and District Formation

During the British period, Murshidabad became a district headquarters within Bengal. Colonial administration introduced courts, revenue offices, and municipal governance, though on a smaller scale than during the Nawabi era.

Silk weaving, agriculture, and local trade remained important to the district economy. The river continued to serve as a transport artery, though railways gradually reduced its dominance.

Cultural and Architectural Legacy

Despite political decline, Murshidabad retained significant cultural importance. Nawabi architecture, mosques, imambaras, and palaces survived as symbols of its former status.

The city remained a centre of Indo-Islamic culture, Persian-influenced court traditions, and regional crafts. Education and religious institutions sustained social life through the colonial period.

Post-Independence Transition

After India’s independence in 1947, Murshidabad remained part of West Bengal. Unlike many princely capitals, it did not undergo political integration challenges but adapted to democratic administration as a district town.

The district faced challenges related to agrarian pressure, river erosion, and population growth, while also supporting agriculture, silk production, and small-scale industry.

Murshidabad in the Modern Era

In the modern era, Murshidabad functions as a district administrative and cultural centre rather than a political capital. Its economy is based on agriculture, silk weaving, education, and government services.

Urban growth has been moderate, and the city retains strong visual reminders of its Nawabi past. Improved road and rail links connect Murshidabad with Kolkata and North Bengal.

Murshidabad’s historical significance lies in its role as a turning point in Indian history—from being the capital of one of India’s richest provinces to the site where British political power in Bengal took decisive shape. Its story reflects the transition from Mughal-era regional autonomy to colonial dominance and, later, integration into the modern Indian state.