About Armenian Church of Saidabad
The Armenian Church of Saidabad is a historic Armenian Apostolic church located in Saidabad on the outskirts of Berhampore in Murshidabad district, West Bengal. Built in 1758 by the Armenian community led by Khojah Petrus Aratoon, it is among the oldest Armenian churches in eastern India. The white-plastered church with its cemetery reflects the former Armenian mercantile presence in Murshidabad, the former capital of Bengal, and remains a quiet heritage landmark.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a quiet, white-plastered heritage church set within a walled compound with an old cemetery containing Armenian graves and tombstones with English and Armenian inscriptions. The simple interior features an altar and wooden pews when accessible. The surroundings are residential and semi-rural on the outskirts of Berhampore. Access is usually through a caretaker, and the site offers a calm environment for sightseeing, exterior photography and observing Armenian architectural elements.
Key highlights
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Built in 1758, among the oldest Armenian churches in eastern India
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Simple Armenian Apostolic architecture with white facade and pitched roof
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Historic cemetery with old Armenian tombstones and inscriptions
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Association with the Armenian merchant community of Murshidabad
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Quiet walled compound preserving colonial-era heritage character
History of Armenian Church of Saidabad
Built in 1758 by the Armenian community under Khojah Petrus Aratoon during the Nawabi period of Murshidabad, the church served the Armenian mercantile settlement at Saidabad and Cossimbazar. It is considered one of the earliest Armenian churches in eastern India and reflects the commercial importance of Armenians in Bengal in the 18th century when Murshidabad was the capital of Bengal.
Culture & Context
Represents the heritage of the Armenian Apostolic community in Bengal and their contribution to trade and culture in Murshidabad. The church and its cemetery with Armenian and English epitaphs are important markers of the multicultural history of the region.
Route
| By air |
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