About Hazarduari Palace Museum
Hazarduari Palace Museum is a former palace turned museum located in Murshidabad, West Bengal, on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Built between 1829 and 1837 for Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah and designed by architect Duncan MacLeod, it is known for its 1000 doors, of which 100 are false. Now managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, it houses 20 galleries displaying Nawabi-era artifacts, paintings, weapons, and furniture.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a grand three-storey Indo-European style palace with 1000 doorways set within a 41-acre complex with gardens and front lawn. Inside, the museum displays 20 galleries across multiple halls containing royal collections including vintage furniture, chandeliers, paintings, manuscripts, weapons, ivory objects, and vintage cars. The exterior, grand staircase, Durbar Hall, and views of the Nizamat Imambara opposite the palace are accessible for sightseeing and photography.
Key highlights
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Palace with 1000 doors including 100 false doors designed to confuse intruders
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20 galleries displaying Nawabi collections of paintings, weapons, manuscripts and antiques
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Grand Durbar Hall with large chandelier presented by Queen Victoria
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Indo-European architecture designed by Colonel Duncan MacLeod
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Historic cannons Bachhawali Tope and old Madina Mosque within the palace complex
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Location on the banks of the Bhagirathi River opposite Nizamat Imambara
History of Hazarduari Palace Museum
Built between 1829 and 1837 during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah of Bengal, designed by Colonel Duncan MacLeod of the Bengal Corps of Engineers in Indo-European style. It served as the residence and administrative centre of the Nawabs of Murshidabad and was constructed to replace the earlier Nizamat Fort. The palace reflects the late Nawabi period and British architectural influence in Bengal.
Culture & Context
The palace is a prominent symbol of Murshidabad's Nawabi heritage and houses one of the largest collections of Nawabi-era artifacts in West Bengal. It preserves paintings, manuscripts, furniture and royal memorabilia reflecting the cultural and artistic traditions of 18th and 19th century Bengal and is a major heritage attraction of the Murshidabad heritage circuit.