- Not to be confused with Kathgodam, Uttarakhand.
Kathgola (কাঠগোলা Kāṭhgolā) is a small town north of Murshidabad, on the eastern bank of the Bhagirathi River, famous for the Kathgola Palace and the Jagat Seths.
Understand
[edit]The name "Kathgola" comes from the wood roses cultivated in the palace gardens, called kāṭhgolāp (কাঠ গোলাপ) in Bengali.
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Map of Kathgola
See
[edit]- 1 Kathgola Palace (Kathgola Bagan Bari). Once the residence of the Dugar family, now a museum showcasing chandeliers, mirrors, furniture and other artefacts. It was built by Dhanpat Singh Dugar and Lakshmipat Singh Dugar in 1873, along with the spacious garden. A French architect later renovated a part of this palace, which also involved a Bengali architect. The Kathgola complex also houses a Jain temple, a small zoo, and a statue by the famous sculptor Michelangelo.
- 2 Adinath Jain Mandir. Though some of its early glory has been lost, the temple remains a major tourist attraction, chiefly because of the beautiful temple with an admirable work of stucco. The walls of this temple are also intricately designed. A typically Jain style of ornamentation lends a unique beauty to this Jain temple.
- 3 House of Jagat Seth. The Jagat Seths were a business family and were involved in the business of banking and money lending. The last Jagat Seth was Fateh Chand in 1911 and the title was no longer inherited. Their house has been restored and converted into a museum. The complex also houses a Jain Temple dedicated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankar Parshanath.
- 4 Jafarganj Cemetery. About half a mile from the Hazarduari Palace is Jafarganj Cemetery. The Cemetery contains the tombs of the Nawab's Nazim, from Mir Jafar to Humayun Jah. Mir Jafar's father Syud Ahmed Nazafi, Alivardi Khan's sister, Shahkhanum, Mir Jafar's widows, Munni Begam and Babbu Begam, Mohamed Ali Khan, the brother and Ismail Ali Khan and Asraf Ali Khan, the sons-in-law of Mir Jafar, lie buried here. This cemetery was built by Mir Jafar, over an area of 3.51 acres and houses about 1100 graves.
- 5 Nashipur Palace. The palace was built by King Kirtichand Bahadur in 1865. Within the palace compound are temples: the Ramachandra temple and the Lakshmi-Narayana temple. Closely situated is the Ashram of Mohandas and Jafraganj Deorhi. The two cannons present here are said to be gifted to Mir Jafar by Clive.
- 6 Nimak Haram Deorhi (Traitor's Gate). Nimak Haram Deorhi is the gateway to Mir Jafar's palace. The palace lo longer exist but the entrance gate still stands.
- 7 Tomb of Azimunnisa Begum. Azimunnisa Begum, was the daughter of Murshid Quli Khan. According to legend she was diagnosed with an incurable disease. To get cured she was advised to eat the liver of infants. She got addicted to it and continued the practice. Ultimately it came to the attention of her father and he had her buried alive. There are several versions of the story. She was buried under a mosque and only a small portion of the mosque wall stands to this day..
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- Murshidabad Heritage Festival: January – February annually. The Murshidabad Heritage Festival aims at reviving the tangible and intangible heritage of Murshidabad, along with those nearby heritage tows of Jiaganj Azimganj and Cossimbazar. The festival aims at preserving the past and integrating it with the present and to bring Murshidabad back in the tourism, cultural and heritage map of India. It is an initiative of Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS). The festival began in 2011 and has been celebrated ever since. The festival is complete with cultural performances, heritage walks, cruise along the Bhagirathi River and exotic food. The food served during the festival is purely vegetarian, with special emphasis on Sheherwali cuisine.