By Saunak Mookerjee
In 1750, the newly constructed palace ofMansurganj in Murshidabad by Nawab SirajudDaulah was considered to be‘the wonder of the world.’ After having succeeded Nawab AlivardiKhan in 1756, Nawab Siraj ud Daulah transferred all the treasures from the four major palaces of the family to Mansurganj. Motijhil was among the four palaces. Built by Nawazish Muhammad Khan, the son-in-law of Nawab Alivardi Khan and the spouse of Ghasiti Begam, Motijhil was associated with lavish marriage celebrations of the members of the royal family of Nawab Alivardi Khan. It was also associated with festivities, politics, wealth, drama, holi etc. It is said that holiwas celebrated by filling up 200 cisterns with coloured water, with heaps of amber and saffron raising their heads to the sky and more than five hundred fairy like women in splendid robes, appeared in groups every morning and evening from every corner of the garden.
It was the residence of the Nawab Alivardi Khan’s son-in-law Nawazish Muhammad Khan or Shahamat Jangand his daughter Ghasiti Begam. Ghasiti Begam wanted the adopted son of Shahamat Jang called Akram-ud-Daulah to ascend the throne and opposed the decision of Siraj becoming the Nawab. By having Akram-ud-Daulah seated on the throne, she wanted to the rule the country behind the veil. But Akram-ud-Daulah died a year before Nawab Alivardi Khan. Shaukat Jang was extended an invitation to rule Murhidabad. Every enemy of Siraj found a patron in Ghasiti Begam because she opposed the decision of Siraj becoming the next Nawab after Alivardi Khan.
Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah celebrated holi at Mansurganj after reaching an agreement with the English before Battle of Plassey. The terms agreed upon included making peace with the English and a promise to pay compensation for the sack of Calcutta. He also gave robes of honour to the English sahibs. However, Siraj to remain, as always, in support of French. In Mansurganj, at the request of the French, Siraj agreed to help them with troops in order to oppose the attack of English. The decision to provide a strong force to Raja Durlabh Ram and Mir Md. Jafar Khan to defend themselves from English in Agradwip happened in Mansurganj.
It is said that on 20 June 1757 Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah started fromMansurganj to drive away the English. Mansurganjgained its historic importance because it was the placewhere SirajudDaulah stayed for a while following his defeat at the Battle of Plassey.