Siraj ud-Daulah was the last independent Nawab of Bengal who, betrayed by his commander Mir Jafar was executed by the British. Considering he gave his life trying to keep Bengal from going under British rule, one would think that his mausoleum would forever lie in a state of elegance and care. However, that’s not the case.
The one-storied mausoleum at Murshidabad’s Khushbagh, where Siraj-ud-Daulah rests with his grand-father Alivardi Khan and the rest of his family lies in a state of great neglect.
The doors and windows are broken and the plasters are falling off the wall due to lack of maintenance. Locals complain that neglect on the government’s part has led to this.
Not only is the mausoleum of one of the greatest figures in history lying in a nearly derelict condition, it’s not easily accessible either. Commute to the place is tougher as one has to cross River Bhagirathi to get there.
Entry is absolutely free and with a guide would be happy to describe the whole history of the place for Tk 40-100.
The place at Jafarganj where Siraj-ud-Daulah was executed is also in an almost abandoned state. The authorities seemed to have completed their responsibility of looking after the place with an “Entry Restricted” sign at the main gate. No security or supervision was seen there.
The Indian Government, however, has converted the historic Motijhil Park where Shira-ud-Daula started the journey to defeat Clive’s army, into an entertainment centre. In addition to many historic incidents being displayed, there is also an installation of the Battle of Plassey.
Meanwhile, Mir Jafar’s grave and that of his family lies in a perfectly preserved state with security and constant care. The ticket for entry is Tk 15.
Mir Jafar, whose name has become synonymous with betrayer, was himself executed by the British although his betrayal of Siraj-ud-Daula is what helped the British win the Battle of Plassey.
Narayan Chandra who had gone to visit the historic places with his wife was dismayed that Mir Jafar’s grave was preserved while Siraj-ud-Daula’s one lay in neglect.
“I’m shocked and find it hard to believe that Siraj-ud-Daulah’s mausoleum is in such a state,” he told Bangla Tribune.
A local van rider said that although there were talks of building a bridge to the mausoleum, there has been no progress.