Wasif Manzil: A Nawab’s Residence in Murshidabad
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 4.4
- Popularity
- Low
- Country
- India
- Primary era
- Modern
- Eras represented
- Modern
- Civilizations
- British
- Site type
- Domestic
- Remains
- Palace
History
Wasif Manzil, also known as the New Palace, stands on the Nizamat Fort Campus in Lalbagh, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. Nawab Wasif Ali Mirza Khan built it as his residence. A nawab was a South Asian title for a ruler or high-ranking noble. Construction was directed and supervised by Mr. Vivian, an officer in the Public Works Department’s Nadia Rivers Division, and Bengali engineer Surendra Barat.
The earthquake of 12 June 1897 severely damaged the palace, and its second floor collapsed within seconds. Repairs were completed in 1904 without rebuilding that floor. The Archaeological Survey of India, India’s national agency for archaeological research and monument protection, maintains the palace, which now serves as a museum.
Remains
The palace stands near Hazarduari Palace. A garden in front is enclosed by an iron railing and contains a fountain and several marble statues. The main entrance has a Norman archway (a rounded arch associated with Norman design) with open-work iron doors. Inside, the staircases and statues are made of marble.
