Murshidabad:The Architecture of Bengal's Former Capital (Recorded Video)

As the medieval capital of Bengal under the Nawabs and the wealthiest province during Mughal rule Murshidabad emerged as a confluence integrating diverse communities cultural traditions and architectural forms. These strands are strongly embedded within its historic landscape even today – simultaneously reflecting rich Islamic building practices traditional Bangla terracotta architecture along with Jain iconography and stylistic moorings. This talk will explore the architectural richness of Murshidabad through the stories of the people and communities who settled here. It will also discuss political twists and turns that led to its rise and eventual downfall post the Battle of Plassey leading to abandonment and architectural decay. And eventually touch upon efforts for a cultural resurgence and revival of Murshidabad’s historic sites and legacy that is underway.

Kamalika Bose is an urban conservationist researcher and educator based in Mumbai and the Founder-Principal of Heritage Synergies India. She is a Fulbright Scholar a SAH-Getty International Fellow and was formerly Assistant Professor at CEPT University Ahmedabad. She obtained a Master in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University. Kamalika has gained international work experience in areas of neighbourhood preservation and cultural heritage through positions at Historic Districts Council New York and Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum New York. She has authored five books including The Hoysala Legacy (2019) and People Called Kolkata (2019) and her work attempts to bridge academia and practice in the domain of heritage conservation. Kamalika is the Coordinator of National Scientific Committee on Shared Built Heritage ICOMOS India.