Day 3 – 8th Dec Murshidabad to Krishnanagar

Day 3 – Journey from Murshidabad to Krishnanagar by boat

We start early today, and after an optional morning walk for early risers we spend some time on board the boat reflecting on Silk River and the vision for the Hooghly. This takes us from Murshidabad to Krishnanagar where we enjoy a walk around the Balakhana estate, an old indigo plantation.

8th Dec – Schedule

Morning walk at Motijheel (optional)
8am: Day journey by boat, introductions.
Talk by eminent historian Rangan Datta
Reflections on Silk River – Salon led by Ali Pretty, Artistic Director – Silk River and independent cultural producer Elizabeth Lynch with Korak Ghosh, Artistic Director – Silk River India and Ruchira Das, Silk River India Project Director.
Vision for the Hooghly
Songs of the river by Pranesh Som
Reach Krishnanagar – Visit to Balakhana estate in Maheshganj – an indigo planter’s bungalow.
Enjoy a walk in the estate gardens led by Ranodhir Palchoudhuri, the current owner of this beautiful 19th century villa.
Overnight on the boat

To book and for more details

Contact: tamali@thinkarts.co.in

Krishnanagar

Claimed to be named after Krishna Chandra Ray, this town on the banks of the Jalangi river, was an important centre for culture and literature. On the walking programme in December 2017 we will visit Krishnanagar, but before heading there, we will stop at Maheshganj and visit Balakhana. Balakhana is a beautiful mansion erected by a French indigo planter nearly 200 years ago, around the time when indigo trade was flourishing in this part of the country.

A short boat ride away is Ghurni, a neighbourhood of clay artists. They use the clay from the river and are proficient in making clay sculptures, ranging from realistic miniatures to life size statues. It is said that Krishnachandra Ray, being a connoisseur of the arts, had set up this artists neighbourhood, by inviting a few talented clay artists. It is also said that he began the tradition of Jagadhatri Puja, which is still celebrated with grandeur.

A magnificent example of grand architecture can be seen in Ghurni, in the Roman Catholic Church which is 130 years old. The most imposing building in this region however is the Rajbari, the palace built during the reign of Krishna Chandra Ray, which would have also been the place where the legendary court jester Gopal Bhand entertained the Maharaja. The star attraction is a set of old canons used in Plassey. Legend has it they were gifted by Lord Clive to Krishnachandra.

Local Partners:
Krishnanagar Academy
Balakhana Heritage Home Stay