Murshidabad: Divided by borders, rivers, and the politics of polarization

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Context:

BSF declared a state of high alert along the river Padma, a critical border area between India and Bangladesh, just days before violent protests in Bangladesh.

Details:

Kakmarichar border outpost falls under the Sahebnagar gram panchayat of Jalangi block of Murshidabad district and has a porous border with Bangladesh.
Charbhadra border outpost in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district.
Bamnabad outpost: Murshidabad district, West Bengal
BJP leaders advocate for making Murshidabad and parts of Malda a Union Territory, claiming it would bring better governance and security.
- Local opposition, including CPI(M) and others, argue against the demographic claims and communal narrative pushed by the BJP, highlighting the region’s complex history.
- Baul Fakirs, a significant cultural group, face challenges from both Hindu and Muslim communities, adding to the complex social dynamics in the area.

Historical Significance of Murshidabad:

Murshidabad is a historical city in West Bengal, situated on the eastern bank of the Bhagirathi River.
In the 18th century, it was a prosperous capital of the Bengal Subah, covering areas of modern-day Bangladesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Economic and Cultural Hub:

The city was home to wealthy banking and merchant families and was a centre for silk production, art, and culture, including Hindustani classical music and Mughal painting.
European companies like the British, French, Dutch, and Danish East India Companies operated factories in the city, emphasizing its global trade importance.

Decline After the Battle of Plassey:

Murshidabad’s decline began after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, when the last independent Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, was defeated.
The British demoted the Nawab to a zamindar, moved key administrative functions to Calcutta, and the city’s population dwindled to 46,000 by the 19th century.
In 1869, Murshidabad was declared a municipality and became a district headquarters under the Bengal Presidency.

Source: TH