MURSHIDABAD STORIES

Discovering the History, Heritage & Living Stories of Murshidabad

Every place has a story some are found in old buildings and historic streets. Some live in traditions passed down through generations, others can be discovered through the people, crafts and communities that continue to shape the identity of a region.

Murshidabad Story is an initiative by the PR, Media & Communication team and PRAYAS- The CSR team of Management Development Institute Murshidabad, created to explore, document and share the stories that make Murshidabad unique.

Located in a region rich in history, culture and craftsmanship, MDI Murshidabad looks beyond the campus to discover the heritage that surrounds it.

The Story of Murshidabad

Murshidabad is more than a place on the map. It is a region where history, culture, craftsmanship and community come together, from its historic landmarks and architectural heritage to traditional crafts and generations-old skills, every part of Murshidabad carries a story.

Through Murshidabad Story, we step into these stories to understand the people, places, traditions and cultural practices that continue to define the region.

Our aim is simple:

Discover- Document- Tell- Share.

Stories Beyond the Campus

History & Heritage: – Murshidabad’s history can be experienced through its historic places, architecture and cultural landmarks, through our stories, we explore the places that have witnessed important chapters of the region’s past and discover the stories connected to them.

People & Communities: – Behind every tradition there is a person. We meet the people and communities who continue to preserve the knowledge, skills and practices that form an important part of Murshidabad’s cultural identity.

Silk & Traditional Weaving: – Murshidabad’s silk tradition represents generations of craftsmanship and skill. We explore the people and processes behind the fabric, documenting traditional techniques and the artisans who continue to preserve this heritage.

Shola Craft: – Shola craftsmanship reflects the creativity, patience and skill of local artisans. Our stories introduce audiences to the people behind this traditional craft and the techniques passed from one generation to another.

Bell metals utensil: – Bell metal utensils (known as Kansa or bronze, made of about 78% copper and 22% tin) offer traditional Ayurvedic health benefits like improved digestion and natural immunity support. Murshidabad is a famous traditional centre in West Bengal for these utensils, particularly centered in areas like Khagra in Baharampur.

Traditional Handicrafts: – Murshidabad is home to a diverse range of traditional skills and handmade crafts. We document these practices and the people behind them, helping bring greater visibility to the cultural knowledge and craftsmanship that exist across the region.

More Than a History Project:

Murshidabad Story is not simply about looking into the past. It is about understanding how history and heritage continue to live in the present.

• A historic building.
• A traditional craft.
• A story passed down through generations.
• A skill learned from a parent or grandparent.
• A community keeping an old tradition alive.
• Each one is part of Murshidabad’s larger story.
• By documenting these stories, we create an accessible record of the people, places, skills and traditions that contribute to the identity of Murshidabad.

Our Approach

• Discover: We identify interesting stories, people, places, crafts, traditions and historical connections across Murshidabad.
• Connect: We engage with local communities and learn about their experiences, traditions and perspectives.
• Document: We capture photographs, interviews, processes, places and surroundings to create a detailed visual record.
• Tell: We transform what we discover into engaging stories that bring Murshidabad’s heritage closer to audiences.
• Share: We share these stories through MDI Murshidabad’s digital platforms, allowing the heritage and voices of Murshidabad to reach audiences beyond the region.

The People Behind the Stories

At the heart of every story are the people of Murshidabad. Artisans, craftspeople, local communities and individuals who dedicate their lives to traditional skills are not merely subjects of our stories. They are the voices of Murshidabad.

Their knowledge, experiences and memories help us understand the living heritage of the region.

Murshidabad Story aims to give these voices a platform while helping audiences discover the cultural richness that exists around us.

The following short videos try to encapsulate the essence that is Murshidabad:

Murshidabad through lens of MDI Murshidabad: