Namak Haram Deorhi: The Traitor's Gate of Murshidabad, WB, where the British rule began after 1757

Namak Haram Deorhi: The Traitor's Gate of Murshidabad

Namak Haram Deorhi, Mursidabad,upload.wikimedia.org

Namak Haram Deorhi,Mursidabad, upload.wikimedia.org

Above images: Namak Haram Deorhi (also known as the Traitor's Gate, Jafarganj near Murshidabad. Here ruler Siraj ud-Daulah was murdered on July 02, 1757 by  one Muhammad-Ali-Beg on the orders of Mir Miran, son of Mir Jafar. The plot was well planned by them along with British officer Watts.Top image: credit- Amitabha Gupta;  Bottom Image credit: Jagadhatri........

Bengal (west), India slideshare.net

Mir Miran, son of Mir Jafar, theindianportrait.com

Located opposite the Jafarganj Cemetery in Murshidabad, West Bengal, Namak Haram Deorhi, or Jufarganj Palace, is an emblematic historical site associated with one of the most pivotal betrayals in Indian history. Once a fortified residence with towers, turrets, and protective cannons, the palace was the home of Mir Jafar, Bengal's infamous Commander-in-Chief, who conspired with the British East India Company (EIC) to dethrone defiant ruler Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah. Today, only the main entrance remains, bearing the name "Traitor's Gate," symbolizing the betrayal that marked the beginning of British dominance in India.

 damaged Namak Haram Deorhi, WB. getbengal.com

The Setting of the Secret Plot

During the mid-18th century, trade relations between Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah and the EIC had deteriorated due to conflicting interests

atts, Jafer & his son Miran(Bengal).wikimdedia.org

 The British, led by Robert Clive (1725- 1774)  sought a puppet ruler who would grant them favorable concessions. They identified Mir Jafar and his son Mir Miran as willing conspirators, promising them power in return for support in overthrowing Siraj. At this very palace, a secret agreement was forged. William Watts, head of the EIC's Kasimbazar factory and fluent in local languages, secured a solemn oath from Mir Jafar, using the Quran to bind Jafar's promise to betray Siraj. This critical plot at Namak Haram Deorhi set the stage for the decisive Battle of Plassey in 1757.

The Battle of Plassey and its Aftermath    Namak Haram Deorhi,Mursidabad,  getbengal.com

The Battle of Plassey, fought on June 23, 1757, turned in favor of the EIC, thanks to Mir Jafar's betrayal of Siraj's forces. Following the battle, Siraj attempted to flee but was captured and later assassinated under Mir Miran’s orders. According to historical accounts, Siraj was murdered on July 2, 1757, near this palace by one Muhammad Ali Beg. His body was publicly humiliated before being buried in Khushbagh, an event that demonstrated the brutal outcome of political betrayal.

The Impact of Namak Haram Deorhi on Indian History

The events at Namak Haram Deorhi were instrumental in shifting control of Bengal to the EIC, providing them a gateway to expand their influence throughout the subcontinent. With Mir Jafar installed as a puppet ruler, British officials were granted extensive privileges, allowing them to consolidate power over Bengal's economy and military. Over the next 200 years, the British systematically extracted wealth, with recent estimates suggesting economic losses to India of up to $45 trillion.

A Symbol of Treachery

Today, the gate of Namak Haram Deorhi stands as a stark reminder of a critical turning point in Indian history. The term "Namak Haram" in Hindi-Urdu translates to "traitor," underscoring Mir Jafar's role in one of the most notorious acts of treason. This dilapidated relic of Murshidabad continues to resonate as a symbol of betrayal and exploitation, marking the site where British imperialism took its roots, setting the stage for colonial rule over India.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namak_Haram_Deorhi

https://www.navrangindia.in/2018/12/the-tomb-of-mir-jaffer-nawab-who.html

https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g2287525-d4151762-r493457494-Jafarganj_Cemetery-Murshidabad_Murshidabad_District_West_Bengal