Ed Sheeran Explored This Quaint Place In West Bengal With Arijit Singh—Here's All About It

Recently, pop superstar Ed Sheeran, who is currently on his Mathematics tour of India, toured West Bengal's Jiaganj, the hometown of Indian playback singer, Arijit Singh. Videos circulating on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) captured the two singers riding together, with Arijit driving the scooter while Sheeran sat behind him. Both were accompanied by a few friends on their respective scooters, enjoying an evening ride through the town.

Officially known as Jiaganj-Azimganj, as the two towns are situated on either side of the Bhagirathi River, the city lies 227 kilometres north of Kolkata. Here’s all you need to know about Jiaganj-Azimganj.

A Thriving Economic Hub In Its Heyday

Located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, Jiaganj lies close to the border between India and Bangladesh. The town was an important trade centre during the Mughal period because of the abundance of silk, muslin, ivory and rich agricultural yield. Thus, the town earned the nickname of “Baranasi of Bengal” during the period of Rani Bhabani, a renowned landlord. Attracted by the promise of trade and banking, several families—especially the Jains—settled here, which the many Jain temples that still stand on both banks attest to.

Places To Visit In And Around Jiaganj

Bari Kothi Heritage Hotel

This heritage hotel was built in the late 1700s. Its name literally means “the palace of the elder.” It was built by a wealthy Sheherwali family who migrated to Jiaganj from Rajasthan. Over generations, the Sheherwalis adapted to the then-prevalent cultural influences (Mughal, British and Bengali) to create their own unique culture. It is said that the combined wealth of 20-30 Sheherwali families surpassed that of the British aristocracy at that time. The Bari Kothi Heritage Hotel was converted into a lodging space after a five-year restoration period. This rustic luxury space is ideal for those looking to learn about the history of Jiaganj and Murshidabad while receiving the warmest hospitality.

Murshidabad District Museum

The construction of this museum took two decades, starting in 1965 and finishing in 1985. The land where the building is located belonged to Rai Bahadur Surendra Narayan Singh of Jiaganj, so the institution houses his personal collection as well as artefacts, early pottery, sculptures, rare books and manuscripts.

Kiriteswari Temple

One of 51 Shakti Peethas in India, this temple is more than 1,000 years old and is considered to be the sleeping place of Mahamaya, the goddess of illusion. The original temple was destroyed in 1405 and reconstructed in the 19^th century. There is a legend that Nawab Mir Jafar on his deathbed had requested for charanamrito (holy water) of Kiriteswari while suffering from leprosy.

Kathgola Palace

This historical building belonged to the Dugar family and now houses a museum. Because of Jiaganj-Azimganj’s economic prosperity, the area attracted merchants like the Dugars, the Dudhorias, the Nahars, the Kotharis and the Nowlakhas. Although many of them shifted their base to Kolkata with the ascendancy of the British, the palatial buildings and temples they built still remain. The Kathgola Palace and Garden, built by Dhanpat Singh Dugar and Lakshmipat Singh Dugar in 1873, features lion statues, a Jain temple and what used to be a zoo.

How To Reach Jiaganj

Take the train to Jiaganj station (JJG) on the Sealdah-Lalgola line. You can also board a bus or taxi to reach Jiaganj from Kolkata.