The district derives its name from Murshidabad. Emperor Aurangzeb sent his Diwan Kartalab Khan at Murshidabad for collection of revenue during his regime. Emperor became very pleased with Kartalab Khan for his performance and named him as Murshid Kuli Khan. Murshid Kuli Khan shifted provincial revenue headquarter from Dacca to Murshidabad in 1704 A.D. Another school is of opinion that Muksudan Das, a follower of Nanak, founded this city during the regime of Hussain Saha (1493-1519 A.D.).
Murshidabad is the northern most district of Presidency Division of West Bengal and is located at its northern eastern boundary. It is lying centrally in the lower Ganga valley. The area of district is 5324 sq. Km. Population is 7102430. There are 05 (five) sub-divisions & 26 (twenty six) Blocks and number of Municipalities stand 07 (seven).
The river Bhagirathi, flowing from north to south through the district, divides it into two almost equal portions which in their geology, their characteristics, their agriculture and even the religion of their inhabitants form a striking contrast to each other. The tract to the west of river is locally known as ‘Rarh’ and the track to the east as ‘Bagri’.
Since the time of Nawab Murshid Kuli Khan (1704-1725 A.D.) to last Nawab Mirjafar (1757 to 1760 A.D.) many beautiful sculptures, buildings of endearing nature have been built which attract the tourists even from abroad all the year around.
Murshidabad is truly an historical place, replete with historical & tourist spots. If approached with academic interest it will take at least 12-15 days even a more to cover the whole. A few notable / distinguished tourist spots are here only mentioned sub-divisions-wise for a ready reckoner to the tourists.