Description
Murshidabad is home to one of India's richest mango traditions. With a history shaped by royal patronage, generations of skilled orchardists, and hundreds of unique cultivars, the region has earned a special place on the country's mango map. In this episode, we set out to discover the fascinating legacy behind Murshidabad's celebrated mangoes.
Our journey begins at Sobuj Bari, where we meet our host, Souvik Banerjee, founder of Sobuj Bari. Passionate about preserving Murshidabad's heritage and introducing travellers to its culture, Souvik gives us an insightful introduction to the district's extraordinary mango legacy. We stroll through the mango trees at Sobuj Bari before heading to the local market to explore the incredible variety of seasonal mangoes. Returning with our basket full of fresh fruit, we enjoy them the local way-with creamy curd and puffed rice.
Next, we visit the Raghunathtala Mango Orchard, located beside Chaltia Bill near Sobuj Bari, where we meet orchard owner Joydeb Paramanik. As we walk through the lush orchard, he introduces us to several remarkable mango varieties and shares stories behind them. We also get to taste the fragrant Champa mango, known for its distinctive aroma and flavour.
The journey then takes us to the historic Motijheel Park Mango Orchard in Lalbag, where we meet Mr. Mohammed Ali-a dedicated social worker, Botany postgraduate, and passionate researcher of Murshidabad's mango heritage. Having spent years studying the history of the region and its celebrated mangoes, he offers us a wealth of knowledge about why Murshidabad became one of India's most important mango-growing regions. We learn about the role of royal patronage in nurturing rare cultivars, the spread of Murshidabad's mango varieties to other parts of the country, and the qualities that define an ideal mango-a combination that, according to him, is yet to exist in a single variety. He also introduces us to some of Murshidabad's most iconic mangoes, including Kohitur, Chandan Kosa, Shadullah, and several others, explaining what makes each one unique.
This episode is much more than a tasting session-it's a journey through history, botany, culture, and tradition, revealing why Murshidabad continues to be revered as one of India's greatest mango capitals.
Locations featured in this episode:
• Sobuj Bari
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tfWbZUA3YxME2mih6
• Raghunathtala Mango Orchard
https://maps.app.goo.gl/negcBofTQ4eVA13J9
• Motijheel Park Mango Orchard
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BPbzDbrgv8YtG1219