70-757: Mir Qasim ( d. 8 May 1777 ) was the Nawab of Bengal from 1760 to 1763. He was installed as Nawab with the support of the British East India Company , replacing Mir Jafar , his father-in-law, who had himself been supported earlier by the East India Company after his role in winning the Battle of Plassey for the British. However, Mir Jafar eventually ran into disputes with the East India Company and attempted to form an alliance with
140-630: A conspiracy to oust him. His charges against the company were broadly threefold. Firstly, that they strengthened the fortification around the Fort William without any intimation or approval; secondly, that they grossly abused trade privileges granted them by the Mughal rulers – which caused heavy loss of customs duties for the government; and thirdly, that they gave shelter to some of his officers, for example, Krishnadas, son of Rajballav, who fled Dhaka after misappropriating government funds. Hence, when
210-498: A daughter of Mir Jafar and Shah Khanum, and a granddaughter of Nawab Alivardi Khan of Bengal. Prior to becoming the Nawab of Bengal , he served as the Faujdar of Rangpur for roughly two decades. Upon ascending the throne, Mir Qasim rewarded the East India Company with lavish gifts.He also granted it the right to collect revenue of the districts of Burdwan , Midnapore and Chittagong . However, Qasim soon ran into disputes with
280-513: A large division of his army under Rai Durlabh to Plassey , on the island of Cossimbazar 30 miles (48 km) south of Murshidabad. Popular discontent against the Nawab flourished in his own court. The Seths, the traders of Bengal, were in perpetual fear for their wealth under the reign of Siraj, contrary to the situation under Alivardi's reign. They had engaged Yar Lutuf Khan to defend them in case they were threatened in any way. William Watts ,
350-477: A period of proto-industrialization . The Bengal-Bihar-Orissa triangle was a major production center for cotton muslin cloth, silk cloth, shipbuilding, gunpowder, saltpetre, and metalworks. Factories were set up in Murshidabad, Dhaka, Patna, Sonargaon, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Cossimbazar, Balasore, Pipeli, and Hugli among other cities, towns, and ports. The region became a base for the British East India Company ,
420-733: A period of economic and political consolidation. The third Nawab Sarfaraz Khan was preoccupied with military engagements, including Nader Shah's invasion of India . Sarfaraz Khan was killed at the Battle of Giria by his deputy Alivardi Khan . The coup by Alivardi Khan led to the creation of a new dynasty. Nawab Alivardi Khan endured brutal raids by the Maratha Empire . The Marathas undertook six expeditions in Bengal from 1741 to 1748. The Maratha general Raghoji I of Nagpur conquered large parts of Orissa. Nawab Alivardi Khan made peace with Raghoji in 1751, ceding large parts of Orissa up to
490-417: A resolution in support of the alliance. A treaty was drawn up between the British and Mir Jafar to raise him to the throne of the Nawab in return for support to the British in the field of battle and the bestowal of large sums of money upon them as compensation for the attack on Calcutta. On 2 May, Clive broke up his camp and sent half the troops to Calcutta and the other half to Chandernagar. Mir Jafar and
560-519: A result of the disputes. After the viceroy's exit, the provincial premier Murshid Quli Khan emerged as the de facto ruler of Bengal. His administrative coup merged the offices of the diwan (prime minister) and subedar (viceroy). In 1716, Khan shifted Bengal's capital from Dhaka to a new city named after himself. In 1717, Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar recognized Khan as the hereditary Nawab Nazim. The Nawab's jurisdiction covered districts in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. The Nawab's territory stretched from
630-575: A secret treaty with the Dutch East India Company. This caused the British to replace Mir Jafar with his son-in-law Mir Qasim in October 1760. In one of his first acts, Mir Qasim ceded Chittagong, Burdwan and Midnapore to the East India Company. Mir Qasim also proved to be a popular ruler. But Mir Qasim's independent spirit eventually raised British suspicions. Mir Jafar was reinstalled as Nawab in 1763. Mir Qasim continued opposing
700-456: A sudden attack, the army of Siraj became undisciplined and could think of no way to fight. Much of the army retreated. Betrayed by a conspiracy plotted by Jagat Seth , Mir Jafar, Krishna Chandra , Omichund , etc., Siraj lost the battle and had to escape. He rode away and went first to Murshidabad, specifically to Heerajheel or Motijheel , his palace at Mansurganj. He ordered his principal commanders to engage their troops for his safety, but as he
770-479: Is widely considered the turning point in the history of the subcontinent, marking the start of British rule in India . After Siraj-ud-Daulah's conquest of Calcutta , Clive took fresh troops from Madras to recapture the fort and avenge the attack. A retreating Siraj-ud-Daulah met the British at Plassey. He had to make camp 27 miles away from Murshidabad . On 23 June 1757 Siraj-ud-Daulah called on Mir Jafar because he
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#1732794535080840-470: The Battle of Buxar in 1764, which was the last real chance of resisting British expansion across the northern Indian subcontinent. The South Indian Kingdom of Mysore under Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan briefly eclipsed the dominant position of Bengal in the subcontinent. Tipu Sultan pursued aggressive military modernization; and set up a company to trade with communities around the Persian Gulf and
910-488: The British East India Company . Siraj-ud-Daulah's tomb is located at Khushbagh , Murshidabad. It is marked with a simple but elegant one-storied mausoleum, surrounded by gardens. Siraj ud-Daulah has gained a positive reputation in India , Bangladesh , and Pakistan for his opposition to the beginning of British rule over India. In 1985, Sarkar wrote: After the death of Alivardii Khan , his immature grandson became
980-642: The Dutch East India Company instead. The British eventually defeated the Dutch at Chinsura and overthrew Mir Jafar, replacing him with Mir Qasim. Qasim too later fell out with the British and fought against them at Buxar . His defeat has been suggested as a key reason in the British becoming the dominant power in large parts of North and East India . Mir Syed Qasim was the son of Mir Muhammad Razi Khan, and claimed descent from Ali al-Ridha . His paternal grandfather, Sayyid Husayn Ridhwi, entered
1050-769: The French East India Company , the Danish East India Company , the Austrian East India Company , the Ostend Company , and the Dutch East India Company . The British company eventually rivaled the authority of the Nawabs. In the aftermath of the siege of Calcutta in 1756, in which the Nawab's forces overran the main British base, the East India Company dispatched a fleet led by Robert Clive who defeated
1120-939: The Katra Masjid in Murshidabad; and the Bara Katra and Choto Katra in Dhaka. Dutch Bengali trading posts included the main Dutch port of Pipeli in Orissa; the Dutch settlement in Rajshahi ; and the towns of Cossimbazar and Hugli . The Danes built trading posts in Bankipur and on islands of the Bay of Bengal . Balasore in Orissa was a prominent Austrian trading post. Bengali cities were full of brokers, workers, peons, naibs, wakils, and ordinary traders. The Nawabs were patrons of
1190-568: The Marathas in 1746. In 1750, Siraj revolted against his grandfather and seized Patna , but quickly surrendered and was forgiven. In May 1752, Alivardi declared Siraj as his successor. The former later died on 9 April 1756 at the age of eighty. Siraj ud-Daulah's nomination to the Nawab ship aroused the jealousy and enmity of his maternal aunt, Ghaseti Begum (Mehar un-Nisa Begum), Mir Jafar , Jagat Seth (Mehtab Chand) and Shaukat Jang (Siraj's cousin). Ghaseti Begum possessed huge wealth, which
1260-595: The Mughal Empire during the reign of Aurangzeb , who married him to the daughter of Mir Hadi (Sheikh Sulayman Fazail). Ridhwi was conferred the title of Imtiaz Khan, and made the Waqia-navis (Interior Minister) and subsequently the Dewan of Bihar . Qasim's grandfather also wrote Persian poetry under the pen name of Khalis , and a lengthy diwan is attributed to him. Qasim was married to Fatima Begum,
1330-551: The Nawab of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa ( Bengali : বাংলা, বিহার ও উড়িষ্যার নবাব ). The Nawabs were based in Murshidabad which was centrally located within Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. Their chief, a former prime minister, became the first Nawab. The Nawabs continued to issue coins in the name of the Mughal Emperor, but for all practical purposes, the Nawabs governed as independent monarchs. Bengal continued to contribute
1400-497: The Nizammat Imambara in the political capital Murshidabad . It and other imambaras built in towns such as the trading hub Hoogly attracted Shia scholars from within and outside India. The Nawab was infuriated on learning of the attack on Chandernagar. His former hatred of the British returned, but he now felt the need to strengthen himself by alliances against the British. The Nawab was plagued by fear of attack from
1470-770: The Arabian Sea. Mysore's military technology at one point rivaled European technology. However, the Anglo-Mysore War ended Tipu Sultan's ascendancy. In 1765, Robert Clive , as the representative of the East India Company , was given the Diwani of Bengal by the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II . With this a system of dual governance was established, with the Nawabs responsible for the Nizamat of Bengal and
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#17327945350801540-591: The British and his father-in-law. He set up his capital in Munger and raised an independent army. Mir Qasim attacked British positions in Patna, overrunning the company's offices and killing its Resident. Mir Qasim also attacked the British-allied Gorkha Kingdom . Mir Qasim allied with Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II . However, the Mughal allies were defeated at
1610-460: The British government abolished the symbolic authority of the Mughal court. After 1880, the descendants of the Nawabs of Bengal were recognised simply as Nawabs of Murshidabad with the mere status of a peerage . The Bengal Subah was the wealthiest subah of the Mughal Empire . There were several posts under the Mughal administrative system of Bengal since Akbar 's conquest in the 1500s. Nizamat (governornership) and diwani (premiership) were
1680-525: The British presence in Bengal. He also feared invasions by the Durrani Empire from the north and Marathas from the west. On 20 June 1756, Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah launched the siege of Calcutta , in which he won a decisive victory. The British were briefly expelled from Fort William, which came under the occupation of the Nawab's forces. The East India Company dispatched a naval fleet led by Robert Clive to regain control of Fort William. By January 1757,
1750-592: The British retook Fort William. The stalemate with the Nawab continued into June. The Nawab also began cooperating with the French East India Company, raising the ire of the British further. Britain and France were at the time pitted against each other in the Seven Years' War . On 23 June 1757, the Battle of Plassey brought an end to the independence of the Nawabs of Bengal. Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah and his French allies were caught off guard by
1820-589: The Company offices in Patna in 1763, killing several Europeans including the Resident. Mir Qasim allied with Shuja-ud-Daula of Avadh and Shah Alam II , the incumbent Mughal emperor against the British. However, their combined forces were defeated in the Battle of Buxar in 1764. Qasim also launched a brief invasion of Hindu Kingdom of Nepal in 1763 during the reign of Maharajadhiraja Prithvi Narayan Shah ,
1890-452: The Company over trade issues, as they objected to Qasim's attempt to levy import and export tariffs on their goods. In particular, they objected to a 9% duty imposed of all foreign traders. The relationship between Qasim and the company slowly deteriorated, and he shifted his capital from Murshidabad to Munger in present-day Bihar where he raised an army, financing his new troops by streamlining tax collection. Qasim vigorously opposed
1960-483: The Company representative at the court of Siraj, informed Clive about a conspiracy at the court to overthrow the ruler. The conspirators included Mir Jafar , the paymaster of the army, Rai Durlabh, Yar Lutuf Khan and Omichund (Amir Chand), a Sikh merchant, and several officers in the army. When communicated in this regard by Mir Jafar, Clive referred it to the select committee in Calcutta on 1 May. The committee passed
2030-541: The Company responsible for the Diwani of Bengal. In 1772, this arrangement came to be abolished and Bengal was brought under direct control of the British. In 1793, the Mughal emperor also ceded the Nizamat of Bengal to the Company and the Nawab of Bengal was reduced to a mere titular position and pensioners of the Company. After the Revolt of 1857 , Company rule in India ended, and the British Crown , in 1858, took over
2100-513: The East India Company as a powerful force in the province of Bengal in a much more real sense than at Plassey seven years earlier and at Bedara five years earlier. By 1793 the East India company had abolished the Nizamat (referring to the Mughal suzerainty) and became completely in charge of the former Mughal province. Having lost all his men and influence after his defeat at Buxar, Qasim
2170-506: The East India Company began further enhancement of military strength at Fort William in Calcutta , Siraj ud-Daulah ordered them to stop. The Company did not heed his directives; consequently, Siraj retaliated and captured Calcutta (for a short while renamed Alinagar) from the British in June 1756. The Nawab gathered his forces together and took Fort William. The British captives were placed in
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2240-470: The East India Company under Robert Clive invaded and the administration of Bengal fell into the hands of the company. Siraj was born to the family of Mirza Muhammad Hashim and Amina Begum in 1733. Soon after his birth, Alivardi Khan , Siraj's maternal grandfather, was appointed the Deputy Governor of Bihar . Amina Begum was the youngest daughter of Alivardi Khan and Princess Sharfunnisa,
2310-507: The East India Company's position that their Mughal license ( a dastak ) meant that they could trade without paying taxes (other local merchants with dastaks were required to pay up to 40% of their revenue as tax). Frustrated at the British refusal to pay these taxes, Mir Qasim abolished taxes on the local traders as well. This upset the advantage that the European traders had been enjoying so far, and hostilities built up. Mir Qasim invaded
2380-630: The House of Commons of Parliament on 10 May 1773, during the Parliamentary inquiry into his conduct in India: "Omichund, his confidential servant, as he thought, told his master of an agreement made between the English and Monsieur Duprée [may be a mistranscription of Dupleix ] to attack him, and received for that advice a sum of not less than four lacks of rupees. Finding this to be the man in whom
2450-481: The Mughal Empire began to decline, the Nawabs rose in power. By the early 1700s, the Nawabs were practically independent, despite a nominal tribute to the Mughal court. The Mughal court heavily relied on Bengal for revenue. Azim-us-Shan , the Mughal viceroy of Bengal, had a bitter power struggle with his prime minister ( diwan ) Murshid Quli Khan. Emperor Aurangzeb transferred Azim-us-Shan out of Bengal as
2520-710: The Nawab Nazims following Nawab Mansur Ali Khan's abdication, The Nawab Bahadurs had ceased to exercise any significant power. but were relegated to the status of a zamindar and continued to be a wealthy family, producing bureaucrats and army officers. The following is a list of the Nawabs of Bengal. Sarfaraz Khan and Mir Jafar were the only two to become Nawab Nazim twice. The chronology started in 1717 with Murshid Quli Khan and ended in 1880 with Mansur Ali Khan. Siraj-ud-Daulah Mir Syed Jafar Ali Khan Mirza Muhammad Siraj-ud-Daulah (1733 – 2 July 1757), commonly known as Siraj-ud-Daulah or Siraj ud-Daula ,
2590-490: The Nawab of Bengal as the subcontinent's wealthiest monarchy; but this was short-lived and ended with the Anglo-Mysore War . The British then turned their sights on defeating the Marathas and Sikhs . In 1772, Governor-General Warren Hastings shifted administrative and judicial offices from Murshidabad to Calcutta , the capital of the newly formed Bengal Presidency , and the de facto capital of British India. The Nawabs had lost all independent authority since 1757. In 1858,
2660-465: The Seths desired that the confederacy between the British and himself be kept secret from Omichund, but when he found out about it, he threatened to betray the conspiracy if his share was not increased to three million rupees (£300,000). Hearing of this, Clive suggested an expedient to the committee. He suggested that two treaties be drawn – the real one on white paper, containing no reference to Omichund and
2730-651: The Turkic Afshar tribe of Khorasan . Through her, he was a grandnephew of Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan , the two having shared a common ancestor in Nawab Aqil Khan. Siraj was regarded as the "fortune child" of the family. He received the special affection of his grandfather and was raised at the Nawab's palace with all necessary education and training suitable for a future Nawab. Young Siraj also accompanied Alivardi on his military ventures against
2800-603: The administration. Eventually, Siraj suppressed Shaukat Jang, governor of Purnia , who was killed in a clash. During this period, the British East India Company was increasing their influence in the Indian subcontinent , particularly in Bengal; Siraj soon grew to resent the politico-military presence of the East India Company in Bengal. In particular, he was angered at the Company's alleged involvement with and instigation of some members of his own court to
2870-510: The arts , including the Murshidabad style of Mughal painting , Hindustani classical music , the Baul tradition, and local craftsmanship. The second Nawab Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan developed Murshidabad's royal palace, military base, city gates, revenue office, public audience hall ( durbar ), and mosques in an extensive compound called Farrabagh (Garden of Joy) which included canals, fountains, flowers, and fruit trees. The second Nawab's reign saw
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2940-539: The border with Oudh in the west to the border with Arakan in the east. The chief deputy of the Nawab was the Naib Nazim of Dhaka, the mayor of the former provincial capital whose own wealth was considerable; the Naib Nazim of Dhaka also governed much of eastern Bengal. Other important officials were stationed in Patna, Cuttack , and Chittagong. The aristocracy was composed of the Zamindars of Bengal . The Nawab
3010-418: The defection of the Nawab's Commander-in-Chief Mir Jafar to the British side. The British, under the leadership of Robert Clive, gained enormous influence over Bengal Subah as a result of the battle. The last independent Nawab was arrested by his former officers and killed in revenge for the brutality against his courtiers. Mir Jafar was installed as the puppet Nawab by the British. However, Jafar entered into
3080-527: The end of his rule, Mir Jafar and Robert Clive are the villains and Siraj is the victim. Even though he is rarely if ever depicted as an attractive person, he is regarded as having been sinned against, rather than as a sinner. As the movement for Indian independence gathered strength, Siraj along with Tipu Sultan and the heroes of the First War of Indian Independence including the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah II , gained iconic status as people who resisted
3150-517: The first King of Nepal . Kanak Singh Baaniya, Chief Minister of Makwanpur, had requested Qasim's intervention against Shah after he had taken Bikram Sen, the king of Makwanpur, hostage . Qasim dispatched a military force under the command of his general Gurgin Khan to invade Nepal. Gurgin was swiftly defeated by Shah's army, and retreated. Unlike Siraj-ud-Daulah before him, Mir Qasim was an effective and popular ruler. Their victory at Buxar established
3220-510: The hereditary ruler of Bengal Subah in Mughal India . In the early 18th-century, the Nawab of Bengal was the de facto independent ruler of the three regions of Bengal , Bihar and Orissa which constitute the modern-day sovereign country of Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal , Bihar and Odisha . The Bengal Subah reached its peak during the reign of Nawab Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan . They are often referred to as
3290-608: The intended event. For this purpose, we signed another treaty. The one was called the Red , the other the White treaty. This treaty was signed by everyone, except admiral Watson; and I should have considered myself sufficiently authorised to put his name to it, by the conversation I had with him. As to the person who signed Admiral Watson's name to the treaty, whether he did it in his presence or not, I cannot say; but this I know, that he thought he had sufficient authority for so doing. This treaty
3360-577: The largest share of funds to the imperial treasury in Delhi. The Nawabs, backed by bankers such as the Jagat Seth , became the financial backbone of the Mughal court. The Nawabs, especially under the rule of Alivardi Khan of 16 years, were heavily engaged in various wars against the Marathas. Towards the end, he turned his attention to rebuilding and restoring Bengal . The Nawabs of Bengal oversaw
3430-455: The last independent Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah at the Battle of Plassey in 1757. Mir Jafar was installed as the puppet Nawab. His successor Mir Qasim attempted in vain to dislodge the British. The defeat of Nawab Mir Qasim of Bengal, Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula of Oudh , and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II at the Battle of Buxar in 1764 paved the way for British expansion across India. The South Indian Kingdom of Mysore led by Tipu Sultan overtook
3500-466: The nawab entirely trusted, it soon became our object to consider him as a most material engine in the intended revolution. We, therefore, made such an agreement as was necessary for the purpose, and entered into a treaty with him to satisfy his demands. When all things were prepared, and the evening of the event was appointed, Omichund informed Mr Watts, who was at the court of the nawab, that he insisted upon thirty lacks of rupees, and five per cent. upon all
3570-458: The nawab of Bengal, taking the name Miirza Mohammed Siraj-Ud-Daola. In addition to his young age, he had many kinds of defects in his character and conduct. Historian Sushil Chaudhary argued that Siraj ud-Daula’s villainous character is a misrepresentation. The end of Siraj ud-Daulah's reign also ended Bengali autonomy and marked the beginning of British power in India. In the Bengali version of
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#17327945350803640-507: The north by the Afghans under Ahmad Shah Durrani and from the west by the Marathas . Therefore, he could not deploy his entire force against the British for fear of being attacked from the flanks. A deep distrust set in between the British and the Nawab. As a result, Siraj started secret negotiations with Jean Law, chief of the French factory at Cossimbazar, and de Bussy. The Nawab also moved
3710-490: The other on red paper, containing Omichund's desired stipulation, to deceive him. The Members of the Committee signed on both treaties, but Admiral Watson signed only the real one and his signature had to be counterfeited on the fictitious one. Both treaties and separate articles for donations to the army, navy squadron and committee were signed by Mir Jafar on 4 June. Lord Clive testified and defended himself thus before
3780-431: The paternal aunt of Mir Jafar . His father, Mirza Muhammad Hashim was the youngest son of Haji Ahmad, the elder brother of Alivardi Khan . Siraj's great-grandfather was Mirza Muhammad Madani, who was of either of Arab or Turkic ancestry, the son of a foster-brother of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb ; Madani himself began his career as a cup-bearer under the latter's son Azam Shah . His great-grandmother belonged to
3850-496: The persons who went as ambassadors to confirm that peace formed the conspiracy, by which he was deprived of his kingdom and his life." Shi'ism was introduced to Bengal during the governorship of Shah Shuja (1641–1661 AD), son of Shah Jahan. From 1707 AD to 1880 AD, the Nawabs of Bengal were Shias. They built huge imambaras (Shia houses of worship), including the biggest of the Subcontinent built by Nawab Siraj-ud Daula,
3920-529: The prison cell as a temporary holding by a local commander, but there was confusion in the Indian chain of command, and the captives were left there overnight, and many of them died. Sir William Meredith , during the Parliamentary inquiry into Robert Clive's actions in India, vindicated Siraj ud-Daulah of any charge surrounding the Black Hole incident: "A peace was however agreed upon with Surajah Dowlah; and
3990-478: The protection of Mohanlal, with gold and elephants. Then, with his principal consort Lutf-un-Nisa and very few attendants, Siraj began his escape towards Patna by boat, but was eventually arrested by Mir Jafar's soldiers. Siraj-ud-Daulah was executed on 2 July 1757 by Mohammad Ali Beg under orders from Mir Miran, son of Mir Jafar in Namak Haram Deorhi as part of the agreement between Mir Jafar and
4060-452: The river Subarnarekha. The Marathas demanded an annual tribute payment. The Marathas also promised to never to cross the boundary of the Nawab's territory. European trading companies also grew more influential in Bengal. Nawab Murshid Quli Khan was notorious for his repressive tax collection tactics, including torture for non-payment. Nawab Alivardi Khan's successor was Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah . Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah grew increasingly wary of
4130-444: The territories which were under direct rule of the company. This marked the beginning of Crown rule in India , and the Nawabs had no political or any other kind of control over the territory. Mir Jafar's descendants continued to live in Murshidabad. The Hazarduari Palace ( Palace of a Thousand Doors ) was built as the residence of the Nawabs in the 1830s. The palace was also used by British colonial officials. Nawab Mansur Ali Khan
4200-425: The treasure that should be found; that, unless that was immediately complied with, he would disclose the whole to the nawab; and that Mr. Watts, and the two other English gentlemen then at the court, should be cut off before the morning. Mr Watts, immediately on this information, dispatched an express to me at the council. I did not hesitate to find out a stratagem to save the lives of these people, and secure success to
4270-454: The two main branches of provincial government under the Mughals. The Subahdar was in-charge of the nizamat and had a chain of subordinate officials on the executive side, including diwans (prime ministers) responsible for revenue and legal affairs. The regional decentralization of the Mughal Empire led to the creation of numerous semi-independent strongholds in the Mughal provinces. As
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#17327945350804340-519: Was a major center of silk production. Shipbuilding in Chittagong enjoyed Ottoman and European demand. Patna was a center of metalworks and the military-industrial complex. The Bengal-Bihar region was a major exporter of gunpowder and saltpetre . The Nawabs presided over an era of growing organization in banking, handicrafts , and other trades. Bengal attracted traders from across Eurasia . Traders were lodged at caravanserais , including
4410-421: Was backed up by the powerful Jagat Seth family of bankers and money lenders. The Jagat Seth controlled the flow of Bengali revenue into the imperial treasury in Delhi. They served as financiers to both the Nawabs and European companies operating in the region. The Nawabs profited from the revenue generated by the worldwide demand of muslin trade in Bengal , which was centered in Dhaka and Sonargaon . Murshidabad
4480-423: Was bereft of power due to the loss at Plassey, they were reluctant to offer unquestioning support. Some advised him to deliver himself up to the English, but Siraj equated this with treachery. Others proposed he should encourage the army with greater rewards, and this he seemed to approve of. Yet the numbers in his retinue were considerably diminished. Soon he dispatched most of the women of his harem to Purneah, under
4550-400: Was expelled from his camp by Shuja-ud-Daula on 23 October 1764; fleeing to Rohilkhand , Allahabad , Gohad and Jodhpur , and eventually settling at Kotwal, near Delhi ca. 1774. Mir Qasim died in obscurity and abject poverty possibly from dropsy , at Kotwal, near Delhi on 8 May 1777. Nawab of Bengal The Nawab of Bengal ( Bengali : বাংলার নবাব , bāṅglār nôbāb ) was
4620-441: Was immediately sent to Omichund, who did not suspect the stratagem. The event took place, and success attended it; and the House, I am fully persuaded, will agree with me, that, when the very existence of the company was at stake, and the lives of these people so precariously situated, and so certain of being destroyed, it was a matter of true policy and of justice to deceive so great a villain." The Battle of Plassey (or Palashi)
4690-406: Was saddened by the sudden fall of Mir Mardan who was a very dear companion of Siraj in battles. The Nawab asked for help from Mir Jafar. Mir Jafar advised Siraj to retreat for that day. The Nawab made the blunder in giving the order to stop the fight. Following his command, the soldiers of the Nawab were returning to their camps. At that time, Robert Clive attacked the soldiers with his army. At such
4760-477: Was the last independent Nawab of Bengal . The end of his reign marked the start of the rule of the East India Company over Bengal and later almost all of the Indian subcontinent . Siraj succeeded his maternal grandfather, Alivardi Khan as the Nawab of Bengal in April 1756 at the age of 23. Betrayed by Mir Jafar , the commander of Nawab's army, Siraj lost the Battle of Plassey on 23 June 1757. The forces of
4830-630: Was the last titular Nawab Nazim of Bengal. During his reign the nizamat at Murshidabad came to be debt-ridden. The Nawab left Murshidabad in February 1869, and had started living in England. The title of the Nawab of Bengal stood abolished in 1880. He returned to Bombay in October 1880 and pleaded his case against the orders of the government, but as it stood unresolved the Nawab renounced his styles and titles, abdicating in favour of his eldest son on 1 November 1880. The Nawabs of Murshidabad succeeded
4900-477: Was the source of her influence and strength. Apprehending serious opposition from her, Siraj ud-Daulah seized her wealth from Motijheel Palace and placed her under confinement. The Nawab also made changes in high government positions by giving them to his own favourites. Mir Madan was appointed Bakshi (paymaster of the army) in place of Mir Jafar. Mohanlal was elevated to the rank of peshkar (courtclerk) of his Dewan-khane and he exercised great influence in
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