The Reign of Muhammad Shah and the Founding of Bengal and Oudh

During the reign of Muhammad Shah, two independent states were founded - Bengal and Oudh. Let's take a closer look at this period of history.

Muhammad Shah's Reign

Muhammad Shah, also known as Roshan Akhtar, was the Mughal emperor from 1719 to 1748. He was the successor of Farrukhsiyar and the grandson of Bahadur Shah I. His reign was marked by political instability, as various factions vied for power and influence.

Founding of Bengal

The province of Bengal had long been a part of the Mughal Empire, but it gained autonomy during Muhammad Shah's reign. In 1717, the governor of Bengal, Murshid Quli Khan, declared himself the nawab (ruler) of Bengal and transferred the capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad.

Under Murshid Quli Khan and his successors, Bengal became a prosperous and culturally rich state. It was known for its trade, agriculture, and literature. The British East India Company also established a foothold in Bengal during this period, which would eventually lead to British control over the region.

Founding of Oudh

Oudh, located in modern-day Uttar Pradesh, was also founded as an independent state during Muhammad Shah's reign. In 1722, the Mughal emperor granted the region to his chief minister, Saadat Khan, who later declared himself the nawab of Oudh.

Under Saadat Khan and his successors, Oudh became a powerful and wealthy state. It was known for its art, architecture, and cuisine. Oudh also played a significant role in the politics of northern India, as its rulers often aligned themselves with other regional powers to gain influence and protect their interests.

Conclusion

The founding of Bengal and Oudh as independent states during Muhammad Shah's reign was a significant development in Indian history. These two states would play important roles in the political, economic, and cultural landscape of India for centuries to come.

Mughal Empire was already weak by the time Mahamud shah became the emperor. Nobles had grown too powerful and were carving out autonomous states while still being under Mughal sovereign. Bengal and Oudh were two such states. Bengal was established by Murshid Quli Khan and Oudh was established by Saadat Ali Khan.