After Aurangzebs death, Bengal soon became an independent viceroyalty ...
MughalEmpire after the death of Aurangzeb, Bengal became an independent viceroyalty for all practical purposes under Murshid Quli Khan who justified the confidence reposed in him by the efficient management, which raised Bengal to the highest degree of prosperity.
After Aurangzebs death, Bengal soon became an independent viceroyalty ...
Introduction:
After the death of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707, the Mughal Empire began to decline rapidly. The provinces started to assert their independence and one of the prominent examples of this was Bengal. Bengal soon became an independent viceroyalty for all practical purposes under the rule of Murshid Quli Khan.
Murshid Quli Khan:
Murshid Quli Khan was a Persian adventurer who came to India and joined the Mughal court. He quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed as the Diwan of Bengal in 1717. He effectively became the de facto ruler of Bengal as he had control over the administration, finance, and military affairs of the region.
Reasons for Bengal's Independence:
There were several factors that contributed to Bengal becoming an independent viceroyalty:
1. Weak Mughal Empire: After Aurangzeb's death, the Mughal Empire was weakened by succession wars, internal conflicts, and declining central authority. This created a power vacuum that allowed regional governors like Murshid Quli Khan to assert their independence.
2. Economic Prosperity: Bengal was a rich and prosperous province with a thriving textile industry and a robust agricultural sector. It generated significant revenue for the Mughal Empire. Murshid Quli Khan recognized the economic potential of Bengal and focused on its development. He implemented various reforms to boost agriculture, trade, and revenue collection, which further strengthened Bengal's independence.
3. Administrative Reforms: Murshid Quli Khan introduced several administrative reforms in Bengal. He established a new revenue system called the zabti system, which brought stability to the collection of revenue. He also improved governance by curbing corruption and ensuring efficient administration. These reforms helped in consolidating his power and establishing Bengal as an independent viceroyalty.
4. Military Strength: Murshid Quli Khan built a strong military force in Bengal, which gave him the ability to resist any attempts by the Mughal Empire to regain control. He recruited soldiers locally and also employed European military advisors to modernize his army. This military strength acted as a deterrent against any external threats and solidified Bengal's independence.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, after Aurangzeb's death, Bengal became an independent viceroyalty under the rule of Murshid Quli Khan. The weak Mughal Empire, economic prosperity, administrative reforms, and military strength were the key factors that contributed to Bengal's independence. Murshid Quli Khan effectively ruled Bengal and established it as a prosperous and independent region.
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