Introduction:
Ali Vardi Khan was the Nawab of Bengal from 1740 to 1756. He was a powerful ruler who faced several challenges during his reign. One of the significant events during Ali Vardi Khan's rule was the surrender of Orissa. This surrender was compelled by Raghoji Bhonsle, a Maratha ruler who had a significant impact on the political landscape of India during that time.

Raghoji Bhonsle's Role:
Raghoji Bhonsle was a prominent Maratha ruler and a military general. He belonged to the Bhonsle dynasty and was known for his military prowess and expansionist policies. Raghoji Bhonsle had been expanding his influence in different regions of India, including Bengal.

Conflict in Orissa:
Orissa, a region in eastern India, was under the control of the Mughal Empire. However, as the Mughal power weakened, different regional powers started asserting their control over various parts of the empire. Orissa was one such region that witnessed power struggles between different rulers.

Ali Vardi Khan's Rule in Bengal:
Ali Vardi Khan became the Nawab of Bengal after defeating his predecessor Sarfaraz Khan in 1740. He was a capable and strong ruler who focused on stabilizing and strengthening his rule in Bengal. Ali Vardi Khan faced several challenges, including conflicts with the Marathas.

The Maratha Threat:
The Marathas, under the leadership of Raghoji Bhonsle, were expanding their influence in different parts of India, including Bengal. They had already established their dominance in several regions and were known for their military strength.

Compelling the Surrender of Orissa:
Raghoji Bhonsle saw an opportunity to expand his influence further by targeting Orissa. He launched an invasion on the region and defeated the local Mughal governor. Ali Vardi Khan, realizing the strength of the Marathas, decided to surrender Orissa to avoid further conflict and bloodshed.

Reasons for Surrender:
There were several reasons why Ali Vardi Khan decided to surrender Orissa to Raghoji Bhonsle:

1. Maratha Military Strength: The Marathas had a formidable military force, and Ali Vardi Khan knew that he could not match their strength. Surrendering Orissa was a practical decision to avoid a costly and potentially devastating war.

2. Preservation of Bengal: Ali Vardi Khan prioritized the preservation of his own territory, Bengal. By surrendering Orissa, he hoped to maintain peace and stability in his core domain.

3. Political Calculations: Ali Vardi Khan may have seen surrendering Orissa as a strategic move to gain favor with the Marathas. It could have been a way to ensure that the Marathas would not target Bengal in the future.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Ali Vardi Khan was compelled to surrender Orissa by Raghoji Bhonsle, a powerful Maratha ruler. The surrender was a result of the Marathas' military strength, Ali Vardi Khan's desire to preserve Bengal, and a strategic political calculation. This event had significant implications for the political landscape of India during that time.