Nawabs of Bengal | WBCS Preparation: All Subjects - WBCS (West Bengal) PDF Download

Nawabs of Bengal 

• Murshid Quli Khan 
  Murshid Quli Khan, the inaugural Nawab appointed by Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar in 1717 CE, presided over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa from his capital in Murshidabad. He initiated the transformation from the Jagirdari system to the Mal Jasmani system, which later evolved into the Zamindari system. Notably, he established the Zurbe Murshidabad coin and constructed the impressive Katra Masjid. Following his demise in 1727 CE, he was interred beneath the steps of Katra Masjid.
• Sarfaraz Khan 
  The son of Shuja-ud-Din and grandson of Murshid Quli Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, held the imperial titles of ‘Motamul-ul-Mulk’ and ‘Ala-ud-Din Haridar Jung.’ His brief reign ended in 1740 CE, lasting only 13 months, when he succumbed to defeat in the Battle of Giria on 10th April 1740, at the hands of Alivardi Khan. With Sarfaraz Khan's demise, the Nasiri dynasty of Murshid Quli Khan concluded.
• Alivardi Khan 
  Alivardi Khan, Nawab of Bengal from 1740 to 1756 CE, rose to prominence after defeating Sarfaraz Khan in the Battle of Giria. Over his 16-year reign, Alivardi Khan successfully defended and expanded his dominion over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
• Siraj-ud-Daulah 
  Siraj-ud-Daulah, the grandson of Alivardi, assumed the throne in 1756 CE. His rule was marked by the occupation of British establishments in Cossimbazar and Calcutta. The subsequent Battle of Plassey in 1757 saw Siraj-ud-Daulah's defeat, leading to Mir Jafar ascending the throne with British support.
• Battle of Plassey (AD 1757) 
  Fought on 23rd June 1757, the Battle of Plassey pitted the British East India Company, led by Colonel Robert Clive, against Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah's forces. Despite Siraj-ud-Daulah's superior numbers, the battle resulted in his defeat, setting the stage for British dominance in Bengal.
• Mir Jafar 
  Mir Jafar, the first Nawab of Bengal supported by the East India Company (1757-1760 CE and 1763-1765 CE), proved to be an ineffectual ruler under British control.
• Mir Qasim 
  Following Mir Jafar, Mir Qasim assumed power in 1760 CE. His defiance of British demands led to conflicts, including the Battle of Buxar in 1764, where the combined forces of Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal King Shah Alam II were decisively defeated by the British East India Company.
• Conflict of Nawabs and Company: Battle of Buxar 
  Due to conflict between Mir Qasim and Company rule, the Battle of Buxar was fought on 23rd October, 1764 between the forces under the command of the British East India Company led by Major Hector Munro on one side and the combined army of Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Awadh and the Mughal King Shah Alam II on other side. This battle gave a decisive victory for the British East India Company.