Bangladesh Studies O Level (7094) Pilot Textbook

Topic 3 (a) The establishment of the Mughal Empire in India

and its expansion into Bengal

Purpose of this chapter

This chapter covers Topic 3 of the five History & Culture Topics in the syllabus for the

Cambridge GCE Ordinary Level Bangladesh Studies. It introduces candidates to:

how the Mughal Empire was established in India, some of the work of the Moghul
emperors, and the impact of the Mughal Empire on Bengal (Topic 3a)

the reasons for the decline of the Mughal Empire in India as a whole (Topic 3b)

the impact of the Mughal decline in Bengal and the growth of the Nawabs (Topic

3c).

Topic 3a: The establishment of the Mughal Empire in India

and its expansion into Bengal
Summary

The Mughals first arrived in India in the early sixteenth century and extended their authority
widely. In Bengal they encountered strong opposition from the Afghans, but following a

Mughal victory at the Battle of Rajmahal in July 1576, Bengal finally became an integral part

of the Mughal Empire.

Maps

Maps and pictures can be found in publications such as:

Ali, Mohar; History of the Muslims of Bengal; Dhaka: Islamic Foundation; 2003

Majumdar, R.C., H.C. Chaudhiri and Kalikinkar Datta; An Advanced History of India;
th
8 edition; London: Macmillan; 1963

www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/History/Mughals/mughals.html
Figure 3.1 Medieval Bengal (source: Banglapedia, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh).

Main events: struggles between Mughals and Afghans

1526 Battle of Panipat: Moghul Babur defeats Sultan of Delhi

1538 Sack of Gaur: Afghan rule established in Bengal

1539 Battle of Chausa: Afghan Sher Shah defeats Mughal Humayun

1540 Battle of Kanauj: Humayun again defeated and flees to Persia

1556 Mughal Akbar: assumes power

1575 Afghan Daud Khan: recovers Bengal

1576 Battle of Rajmahal: Bengal becomes part of Mughal Empire

The Mughal invasion by Emperor Babur

The rise and the reign of the Mughal dynasty is one of the most interesting episodes in Indian
history. At the height of their power, the Mughals ruled almost every corner of India. Bengal
was one of these. Bengal came under the influence of the Mughals not only in the field of
politics, but also of economy and culture.

Babur: the founder of the Mughal Empire

The founder of the Mughal Empire was Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur. Through his father's
line, Babur was a descendant of Amir Taimur (also known as Timurlane, 1336-1405), and
through his mother's line, he was a descendant of Chengiz Khan, both of whom were famous
warriors of the medieval period.

Babur was born in Central Asia in 1483 into the ruling family of a small kingdom called
Fargana. He was a very ambitious man and tried to establish an empire in Central Asia. But
he was unsuccessful and instead turned to India to set up his empire.

Taking advantage of a power vacuum in India

The circumstances in India were ideal for Babur's ambitious mind. With the decline of the last
strong Sultans of Tughlaq dynasty, central power in Delhi was not strong. Then the invasion
of Delhi in 1398 by Timurlane had brought further instability. The Sultans of the Sayyid and
Lodi dynasty had tried to maintain the political power of Delhi but faced great difficulties. The
Lodis, racially Afghans, had extended their political influence in India considerably, but there
was little stability as the Afghan Lodi rulers of different regions often fought with each other for
supremacy.

Battle of Panipat

Babur stepped in India amidst this situation. Between 1519 and 1520, he conquered Vira,
Sialkot and Saidpur. He conquered Kandahar in 1522 and Punjab in 1525. Then in the battle
of Panipat (1526), he defeated Ibrahim Lodi, Sultan of Delhi, and began to establish the
Mughal dynastic rule in India. The battle of Panipat not only paved the way for Babur's rise to
supremacy in northern India, but also in Bengal.

Afghan Resistance to the Mughals in Bengal

Sultan of Bengal wavers between Afghans and Mughals

After the defeat and death of Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat in April 1526, some Lodi leaders were
forced to seek refuge with Nusrat Shah, Sultan of Bengal and Bihar. Nusrat Shah not only
gave them protection but also presented them with privileges and villages according to their
ranks and titles. Nusrat Shah is even said to have married Ibrahim Lodi's daughter. It is
believed that In the face of the advance of the Mughals under Babur, Nusrat Shah was
seeking to build an alliance with the Afghans.

In 1527, however, Babur sent an envoy to Nusrat Shah (1519-32), asking for his neutrality in
the ongoing conflicts between the Mughals and the Afghans. Nusrat Shah kept putting off his
reply. In 1528, Babur sent another envoy to Bengal asking for a definite answer from the
Sultan. Nusrat Shah could delay no longer. He sent presents to Babur and guaranteed that he
would remain neutral during the Mughal’s campaign.

In order to pursue the rebellious Afghan Chiefs, Babur asked Nusrat Shah for free passage
through the trans-Ghagra territory. When Nusrat Shah hesitated, Babur occupied the territory
up to Saran after defeating the Sultan's contingent posted there. Nusrat Shah's military
governor of Monghyr promptly concluded a treaty with Babur accepting all his terms.

The death of Babur and Nusrat Shah and the emergence of Sher Khan

Shortly after this, Babur died (1530). His death was followed by the assassination of Nusrat
Shah (1532). Babur was succeeded by his son Humayun, and Nusrat Shah was succeeded
by his brother, Mahmud Shah. Both of the new leaders were less able than their
predecessors, and the next influential figure was Sher Khan, an Afghan of insignificant origin.
He not only captured Bengal and Bihar but also kept the Mughals away from North India as
long as he lived. Therefore Sher Khan can be seen as an important figure not only in the
history of Bengal, but also of India.

Comprehension Questions

1. Who was Babur?

2. How did he extend his authority in many parts of India?

Emperor Humayun and the Afghan Resistance

Afgahn Sher Shah topples Mahmud Shah in Bengal

Sher Khan (better known as Sher Shah) came to the limelight when Mahmud Shah sent an
army into Bihar to punish one of his governors for his alleged involvement in the
assassination of his father, Nusrat Shah. But the governor happened to be an ally of Sher
Khan, who in defence of his ally, advanced towards Bengal and captured Gaur in 1538, in
course of his fight against Mahmud Shah. Mahmud Shah was forced to concede all territories
west of Rajmahal and pay an annual tribute of about one crore tankas (takas). Shortly
afterwards, when Mahmud Shah broke his commitment of paying the annual tribute, he was
finally toppled by Sher Shah’s army. With this, Afghan rule was established in Bengal. But the
Mughals were coming.

Sher Shah defeats the great Moghul Humayun

In northern India, after the death of his father, Humayun became the Mughal emperor but
soon he sensed great danger to his new empire from the emerging power of Sher Shah. In
1538, Humayun marched towards Bihar and Bengal with a huge army to subdue Sher Shah.
Wisely, Sher Shah did not confront Humayun’s massive army face to face and ‘melted’ into
the Bihar interior, allowing the Mughals an easy occupation of Bengal. But whilst Humayun
was busy merrymaking in Gaur, Sher Khan established his control over the territory between
Bihar and the capital Delhi, thus cutting off all the lines of communication between Delhi and
Bengal. Humayun had unwisely wasted his time in Bengal when the rainy season was
drawing near.

After some time, when Humayun realised his mistake and started for Agra from Bengal, his
way was blocked by Sher Shah at Chausa. Sher Shah defeated Humayun in the battle of
Chausa, near Boxer, in June 1539. Soon afterwards, Sher Khan sent an army to Gaur and
succeeded in overthrowing the Mughal garrison. In the meantime Humayun made another
attempt to recover his fortune and confronted the Afghans in Kanauj in May 1540, but was
defeated again. Humayun fled to Persia.

Sher Shah and the rule of the Afghans

Administration of Sher Shah

In a brief reign of only five years (1540-1545), Sher Shah established peace and order in the

Empire and remodelled its administration. For example:

He divided his Empire into 47 sarkars and subdivided each sarkar into a number of
parganas. Bengal had 19 sarkars, with two high officials, Shiqdar-i-Shiqdaran (Shiqdar-

in-Chief) and Munsif-i-Munsifanappointed in each sarkar to look after the work of

pargana officers.

Taxes were fixed at one-fourth of the gross produce, after proper measurement of
land, and were payable either in cash or in kind.

Sher Shah reformed the currency and improved trade and commerce by abolishing

some duties. A network of excellent roads, connecting the capital Agra with outlying
areas of the Empire, as well as sarai, mosques and temples at regular intervals,
 improved communication. His most important road was the Sarak-i-Azam, which ran for
3000 miles from Sonargon to Multan via Agra, Delhi and Lahore, with shady trees on

both sides. This road came to be known as the Grand Trunk Road in the Colonial period.

He introduced a means of easy and quick despatch of government orders and

messages, to and from the capital, by relay of horses. Sarais, besides being shelters for
traders, travellers and government servants, served as dak-chowkis (stations for

changing post horses) as well.

The sultan remodelled the police system, made village headmen responsible for the

maintenance of peace in their respective areas and prevented crimes like drinking and

adultery through muhtasibs.

He maintained a strong standing army and an efficient espionage system. A man

with a strong sense of justice, the sultan was the highest court of appeal, both for civil
and criminal cases. Next to him was the Qazi-ul-Quzzat. In the parganas the Qazi

administered criminal cases, while the Amin looked after the civil ones. Panchayets
decided the civil cases of the Hindus.

The sultan made liberal grants for charitable purposes, opened free public kitchens

for the poor, founded madrasas, mosques and important buildings, laid out gardens and

erected hospitals and sarais. His excellent taste in building is well attested by his noble
mausoleum at Sasaram. Sher Shah was a pious Muslim, but he also was tolerant

towards the Hindus. He combined the qualities of a military leader, a wise monarch and a
capable and far-sighted statesman.

Source: adapted from Banglapedia, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh

Comprehension Question

Show how Sher Shah can be considered as a good administrator.

Comprehension Questions

1. Why did Emporer Humayun find it difficult to assert his authority in Bengal?

2. When and how did the Mughals finally take control in Bengal?
Return of the Mughals

The death of Sher Shah in 1545 gave Humayun an opportunity to regain his empire from the
Aghans. He finally managed to achieve this by 1555. The return of the Mughals led to a long-
lasting Mughal supremacy almost all over India. However, the process of consolidation of the
Mughal Empire was carried out not by Humayun, but by his son, Akbar, the greatest of the
Mughals. Bengal once again came under the influence of Mughal supremacy during his time.

Akbar and the beginnings of Mughal Rule in Bengal

Akbar ascended the throne of Delhi at the age of thirteen following the death of his father,
Emperor Humayun, in January 1556. After assuming power, Akbar had to fight a number of
battles in order to consolidate his empire in the north and south of India. Meanwhile, Bengal
continued to be under the successors of Sher Shah until 1564, when Sulaiman Kararni, the
Governor of South Bihar, extended his authority over Bengal. Sulaiman, till his death in AD
1572, formally recognised the overlordship of Akbar and maintained uncomfortable but
friendly terms with the Mughal Emperor.

However, on the death of Sulaiman, his son, Daud Khan, aroused the wrath of the Mughal
emperor by declaring his independence and then attacking and capturing the fort of Zamania,
on the Eastern frontier of the Empire. Akbar personally marched against Daud Khan in 1574
and drove him out of Patna and Hajipur. He then returned to Delhi, leaving an army of 20,000
to continue confronting the Afghans. However, Daud Khan was able to strike back and
recover Bengal in October 1575. But when Daud Khan was killed at the Battle of Rajmahal in
July 1576, Bengal finally became an integral part of the Mughal Empire.

Activity: Writing an obituary

When important people die, newspapers often write an account of their lives. This is
called an obituary. You are going to write an obituary with a difference. Your obituary is

going to be about either Nusrat Shah or Sher Shah. But it is not going to be a fair
obituary. You must decide to write it either only to praise your selected ruler or only to

criticise him. Once you have written it, compare your account with that written by

someone who had the opposite view. Who do you think has written the most accurate
account?

Akbar and the Baro Bhuiyans

Anti-Mughal resistance by the Baro Bhuiyans in Bengal

However, Mughal control of Bengal was far from secure at this stage. Between 1574 and
1610, local resistance prevented the Mughals from completing their mission of absolute
control over Bengal. The resistance was put up by a number of powerful chieftains and
landlords (zamindars) of Bengal, collectively known as the Baro Bhuiyans (twelve landlords).
Most of the bhuiyans were governors of the now fallen Sultanate of Bengal. The anti-Mughal
resistance was led by the famous Isa Khan, who had his capital in Sonargaon, close to
today’s Dhaka.

Mughal forces defeated by Isa Khan

In September 1584, Isa Khan defeated a large Mughal navy. Two years later, when the
Mughals successfully marched through the Bengal Delta and reached as far as Chittagong,
Isa Khan played a rather conciliatory role and seemed to have accepted Akbar’s overlordship.
But Isa Khan was increasingly being viewed by the Mughals as a menace to their Empire.
Therefore, Akbar sent one of his most charismatic generals, Raja Mansingh, to be governor
of Bengal. Mansingh led an expedition against Isa Khan in 1595. But in the meantime, Isa
Khan became more emboldened by the alliance from neighbouring zamindars such as Kedar
Rai of Faridpur. In 1597, he defeated the Mughal forces under Mansingh whose son was
killed in the battle. Isa Khan’s resistance against the Mughals has been reflected in folk
songs, ballads and poems.

Musa Khan takes up the struggle against Mughal forces

However, the era of successful resistances against the Mughals declined with the death of Isa
Khan in 1599. After the death of Isa Khan, his son Musa Khan, took up the leadership of the
anti-Mughal resistance. In the meantime, Mansingh was able to defeat and kill Kedar Rai, one
of the most influential allies of Musa Khan. Resistance to the Mughals centred around Musa
Khan and Usman Khan, one of the last very powerful Afghans. These two chieftains
continued their struggle against the Mughals with mixed success, but finally they had to give
in when Islam Khan, an illustrious Mughal governor, was sent to Bengal.

Influence of Jahangir
Mughal governor Islam Khan breaks up control of Musa Khan

Islam Khan’s appointment in Bengal followed changes in political circumstances in northern

India. In October 1605, Emperor Akbar had died and he was succeeded by his son, Jahangir.
Jahangir had sent to Bengal two governors, Qutub al-Dia Khan Koka and Jahangir Quli Khan
in quick succession between 1606 and 1608 (1606-07 and 1607-08). It was during these
years that the Bengali Chief, Musa Khan, and his allies had recovered some of their territories
which had been lost during Mansingh’s invasions. Then Jahangir sent Islam Khan to Bengal
as the new Mughal Viceroy.

Islam Khan was young and energetic and was determined to establish Mughal authority over
Bengal. He brought in increased forces and war materials, including guns and artillery, as well
as a large fleet. A new Diwan, Abu Al Hasan and a new admiral of the fleet, Ihtimam Khan,
joined him at Rajmahal shortly after his arrival.

While Islam Khan was preparing for war in 1608, he also tried to induce Raja Pratapaditya of
Jessore, another influencial figure of the Baro Bhuiyans, to join the Mughals by offering
territories and patronage. Thus began a new period in the Mughal policy in Bengal. Islam
Khan applied diplomacy in winning over as many of the zamindars and chiefs as he could to
break up the power of Musa Khan and his confederates. Pratapaditya responsed favourably
to Islam Khan’s offers and accepted his overlordship, but eventually refrained from supplying
his army to assist the Mughals, though he promised to do so. As a result, Islam Khan
defeated and imprisoned Pratapaditya and annexed his territory.

Mughal control established over Bengal

After crushing Pratapaditya, Islam Khan fought against many minor Afghan leaders before
finally defeating Musa Khan in 1611 and Usman Khan in 1612. Musa Khan was compelled to
come to a compromise with the mighty Mughals, but Usman Khan died fighting the Mughals.
With the submission of Musa Khan and death of Usman Khan, the period of resistance of the
Baro Bhuiyans came to an end. With this, most of Bengal also came firmly under Mughal
administration. The most important event of the time was that Dhaka was made the capital of
Bengal. This was named Jahangir Nagar, in honour of the Mughal emperor.

The Baro Bhuiyans of Bengal: A Note

Abul Fazal and Mirza Nathan claimed the Bhuiyans to be twelve in number. It should be
mentioned, however, that the Baro Bhuiyans during the time of Akbar were not the same as

those in the time of Emperor Jahangir, his son. Parganas also changed hands. During the

reign of Akbar, Chand Rai and Kedar Rai were zamindars of Bikrampur and Sripur but in the
reign of Jahangir, these Parganas were in the hands of Musa Khan. The families of Chand

Rai and Kedar Rai were probably extinct.

According to the Akbarnama, the Bhuiyans were:

(i) Isa Khan Masnad-i-Ala, (ii) Ibrahim Nazal, (iii) Karimdad Musazai, (iv)Majlis Dilwar, (v)

Majlis Pratap, (vi) Kedar Rai, (vii) Sher Khan, (viii) Bhadur Ghazi, (ix) Tila Ghazi, (x) Chand
Ghazi, (xi) Sultan Ghazi, (xii) Selim Ghazi, (xiii) Qasim Ghazi.

In the Baharistan-i- Ghaibi, the names of Musa Khan and his 12 zamindar allies are as

follows:
(i) Musa Khan Masnad-i-Ala,(ii) Ataul Khan, (iii) Abdullah Khan, (iv) Mahmud Khan, (v)
Bahadur Ghazi, (vi) Sona Ghazi, (vii) Anwar Ghazi, (viii) Shaikh Pir, (ix) Mirza Mimin, (x)

Madhav Rai, (xi) Binode Rai, (xii) Pahlwan, (xiii) Haji Shamsuddin Bagdadi.

Actually they were thirteen including the leader.

Adapted from Banglapedia (Asiatic Society of Bangladesh)

Comprehension Questions

1. Who were the Baro Bhuiyans? (There is no need to give their individual names, just

describe who they were).

2. Give some examples of their successes.

3. Why were they eventually defeated?

Influence of Shah Jahan

Emperor Jahangir died in 1627 and was succeeded by his third son, Prince Khurram or Shah
Jahan. Shah Jahan's reign of thirty years till 1658 was marked by peace and prosperity. For
the province of Bengal, too, as a part of the Empire, it brought security of life and property,
especially in lower Bengal. Hugli was captured from the Portuguese and the slave trade
closed.

The Viceroys of Bengal during Shah Jahan's reign

Qasim Khan was sent to replace Fida Khan as Viceroy of Bengal. The next two viceroys,
Azam Khan (1632-35) and Islam Khan Mashadi (1635-39) had to deal with fresh trouble in
Assam and Arakan. The Mughals occupied Darrang in Assam and set up headquarters in
Gauhati. In 1639, Islam Khan Mashadi was recalled to take up the post of Prime Minister, and
so Prince Suja, the second son of Shah Jahan was appointed Viceroy of Bengal.

Prince Suja as Viceroy of Bengal

Prince Suja's appointment was clear evidence of the importance given to the frontier province
by the Emperor. Bengal enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity during Suja's
viceroyalty of twenty-one years (1639-1660).

Rajmahal: the new capital

Suja removed the headquarters from Dhaka to Rajmahal, which was a drier region near the
Bihar frontier. It also enabled effective control over all parts of the province, including Kamrup
in the northeast.

Influence of Aurangzeb
Emperor Shah Jahan fell seriously ill at the end of September 1657. This was a signal for a
struggle of succession to break out among his four sons, Dara Shiko, Suja, Aurangzeb, and
Murad.

Aurangzeb wins struggle for succession amongst his brother Suja

Suja had proved himself an efficient administrator as Viceroy of Bengal. However, he had
hardly any influence in court. Murad, the youngest son, did not have the qualities needed
either. The main contest, therefore, was between Dara, the eldest son, and Aurangzeb. Dara
was defeated by Aurangzeb at Samugar, eight miles east of Agra on the 29 May, 1658. Dara
fled and Aurangzeb occupied Agra and, as his brother Dara had done, imprisoned his father
in the Agra fort. He also imprisoned his brother Murad..

The armies of Aurangzeb and Suja confronted each other at Khajwa, in modern Uttar
Pradesh (north India). A defeated Suja fled towards Bengal in January 1659. Aurangzeb sent
the Governor of Khandesh, Moazzam Khan alias Mir Jumla in pursuit of Suja. He then
returned to the capital and had Dara imprisoned and beheaded.

In the meantime, Suja took refuge in Tanda near Gaur. Mir Jumla occupied Rajmahal in April
1659 and defeated Suja early in 1660. Suja fled to Dhaka with his family and finally sought
asylum in Arakan. Mir Jumla made a triumphant entry into Dhaka in May 1660. The Arakan
ruler had Suja and his family members mercilessly killed, probably when he attempted a coup
with the help of the Muslim subjects of the Arakan ruler.

1. Why do historians see the reign of Shah Jahan as successful?

2. Can you find any examples of Aurangzeb's determination to make himself

undisputed ruler?

Mir Jumla as new Viceroy of Bengal: capital transferred to Dhaka

Suja's escape to Arakan ended the war of succession. Aurangzeb wanted Mir Jumla to
continue to remain in Bengal. He wanted to reward Mir Jumla for his services by giving him
the viceroyalty and also to establish his authority firmly over Bengal. Mir Jumla was awarded
the title of Khan-e-Khanan, the highest of all ranks in recognition of his achievement.

Mir Jumla transferred the capital from Rajmahal to Dhaka. During his viceroyalty, he occupied
Kuch Bihar and succeeded in annexing the greater part of Assam. Orissa, which had been
joined to the Bengal administration during Prince Suja's time, was also under his
administration until a new Governor of Orissa was appointed. When Mir Jumla died, Daud
Khan was made the temporary governor until Shaista Khan, Mumtaz Mahal's brother, arrived
as the new Viceroy of Bengal.

Shaista Khan as Viceroy: reforms and Chittagong

Figure 3.2 Shaista Khan (source: Banglapedia, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh).

Shaista Khan arrived in Dhaka in December, 1664. He introduced a number of reforms such
as the abolition of trade monopolies and customs and tolls.

Kuch Bihar remained under Shaista Khan's control, and he planned to capture Chittagong
from the Arakanese. At first, his forces occupied Sandvip. Then after defeating the Arakanese
in a battle in 1666, he entered Chittagong. Many Bengali men and women, held prisoner by
the Arakanese, were set free. Chittagong was named Islamabad by the Emperor.
Murshid Quli as Viceroy: more independent

Murshid Quli Zafar Khan was made Viceroy of Bengal in 1705. He proved to be a strong
and capable ruler. He transferred the capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad. It was during
Murshid Quli’s time that, Bengal’s political connection with central Mughal administration
weakened. Murshid Quli did not openly severe the connections with the Mughals, but he was
wise enough to realise that the great Mughal Empire was gradually becoming weak. He
therefore asserted his authority in a way that would not trouble the emperor but would help
him run the affairs of Bengal virtually independently. This trend of ruling Bengal independently
from central Mughal administration was adopted by rulers of Bengal until the British took over.
But why was the hitherto very successful Mughal Empire beginning to weaken?

The decline of the Empire after Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal Emperor, had reached the height of his power in the year
1690. His rule extended from Kabul to Chittagong and from Kashmir to the river Kaveri. Then,
gradually, this great Empire began to disintegrate even before Aurangzeb's death in March
1707, though the pace was accelerated soon after his death. One of the reasons was the
struggle for succession between his three sons. But there were many other reasons, which
we will read about in the next section.

Comprehension Question

How true is it to say that Bengal was independent from the Mughal leaders under
the Viceroyalty of Murshid Quli?

Activity: A Historical Debate

One of the most interesting things about history is that whilst we can often agree about what

happened, often we can’t agree about why or how important an event is. You are now going
to take part in a debate about the Baro Buiyans. You have to prepare a speech supporting

one of the views below and then try to persuade the rest of your classmates that you are

right.

A. The Baro Bhuiyans were great heroes of Bengal. They showed the Mughals how
powerful Bengal was.

B. The Baro Bhuiyans were wasting their time. The Mughals were too powerful and

were bound to defeat them in the end.

Bangladesh Studies O Level (7094) Pilot Textbook
Topic 3 (b) Reasons for the decline of the Mughal Empire

Purpose of this section

This section covers the reasons for the decline of the Mughal Empire, including:

succession disputes and factions

weak control and policies - towards religion, the Deccan, the Rajputs and the
Marathas

administrative weaknesses

military problems

Persian invasions

the arrival of the British.

Summary

By 1576, Bengal had become part of a mighty Mughal Empire whose achievements

impressed all who came into contact with it. However, within 150 years, the Empire was in
decline as internal weaknesses and external threats brought an end to the Mughal

supremacy.

Activity

Show on three different maps of Bengal the extension of the Mughal rule in the

province during the reigns of Jahangir, Shahjahan, and Aurangzeb.

Main events

1620 British get permission from Emperor Jahangir to conduct trade.

 1678 Mughal Aurangzeb annexes Marwar and angers Rajputs.

1679 Jizia reimposed.

1686/7 Annexation of Golcunda and Bijapur angers Marathas

1688 British blockade Bombay and Mughal ports

1690 British sign treaty.

1700 Founding of Fort William by British.

1707 Death of Aurangzeb: war of succession.

1739 Persian Nader Shah plunders Delhi.

There were many reasons for the decline of the Mughal Empire, beginning with succession
disputes and ending with the arrival of the British, who took advantage of the lack of central
control, the discontent and factionalism. Some of the specific reasons were:

1. Struggle for succession

After the death of Aurangazeb, a war of succession broke out among his three sons,
Muazzam (Governor of Kabul), Muhammad Azam (Governor of Gujrat) and Muhammad
Kam Baksh (Governor of Bijapur). In his will, Aurangazeb had directed his sons to divide the
Empire peacefully among them. But at his death, there rose a bitter struggle for the throne of
Delhi.

The competition for power led to the death of Azam and Muhammad. Muazzem took up the
title of Bahadur Shah (also Shah Alam I) but when he died in February 1712, a fresh war of
succession broke out among Muazzam’s four sons. Three out of his four sons were killed in
this conflict. The remaining son, Jahandar Shah, became the emperor. But soon,
Farrukhsiyar, a son of one of the defeated princes, deposed Jahandar Shah to avenge his
father’s death. A series of such conflicts arising out of battles for succession, resulting in the
absence of a long-lasting central authority, weakened the Mughal Empire.

2. Religious policy
Aurangzeb was brave and untiring in carrying out his duties. He was also a great soldier and
general but he failed to be a good ruler because of his religious conservatism. He appeared to
be an emperor of the Muslims only, not of all the people of India who had different religious
and cultural identities. In 1679, he re-imposed the Jizia on the non-believers. He denounced
the idea of joining hands with the Hindus for the integrity of the Empire. He rather focused on
the Muslims only. He also banned sati, the Hindu sacrifice of widows. These and other of his
religious policies insulted the non-Muslims and caused discontent and unrest.

Sourcework

Source A

"Aurangzeb keeps the fast on Fridays and during the period of Ramadan. He does not eat

forbidden meats, does not listen to music or wear forbidden clothes. In his court, no wicked
talk, no backbiting or lying is allowed".

This is an extract from The History of Aurangzeb written by an official in his court in 1668.

What does this source make you think about Aurangzeb?

Source B

Aurangzeb says ‘My kingdom is now full of mosques instead of the most hideous temples.
Instead of poisonous inns and brothels we find groups of holy men.’ But despite what

Aurangzeb says in his kingdom every day the most monstrous crimes in the world are

committed.

This was written by an Italian who visited India during Aurangzeb’s reign and wrote a book

called The History of the Mughals.

Do you agree that Source B makes you think about Aurangzeb in a different way

from Source A? Explain your answer.

As the two sources were written around the same time, why do you think they say

different things about the emperor?

3. Aurangzeb's Deccan policy

Aurangzeb's determination to crush the Marathas was also responsible for the decline of the
Empire. The Emperor went to the Deccan to annex Golcunda in 1686 and Bijapur in 1687.
These two states were not only Shia states but also supportive to the Marathas by providing
employment and even military training. A friendly policy towards these two states could have
made them his allies against the Maratha.

But Aurangzeb could not see this possibility. The Mughal Empire, by this time, had become
too vast to be controlled efficiently by a centralised administration, especially Karnataka.
Communication and transport were poor and the frequent Maratha raids made it difficult for
the nobles to collect the taxes. This was a serious setback to the prestige of the Empire.

4. Aurangzeb's Rajput policy

Aurangzeb did not attach enough importance to the Rajput alliance. In December 1678, he
introduced a change of policy towards the Rajputs who had contributed much to the growth of
the Mughal Empire in India. When he annexed Marwar, Aurangzeb's aggressive policy drove
the Rajputs to gather forces and the Rajput War turned into almost a national uprising. The
war continued till Bahadur Shah I, Aurangzeb's son and successor, recognized Ajit Singh as
the Rana of Marwar in 1709.

5. Maratha revival
By 1691, the Marathas (under the Peshwas) had become strong enough to rise up in rebellion
under Raja Ram and other Maratha chiefs. They consolidated their positions in western India,
dreaming of a greater Maharashtra Empire. The Marathas grew into the strongest power in
northern India and took up the role of defenders of Hindustan against foreign invaders like
Ahmed Shah Abdali. The Maratha conquests in the north accelerated the disintegration of the
Empire.

Research Task

Write what you know about Durga Das and his rescue of Ajit Singh and the Ranis.

Comprehension Questions

1. Why did Aurangzeb attack the Deccan?

2. Why were the Marathas a threat to Aurangzeb?

6. The weak nobles and party factions

The weak characters of the nobility hastened the downfall of the Mughal Empire. The nobility
were only interested in increasing their power and influence. The country was often broken
apart by civil wars due to the quarrelsome nobles. The nobility was divided into two broad
factions:

The Hindustani or Indo-Muslim party, who were the Afghan nobles, the Sayyids of
Barha and Khan-i-Dawran whose ancestors had come to India from Badakhshan. These
Indian Muslims were mostly aligned with the Hindus.

The foreign nobles were called Mughals as a whole but were divided into two groups.
Those who came from Trans-oxania and other parts of Central Asia were mostly Sunni
(The Turrani Party). The Irani nobles who were from Persia were mostly Shias.

During the reign of Bahadur Shah and Jahandar Shah, the Irani party was in power with
Zulfikhar Khan as leader. But from the time of Farrukhsiyyar's reign, the Hindustani party,
together with the Turrani group, took over power. At the end, the Turranians and the Iranians
joined together against the Hindustanis. This factionalism grew stronger in the absence of a
strong emperor.

7. Administrative weaknesses
Corrupt administration

The Mughal administration became full of corruption even before the death of Aurangzeb.
Officers of all ranks took bribes. On the other hand, the high rate of taxation ruined the people
who lost interest in production. In the reign of Shah Jahan, the state demand had been raised
to half of the produce. His immense expenditure on the construction of numerous buildings
worsened the condition of the finances. The tyrannical administration of the provincial
governors brought further misery to the people who could go nowhere for redress.

The Mansabdari system

A mansab meant an official appointment of rank and profit, which was held by every officer of
the state. They were bound theoretically to supply a number of troops for the military service
of the state. The mansabdars were the official nobility of the country. They were directly
recruited, promoted and suspended by the Emperor himself. The mansabdari system later
deteriorated, therefore, with the ascendancy of weak rulers on the throne and as corruption
and repression increased.

Condition of the people

The people of India suffered greatly. The land revenue taxes increased from the time of
Akbar. The nobles were mistreated and cheated out of their land rights. In response, they
often broke official regulations and behaved cruelly. People's miseries increased after
Aurangzeb's death and peasants often left their lands in despair.
The discontent of the peasants was an added reason for the uprisings of the Satnanis, the
Jats and the Sikhs. Many peasants formed bands of robbers and adventurers weakening law
and order further.

8. The demoralised Mughal army

The condition of the army was deplorable. The immense wealth of India and the wine and
comforts they enjoyed demoralised the Mughal army and led to its deterioration. The Mughal
army was so weak that even after three attempts it failed to capture Kandahar. In 1739, Nader
Shah, the Persian invader, easily plundered Delhi and carried out a wholesale massacre. The
people lost all respect for the Mughal sovereign.

Misuse of revenue by the nobles

The Mughal army was formed of contingents maintained by the great nobles from the
revenues or assignments of their posts. With the weakening of the central control, the nobles
used those assignments to benefit themselves.

Lax discipline

Discipline became lax in the army. There was no regular punishment for military crimes.
Aurangzeb often ignored acts of treason and cowardice, and even neglect of duty. There was
no drill in the army and each soldier trained as he wished with his weapons.

Outdated weapons

The weapons and methods of warfare had become outdated by this time. They depended
mostly on artillery and the armour-clad cavalry. The artillery was local and followed by a huge
camp of various people of different ages, combatants, and non-combatants, and numerous
elephants, cattle and beasts of burden. In the eighteenth century, musketry was already
introduced in other armies, and the Maratha cavalry with their swiftness and suddenness
could easily bring disorder in the Mughal camps.

Not a national army

The Mughal army comprised various elements of people who fought battles in their individual
ways. With the expansion of the Empire, the army became too huge and uncontrollable.
Moreover, the jealousies and rivalries of the high-ranking officials in the army often destroyed
the chances of victory during the campaigns.

9. The Persion’s invasions of Ahmed Shah Abdali

The invasions of Ahmed Shah Abdali, the invader from Persia and the son of Nadir Shah,
hastened the downfall of the Mughal Empire. These frequent invasions revealed the
weakness of the Empire and brought chaos and confusion. The third battle of Panipat in
1761, fought between Ahmed Shah Abdali and the Marathas, ended in a disastrous defeat for
the Marathas. It also weakened the Marathas and the Muslim rulers, paving the way for the
British Rule in India.

Research Task

Research and write brief notes on the third Battle of Panipat.

10. The arrival of the British

The British
There is sometimes a little confusion about what we mean by the term 'British',
especially as Great Britain today includes England, Wales and Scotland, and the UK
includes Great Britain and Northern Ireland! However, for the period of history that we are
looking at, the best definition of British is 'from Britain', which meant England, Scotland,

Wales or Ireland. Although the king or queen ruled all these lands, each of them had its own
language. However, the langauge spoken by most people, and the official langauge, was

English.

The Mughals neglected the navy and this proved to be a disaster. The coastline was left
unprotected and the Europeans were able to establish themselves in India with little difficulty.
Various European nations who had established trade relations with India, seeing the
weakness of the Mughal Empire, began to focus more on political influence than trade in
India.

Through diplomancy, military skill and persistence, the English East India Company
emerged as successful in exploiting the volatile circumstances in India in general and Bengal
in particular. They first succeeded in getting permission from emperor Jahangir to build forts
and conduct trade in Surat, Agra and Ahmedabad around 1620. But given the prevailing trend
of decline in the Mughal Empire, particulary towards the end of Aurangzeb’s reign, they
gradually became politically ambitious.

In 1688, the British blockaded the Bombay and Mughal ports and captured many Mughal
ships. As the Mughal Emperor responded strongly, they were forced to sign a treaty in 1690.
The company was given a license for trade only on condition that the captured vessels would
be returned and a payment of one and a half lacs of rupees made. Though this treaty
apparently restrained the British, this was not good for the Mughal Empire in the long run. The
reason is that this treaty legitimised the presence of the British, as well their right to do
business in India. From this time onwards, the British organised their strength in Bombay,
Madras and Bengal and tried to help build up an alliance that was not sympathetic to the
Mughals.

The arrival of the British was to prove fatal to the Mughal Empire. Britain was the most
technologically advanced country in the world and the British brought with them weapons far
in advance of those used by the Mughals. The British also brought a unity and sense of
determination which the divided Mughals lacked.

Comprehension Questions

1. What is the difference between the ‘British’ and the ‘English’?

2. Why could it be said to be a mistake for Aurangzeb to make a treaty with the British
in 1690?

Task: Analysing Causes

In this chapter, ten causes are listed to explain the decline of the Mughal Empire.

1. Divide the causes into those which can be seen as ‘internal weaknesses’ and those

which can be seen as ‘external threats’.

2. Summarise each reason in just one sentence.

3. Do you think that any one of these reasons is more important than the others?
Explain your answer.
Bangladesh Studies O Level (7094) Pilot Textbook
Topic 3 (c) The decline of the Mughals in Bengal and the
growth of the Nawabs

Purpose of this section

This section covers the reasons for the decline of the Mughal Empire, including:

succession disputes and factions

weak control and policies - towards religion, the Deccan, the Rajputs and the

Marathas

administrative weaknesses

military problems

Persian invasions

the arrival of the British.

Summary

As in the rest of India, Mughal power also declined in Bengal. From the beginning of the
eighteenth century, the Nawabs of Bengal ruled almost independently until the defeat of

Sirajuddaula at the famous Battle of Palashi in 1757. That victory for the British marked the
beginning of their period of dominance in India.

Main events

1695 Afghan Rahim Khan challenges Mughal rule in Bengal.

1713 Nawabs of Bengal era started by Murshid Quli Khan’s hereditary position.

1725 Nawab Suja-ud-din.

1739 Nawab Sarafraz Khan.

 1740 Nawab Alivardi Khan.

1756 Nawab Siraj-ud-doula.

1757 Battle of Palashi: Siraj defeated by the British.

1757 Nawab Mir-Jafar.

The Impact of the Mughal decline

Mughal rule in Bengal was at its greatest height during the Viceroyalty of Shaista Khan
(1664-1688). The end of Shaista Khan’s rule, however, marked the beginning of the end of
the Mughals in Bengal. A number of Mughal governors were sent to deal with problems in
Bengal, but they could not stop the overwhelming decline that set in all around.

Afghan challenge to Mughal rule in Bengal

The Afghans had never accepted their defeat at Mughal hands. Taking advantage of the
Emperor's continuous absence from the capital during his Deccan campaigns, Rahim Khan,
an Afghan Chief, attempted to regain power in Orissa and south-west Bengal around 1695.
The uprising was put down severely but it was the first serious challenge to Mughal rule in
Bengal from within the Empire since the time of Emperor Jahangir.

Europeans take advantage

Taking advantage of the confusion, the European companies fortified their settlements and
made themselves militarily stronger in west Bengal. In 1690, the British were allowed to build
settlements in Calcutta once again. Eight years later, they bought the zamindaris of the three
villages of Sutanoti, Kalikata and Gobindopur. These three villages gradually became the
centre of activities of the English and came to be known as Calcutta. It is from Calcutta
(Kalikata) that the English East India Company gradually grew into a military and political
power, which would one day rule the whole of India. Fort William was built by the English, Fort
Orleans at Chandernagar by the French, and Fort Gustavas at Chinsura by the Dutch. To
increase their armies, the Europeans enlisted Rajputs and other local bands.

Mughal authority in Bengal weakens

In the meantime, the continual tension between the Mughal Viceroy, Prince Azim al-Din and
the provincial Diwan, Murshid Quli Khan, further weakened Mughal authority in Bengal.
Murshid Quli Khan (Kartalib Khan) persuaded the Emperor to order the transfer of the capital
of Bengal from Dhaka to Murshidabad. As the Viceroy's residence was moved to Patna,
Dhaka was no longer the real capital of Muslim Bengal and was soon in decline.
Regional independence of Bengal under the Nawabs

The influence of the Diwan, Murshid Quli Khan, began to increase. The Mughal Viceroy was
mostly away from Bengal and in 1707, Aurangzeb died. The Emperor's death was followed by
a succession of wars in Delhi. It was not long before the Diwan, Murshid Quli Khan, took over
the powers of both the Diwan and the Nazim (Subhadhar) – explained below. Thus another
period, though very short-lived, of independence from northern Indian imperial rule ensued in
Bengal.

Changes in administration, politics and society

The term ‘Nawabs of Bengal’ refers to the hereditary rulers of Bengal whose only connection
with the Mughal Emperor was to follow his Firman and to pay a tribute to him regularly. The
Nawabs were responsible for their subah ( province or provinces). The Nawabi era in Bengal
was started by Murshid Quli Khan.

Towards the later part of the Mughal rule in the Indian Subcontinent, the central government
appointed two officers, who enjoyed equal political status but were independent of each other,
to administer a subah. One of them was the subahdar or nazim (general administrator
including justice and defence) and the other was the diwan (revenue administrator).

Since 1705, during the reign of Aurangzeb, Murshid Quli Khan had been a diwan of Bengal.
However, it was only in 1713 that the Emperor appointed Murshid Quli Khan as the diwan as
well as the subahdar of Bengal. From Murshid Quli Khan’s time onwards, the subahdari was
no longer an office under the central government but a hereditary office with a masnad
(throne).

After this, all the successors (Nawabs) to the masnad of Bengal regarded themselves as
independent Nawabs, though they always received the sanad (vice regal patent) from the
emperor on payment. The decline of the Mughal Empire after the death of Aurangzeb further
alienated the provinces from the central government. Taking advantage of this situation, the
Nawabs of Bengal strengthened their position and continued to rule independently. On the
other hand, bereft of real power, the Emperors had to remain content with gifts and tributes
that the Nawabs used to send regularly. Even though the Nawabs could not issue a Firman
which was the prerogative of the monarch alone, they could issue parwanas, dastaks etc.
They could even refuse to accept a Firman, as done by Murshid Quli Khan in 1717 when
Emperor Farukh Sheyyar issued a Firman granting special trading privileges to the English
traders in Bengal.

Comprehension Questions
1. Why did the death of Shaista Khan mark a turning point in the Mughal’s rule in
Bengal?

2. Which Firman did Murshid Quli Khan ignore in 1717? Why?

Who were the Nawabs of Bengal?

Murshid Quli Khan (1706-1725), the first of the Nawabs, became the Subahdar of Bengal in
1717; he reigned over Bengal, Bihar and Orissa from his capital Murshidabad with only a
nominal allegiance to the Mughal Emperor. He also opened a mint and introduced the "Zurbe
Murshidabad" coin. Murshid Quli Khan built the magnificent Katra Masjid. After his death in
1725, he was buried below the steps of the Katra Masjid.

Murshid Quli Zafar Khan (source: Banglapedia, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh)

Suja-ud-din (1725-1739), alias Suja Khan, son-in-law of Murshid Quli Khan succeeded after
Murshid Quli Khan's death. Shuja Khan was a charitable, just and impartial ruler, and gave
great encouragement to learning. He was also a patron of art and culture. After his death in
1739, he was buried in Roshni Bagh (garden of lights) near Farah Bagh.

Sarafraz Khan (1739-1740) was a man of valour and of religious temperament. His short
career ended in 1740 only after 13 months of reign when he was defeated at the battle of
Giria in April 1740 by Alivardi Khan.

Sarafraz Khan (source: Banglapedia, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh)

Alivardi Khan (1740-1756) became the Nawab by defeating and killing Sarfaraz in 1740 and
ruled for 16 years thereafter. Though an efficient ruler, he had to face continual attacks by the
Maratha and rebellion by the Afghans. He had to buy peace from the Maratha by allowing
concessions. He maintained good relationships with the Europeans but did not allow them to
increase their military power.
Alivardi Khan (source: Banglapedia, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh)

Siraj-ud-doula (‘Siraj’) (1756-57) succeeded his grandfather Alivardi. The young Sultan
faced the two-pronged trouble of the ambitions of the increasingly powerful British and the
intrigue of his disgruntled relatives and bureaucrats. In May 1756, Siraj occupied the
Cossimbazar factory of the British. Then he went on to occupy Calcutta in June 1756. But
then he had to go to Purnea, Bihar to put down the rebellion of his cousin Shaukat Jang, a
claimant to the throne. Taking advantage of this situation, the British amassed forces and re-
conquered Calcutta in February 1757 and then struck a secret treaty with Mir Jafar. The
British captured the French factory at Chandernagore. The French sought asylum from the
Nawab. The Nawab and the British army, under Robert Clive, met for the final round at
Palashi. In an act of great betrayal by Mir Jafar, Siraj was defeated and killed on 23 June
1757. Mir Jafar ascended the throne of Bengal at the mercy of the British.
Siraj (source: Banglapedia, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh)

Mir-Jafar (1757-1760 ) was an incompetent ruler. The British replaced him with his son-in-
law, Mir-Qasim, in 1760 on account of non-payment of dues. Mir-Qasim paid the dues off but
started to show signs of independence. He shifted his capital to Monghyr in Bihar and tried to
reorganise his own army. The British did not approve of this and defeated Mir-Qasim in the
Battle of Buxar in 1764.
Mir-Jafar (source: Banglapedia, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh)

Key changes from Murshid Quli Khan to Siraj-ud-doula

After Murshid Quli Khan’s death, the masnad passed on to his son-in-law Suja-ud-din Khan. It
was during his reign that Bihar was incorporated into the province of Bengal. The able Alivardi
Khan (Mirza Muhammad Ali) was appointed to the office of administrator of Bihar. After Suja-
ud-din Khan’s death in 1739, his son Sarafraz Khan ascended the throne. However, Sarafraz
Khan was unfit for the post he had assumed and, as a result, Alivardi Khan, Jagat Sheth,
Alamchand and his own brother Haji Ahmed conspired against him. Ultimately, in 1740,
Alivardi Khan subjugated the Nawab in the Battle of Ghiria near Rajmahal and became the
Nawab of Bihar, Orissa and Bengal. Alivardi Khan was a tactful governor, always keen to do
best for his province.

It was during this time that Nadir Shah, the Persian king, invaded India and threw the Mughal
Empire into chaos and turmoil. As a result, the Nawab of Bengal, taking advantage of the
situation, strengthened his position and continued to enjoy ruling his subah as an independent
ruler. It was due to his efforts that peace was established with the Marathas. Alivardi Khan
also took a strong but cautious stand against the British traders. However, in 1756, this great
Nawab died and was succeeded by his grandson Mirza Muhammad Siraj-ud-doula.

Assignment: supporting statements with evidence

‘Alivardi Khan was a tactful governor, always solicitous for the welfare of his province.’

Prepare a report on Alivardi Khan supporting the above statement with evidence.

Conspiracy against Siraj-ud-doula

Siraj ruled for little over one year (April 1756 to June 1757) and the Masnad of Bengal was

full of thorns for him. During his short lived-administration the young Nawab faced enemies
from within the family as well as outside.

Siraj’s nomination to the Nawabship caused the jealousy and enmity of Ghaseti Begum

(eldest sister of Siraj’s mother), Raja Rajballabh, Mir Jafar Ali Khan and Shawkat Jang (Siraj’s

cousin). Ghaseti Begum possessed huge wealth, which was the source of her influence and
strength. Apprehending serious opposition from her, Siraj seized her wealth from Motijheel

Palace and placed her in confinement. The Nawab also made certain changes in high
government positions giving them to his own favorites. Mir Mardan was appointed Bakshi

(Paymaster of the army) in place of Mir Jafar. Mohanlal was elevated to the post of peshkar
of his Dewan Khana and he exercised great influence in the administration. Eventually Siraj

suppressed Shawkat Jang, governor of Purnia, who was killed in a clash.

The accession of Siraj threatened the position of the dominant section of the ruling group in

Murshidabad, which was engaged in accumulation of wealth during the time of the earlier
Nawabs. With his assuming the reins of government, this group apprehended that he would

be a danger to their continuous enjoyment of the sources of accumulation of wealth, as he

was trying to raise another group to counterpoise the old one which usurped the power of the
Nawab to a great extent. Siraj’s accession was a threat to the British also because he made it

absolutely clear that, unlike the previous Nawabs, he would not put up with the abuse of
dastaks (permit for trade) by the British and their illegal private trade. The threat came at a

crucial time when the private trade of the Company’s servants was facing a severe crisis.

Adapted from Banglapedia, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh

Task: Using sources

1. How does the above passage show that there was internal dissension in the
 Nawab’s own camp?

2. Pick out two statements that clearly reveal the cause of the conspiracy.

3. Identify the different groups who were against the Nawab.

Conflict with the British

Upon ascending the masnad, Siraj’s main aim was to curb the growing power of the British
traders (namely the East India Company) in Bengal. He was already aware of the fact that the
only threat to the independent subah of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa was the East India
Company.

In fact, Siraj had genuine grievances against the East India Company. He accused the
company of strengthening the fortification of Fort William in Calcutta without his permission;
he also accused them of misusing the trade privileges given to them by the Mughals, thereby
causing heavy losses in the revenue of the province. Moreover, under the pretext of trade,
they were interfering in the internal politics of the province since Siraj felt sure that the English
were heavily involved in the conspiracy against him.

The British also gave shelter to his officers like Krisnadas, son of Rajballav, who appropriated
government funds. Also, the British governor, Roger Drake, did not pay the Nawab any
nazrana or peshkash as was the custom of the day. In spite of all this, the Nawab was willing
to forgive the British if they would take appropriate steps against his complaints and agree to
continue to trade in the same way as the other traders did.

However, the British had no intention of showing any respect to the Nawab and therefore,
when the Nawab expressed a wish to visit their factory in Kasimbazar, Governor Drake
insulted the Nawab’s special envoy. This incensed the Nawab, who now decided to retaliate.
The very first thing he did was to capture the factory in Kasimbazar, march to Calcutta, drive
the British out and capture the city. This attack led to the so-called controversial Black Hole
Incident.

Following these actions of the Nawab, the Treaty of Alinagar was signed between the British
and the Nawab by which Siraj agreed to compensate for the British losses at Calcutta. But the
British could not forget this incident easily and there were only two possible courses open to
them. One was to ask the Nawab to forgive them and the other was to avenge the defeat by
 force. The British decided to opt for the latter course and under the pretext of a peace treaty
prepared for war.

They used diplomacy to reduce French influence in Bengal and at the same time launched an
elaborate and intricate plan to replace the Nawab with their own favourite. With this end in
view, they courted the friendship and help of Mir Jafar and other disaffected courtiers. When
everything was fixed, the company’s forces under Robert Clive and Charles Watson marched
towards Murshidabad to face the young Nawab. As you will read in the next chapter, Siraj
was defeated in the Battle of Palashi.

Research Activity: different points of view

‘The Black Hole of Calcutta’ is a famous event in the British account of the history of India.

A. Find out what the British say happened in this event.

B. Find out what Indian historians say happened in this event.

C. The British account is obviously exaggerated. Can you think of any reasons why the

British might want to do this?

Specimen exam questions

These are the types of questions which you could be asked about the Mughal Period in the
exam. Can you answer them?

Part (a)

i. Who was the founder of the Mughal Empire? (1)

i. Where did Sher Shan defeat Humayun in June 1539 (1)

i. Following which battle did Bengal finally become an integral part of the Mughal

Empire? (1)

v. Which Mughal emperor died in 1707? (1)

v. At which battle was Sirajuddaula killed? (1)

 Part (b)

i. Write what you know about the Bar Bhuiyans (5)

i. Why were they eventually defeated? (5)

Part (c)

Which of the following was the most important reason for the decline of the Mughal Empire?

i. corrupt administration

i. the poor Mughal army

i. the arrival of the British

Explain your answer by writing about all three alternatives. (10)