Who Was the Powerful Governor of Bengal?

The most powerful and historically significant governor of Bengal was Murshid Quli Khan. He served as the Subahdar (governor) of Bengal under the Mughal Empire in the early 18th century and later became the first Nawab of Bengal. His administrative reforms, financial management, and de facto independence from the central Mughal authority marked a turning point in Bengal’s history.

Murshid Quli Khan: The Powerful Governor of Bengal

Murshid Quli Khan was appointed the Diwan of Bengal in 1700 and later became its governor (Subahdar) in 1717. He was a shrewd administrator, known for his strong centralised rule, revenue reforms, and the relocation of the capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad—a city named after him.

Key Contributions and Legacy

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Murshid Quli Khan
Period of Rule	1700–1727 (as Diwan and later Nawab)
Capital Shift	From Dhaka to Murshidabad
Significant Title	First Nawab of Bengal
Appointed By	Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb
Key Reforms	Revenue collection, land management, administration
Legacy	Foundation of virtually independent Bengal rule, prosperity through trade and efficient governance

Murshid Quli Khan’s rule marked the beginning of a semi-independent Bengal that would later grow economically powerful but also become a target for European colonial powers, especially the British East India Company.

Other Notable Governors of Bengal

Governor	Time Period	Notability
Shaista Khan	1664–1688	Expanded Mughal control, improved naval strength
Alivardi Khan	1740–1756	Maintained independence, resisted Maratha invasions
Siraj ud-Daulah	1756–1757	Last independent Nawab of Bengal, defeated at Battle of Plassey

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