Siraj-ud-Daula was the last independent Nawab of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. He was born in 1733 and became Nawab in 1756 after the death of his grandfather Nawab Alivardi Khan. He was a young, brave and determined ruler. His reign was only one year, but it was significant.
During Siraj-ud-Daula's reign, the English East India Company was evading Bengal's revenue in various ways and building forts—which caused his discontent. In view of this, he captured Fort William in Calcutta. His dispute with the British over this reached its peak and he was defeated by the British in the Battle of Plassey on 23 June 1757. The main traitor in the war was Mir Jafar.
After the defeat, Siraj-ud-Daula fled but was captured and killed on 2 July 1757. With his fall, the independence of Bengal ended and British rule in India began. He is known in history as a brave and patriotic Nawab.
You Sirajuddaula's policies, wars and family life -
1. Policies:
During Sirajuddaula's rule, he was active in combating corruption, improving the revenue system and stopping the illegal activities of the British. He ordered the British and French to stop building forts and took a firm stand to protect the sovereignty of his state. However, opposition from the elite (such as Mir Jafar, Raja Krishna Chandra) and internal conspiracies weakened his rule.
2. War (Battle of Plassey):
On June 23, 1757, a battle was fought with the British at the Battle of Plassey. Although Sirajuddaula's army was larger in number, many, including the commander Mir Jafar, betrayed the British. The British, led by Lord Clive, won. This war was a turning point in the history of India, which laid the foundation for British rule.
3. Family Life:
Sirajuddaula was the grandson of Alivardi Khan and was raised in a royal environment from childhood. His wife's name was Lutfunnesa. Siraj's family belonged to a Muslim aristocratic family. He loved his family very much, especially his grandfather Alivardi Khan, who was very fond of him and nominated him as his heir while he was still alive.
Below is a more detailed account of Siraj-ud-Daula's governance, wars, and family life:
1. Administration & Governance:
After becoming Nawab, Siraj-ud-Daula took strict action against administrative corruption and nepotism. He wanted to establish a central and strong government so that the English, French, and local landlords could not increase their own power.
He tried to reform the revenue system.
He ordered the British to stop storing secret weapons and building forts.
He also warned the French, but his attitude was mainly harsh towards the English, because they were earning huge profits by evading taxes.
His administrative strictness made many high-ranking officials, landlords, and military leaders resentful. This opposition later gave rise to conspiracies.
2. Battle of Plassey:
The most important event during Siraj-ud-Daula's reign was the Battle of Plassey (23 June 1757), which was a historic turning point in the political history of Bengal.
Reason:
The construction of forts and stockpiling of weapons by the British.
The disobedient behavior of the Nawab on behalf of the Company.
The Black Hole Incident (Kalkothri Accident), which angered the British.
During the war:
The Nawab's army was about 50,000, the British only 3,000.
However, top locals like Mir Jafar, Jagatseth, Raja Krishna Chandra, and Umichand secretly conspired in favor of the British.
During the war, Mir Jafar withdrew his army, leaving the Nawab alone.
Result:
Siraj was defeated and fled.
After being captured, he was killed on 2 July 1757 by Miron (son of Mir Jafar).
As a result, the East India Company gained control of the governance of Bengal.
3. Family Life:
Sirajuddaula was born in 1733 in Murshidabad.
His father was Mirza Mohammad Hadi and his mother was Amina Begum, daughter of Alivardi Khan.
He was a favorite of Alivardi Khan since childhood and was specially prepared to become the Nawab.
His wife's name was Lutfunnesa Begum. Siraj loved her very much and after her death, Lutfunnesa buried her with due respect.
There is no clear mention of any of their children in history.
Conclusion:
Sirajuddaula was a young, patriotic and militant leader. Although his rule was short-lived, his resistance against the British and his martyrdom are still a monument of glory in history. He is a tragic but important character in our national history.
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Nice story