A
livardi Khan nawab of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Originally known as Mirza Muhammad Ali, was the son of Mirza Muhammad, an Arab by descent and an employee at the court of Azam Shah, second son of
Aurangzeb. His mother belonged to the Turki tribe of Afshar settled in Khurasan. His grandfather was a foster brother of Aurangzeb. On his attaining adulthood, Azam Shah appointed him as the superintendent of the
filkhana (elephant stables); he was also given charge of the
zardozkhana (department of embroidered clothes). The death of Azam Shah in a battle in 1707 and the consequent loss of employment put Mirza Muhammad Ali's family in great trouble. For his livelihood he came to Bengal in 1720 with his wife and daughters in a state of penury.
He proceeded to Cuttack, where he was received by Suja-ud-Daulla with due honour.
Muhammad Ali helped
Suja-ud-Daulla (
সুজা-উদ-দৌল্লা) or
Suja-ud-din
Muhammad Khan considerably in securing the
masnad of Bengal after the death of the latter's father-in-law Murshid Quli Khan. Suja-ud-Daulla bestowed rewards and favours on members of Mirza Muhammad Ali's family in recognition of his sound advice and meritorious services. Mirza Muhammad Ali was appointed
faujdar of the chakla Akbarnagar (
Rajmahal) in 1728 and was invested with the title of '
Alivardi'. The people of Rajmahal enjoyed peace and prosperity under the efficient administration of their new
faujdar.
Rise to power
In 1733, he was assigned as Bihar's assistant
Subahdar (governor). A few days before Alivardi received this new
appointment, his youngest daughter Amina Begum, married to his youngest nephew
Zainuddin
Ahmed Khan or
Mirza Muhammad Hashim, had given birth to a son, Siraj-ud-Daulla.
Alivardi had no son of his own; he adopted the child as his successor, and made him an object of special favour and affection,
as his birth was synchronous with his elevation to that high post. After his stay at Azimabad (Emperor Azim-ush-Shan re-named Patliputra now
Patna to Azimabad in 1704) for one full year he was
summoned to Murshidabad by Suja-ud-Daulla, who bestowed him with the title of '
Suja-ul-mulk, Hasem-ud-daulla, Mahabat Jang
(Hero of the Country, Sword of the State, Horror in War)' and the rank of
panch hazari mansabdar, after which he
returned to Azimabad.
The battle of Giria (where Sarfaraz Khan was defeated) made Alivardi the undisputed leader of Bengal and Bihar, but Orissa still remained beyond his control. Its deputy governor
Rustam Jang, a relative of the deceased Nawab Sarfaraz Khan, refused to recognise Alivardi's authority. Alivardi defeated Rustam Jang in the battle of
Phulwarion (3rd March 1741). Subsequently, Mirza Baqar, who had challenged Alivardi's authority after the defeat of Rustam Jang, was also defeated by the
nawab.
By the end of 1741, Alivardi subdued all his enemies and established his absolute authority throughout the length and breadth of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. But soon he faced a dreadful new situation in the shape of the Maratha invasions, which kept him restless for the greater part of his life. The Marathas, who became an important politico-military force in eighteenth century India, raided Bengal almost every year between 1742 and 1751 and the repeated invasions exercised a highly pernicious influence on trade, industries, currency, and agriculture in Bengal causing economic distress in the province.
The Marathas under Shahu (Grandson of Shivaji) were emerging as a new power, at that time. The Mughal Samrat
Muhammad Shah got worried and gave the Subahdari of Bihar to Shahu, against 11 lacks per annum tax amount. Shahu handed over the power to
Raghuji Bhosle. Alivardi had a tough time dealing with the Marathas, since they were not confined in Bihar; under Raghuji Bhosle they frequently attacked Bengal and Orissa. During 1740 to 1744 AD Alivardi was busy handling the Maratha attacks. After supperssing two revolts in Orissa, Alivardi defeated 45,000 Marathas under Raghuji Bhosle near Burdwan. The defeated army meanwhile reached Dahapara and looted Jagat Seth's house of two crores of rupees.
In 1751 a peace treaty was signed between the two sides. It cannot be said that the terms of the treaty were favourable to Alivardi. Under the terms of the treaty the nawab would be required to pay to Raghuji Bhonsle twelve lac taka every year as
chouth (one fourth of the revenue). However, a cessation of the hostilities was achieved.
The Maratha invasions encouraged the Afghans to rebel in Bihar.
Mustafa Khan, the leader of the Afghans in Bihar was defeated by Zainuddin Ahmed Khan,
naib-nazim of Patna. Two other Afghan officers,
Shamser Khan and Sardar Khan,
hatched a plot with
Raghuji Bhosle for overthrowing the nawab. Alivardi promptly dismissed them from service. But these two Afghans treacherously killed Zainuddin and started a reign of terror in Bihar. Alivardi had to march against them and reoccupy Bihar. He appointed his grandson
Siraj-ud-Daulla as deputy Subahdar with Janaki Ram
to assist him.
Alivardi's regime lasted sixteen years. The first eleven years of his administration formed a period of storm and stress, during which he remained occupied with his enemies and could do nothing substantial to serve the material interests of Bengal. But after his treaty with the Marathas in May or June 1751, he turned his attention towards rebuilding and restoring many towns and villages, which had been desolated by the Marathas, and encouraged agriculture.
More..
go top
Lifestyle & Character
Alivardi Khan was very regular in his devotions and assiduously abstained from all things forbidden
by the divine law. He always rose two hours before daybreak, and after ablution and prayers drank
coffee with his select companions. Then for two hours he gave public audience and attended to the affairs
of the people in general.
He liked good food, so that if anybody knew any new
recipe, he would have it cooked before him, and would himself give directions to cook particular dishes
according to his taste. The officers of different departments, if necessary, also came for orders. He
then sat down to eat with his friends, and many shared the bounties of his table. Each man at the table
would surely receive what he liked. Thus he not only fed the poor; the rich also got a share of his
bounty. After the second prayer, he would drink cold, or iced water. This is the only water that he
drank in the twenty-four hours. Then he received learned men, to whom he paid the utmost respect, and
heard their discussions and listened to the books of
Kalini and
Kafi
that were read to him. After sunset, lights were brought; after the evening prayers, He used to receive his wife
and other female relatives; after the night prayers the women were retired and men were admitted.
Since he took no supper some dried fruits were served with sweetmeats and other light food. Then he used to go for rest.
He was unequalled in his benevolence towards his relations, friends, and people in general, particularly
to those who had shown him the smallest kindness during his distress in Delhi during his early youth.
He conferred favours for them or for their children beyond their expectations.
Alivardi had no son; he married his three daughters (
Mehar-un-nisa
Begum or
Ghaseti Begum,
Munira Begum ,
Amina Begum) to the three sons of his elder brother
Haji Ahmed alias
Mirza
Ahmed. Haji Ahmed's elder son Nawajesh Muhammad got married with Alivardi's daughter
Mehar-un-nisa and his another daughter Amina Begum (mother of Siraj-ud-Daulla ) got married with Mirza Ahmed's third son
Zainundin Ahmed. Nawajesh Muhammad was the Dewan and deputy governor of Dacca (Bangladesh). Since Alivardi Khan was always engaged at war, all the administrative work of his Subah was looked after by his son-in-law Nawajesh
Muhammad.
Near the capital Murshidabad besides an ox-bow lake Nawajesh Muhammad had built
Moti Jheel Palace, around 1743 AD. This palace was built from the remains of capital
Gour of king
Shashanka. The lake was like a moat around the Palace. On the western end a huge gate was constructed to secure the palace, of which only the ruins remain. Near this gate Nawajesh built a Mosque, a
Madrassa (
School) and a rest house. He used to donate money for widows, orphans , old and destitute people from this rest house. For this Nawajesh used to spend Rs 37,000 per month. Since Nawajesh had no children he adopted Siraj-ud-Daulla and
Ekram-ud-Daulla (brother of Siraj-ud-Daulla). In 1755 AD Ekram-ud-Daulla died of pox. Nawajesh could not bear the departure of Ekram, and he died within few months. The mortal remains of Nawajesh Muhammad and Ekram-ud-Daulla lies buried on the eastern side of Moti jheel masjid.
Nawáb Hisámu-d daula Mahábat Jang (Alivardí Khán) died of dropsy, in the 80
th year of his age,
At five in the morning, on the 9
th Rajab, 1169 A.H. (April 10, 1756 AD).
From his early youth he had abstained from intoxicating liquors, he had no love for music, and never cohabited with any women except his own wives.
His principal servants and relations after having purified his body, wrapped it up in a winding sheet and taking it up at midnight, they carried it in pursuance of his appointment to the feet of his mother, entombed at
Khosh Bagh (
Garden of happiness) Cemetery, on the west banks of river Bhagirathi.
In this cemetery lies the mortal remains of 32 Nawab family member along with Alivardi Khan. It has been said that He was perhaps the only prince in the east whom none of his subjects wished to assassinate.
He would always be remembered as an able ruler, well-known for his brilliant administration skills and his dedication in re-building the war-torn towns and villages of his kingdom, even under the constant shadow of enemy invasions.
go top
Family Tree :: Afshar Dynasty
Nawab Muhammad Alivardi Khan Mahabat Jang Nawab Nazim of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa was born as Mirza Muhammad Ali,
in the household of Prince Muhammad Azam Shah-i-Ali Jah in the Deccan before 10
th May 1671.
He was the second son of
Shah Quli Khan [Mirza Muhammad Madani].
His mother was daughter of Nawab Aqil Khan Afshar [Mir Muhammad Askari] from
the
Afshar Dynasty.
He joined as superintendant of Gold Embroidery and Elephant Stables to Prince Muhammad Azam Shah-i-Ali Jah.
Moved to Cuttack after the death of his patron in 1707. Entered the service of Nawab Suja-ud-Daulla
and was appointed to an Imperial
mansab of 600
zat 1720,
thanadar of
Santrapur (1720-1727). He became
Faujdar of Rajmahal 1728-1733,
Naib Subahdar of Bihar in 1733. He was Granted the titles of
Muhammad Alivardi Khan in 1720 and
Mahabat Jang.
He was appointed
Wazir to Nawab Nazim Sarfaraz Khan (1739-1740).
He Killed the Nawab Nazim Sarfaraz Khan and seized the government on 29
th April 1740.
Raised to the titles of
Hasem-ud-daulla on November 1740 and
Suja-ul-Mulk on 31
st March 1744.
Alivardi Khan married
Sharf-un-nisa sister of
Syud Ahmed Najafi (son of
Syud Husain Najafi).
Alivardi had three daughters.
- Mehar-un-nisa Begum Sahiba [Ghaseti Begum] married Nawab Nawajesh Muhammad son of her paternal uncle, Haji Mirza Ahmed [Haji Sahib].
She was drowned with her sister on the orders of Mir Miran near Jahangirnagar on June 1760 after the Battle of Plassey
- Munira Begum Sahiba married Nawab Syud Ahmed Khan Bahadur, Saulat Jang [Agha Muhammad Syud] son of her paternal uncle, Haji Mirza Ahmed [Haji Sahib]
- Amina Begum Sahiba married Ihtiram-ud-Daula, Nawab Zain-ud-din Ahmed Khan Bahadur Haibat Jang Naib Nazim of Patna son of her paternal uncle, Haji Mirza Ahmed [Haji Sahib].
She was drowned with her sister on the orders of Mir Miran near Jahangirnagar on June 1760 after the Battle of Plassey.
go top
The Afshar Dynasty
Nader Shah, the founder of
Afshar dynasty, ruled from (1736 - 1747 A.D). He was born in Kobhan, Iran, on Oct 22, 1688,
in one of the Turkish tribes loyal to the
Safavid shahs of Iran.
In 1726 he raised an army of 5000 to help Shah Tahmasp II regain the throne the shah's father had lost four years
before. Success in battle brought him power enough to restore the shah and then depose him in favor of the shah's
infant son. When the son died in 1736, Nader Shah had himself proclaimed shah.
Nawab Aqil Khan [
Mir Muhammad Askari], a native of Khawaf, in
Khorasan
and a descendant of
Ali Yar Sultan Afshar, Governor of
Farah during the reign of
Shah Tahmasp Safawi,
migrated to India during the reign of Shah Jahan and entered the Mughal service as an officer in the
Wala Shahi (Household Cavalry).
He was promoted
Bakshi to Prince Aurangzeb,
Faujdar of Miyan Doab (1659-1663),
promoted to an Imperial
mansab of 2,000
zat and 700
sowar 1665,
Superintendant of the Privacy Chamber (
Ghusalkhana) (1665-1672),
promoted to 2,500
zat 1668,
Bakhshi-i-Tan (Superintendant of Grants) (1680-1682),
Subahdar of Delhi (1682-1695). A poet under the
nom de plume (pen name) of "
Razi".
He
died before 19
th July 1697 (or 1108 AH), having two sons and a daughter:
- Nawab Jan Muhammad Khan [Mirza Nur ud-din Muhammad]. He had a son Mirza Suja-ud-din Muhammad [Mirza Deccani], who became Motamul-ul-Mulk, Suja ud-Daulla, Nawab Muhammad Suja Khan Bahadur, Asad Jang, Nawab Nazim of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa
- Mirza-ud-din Muhammad.
- A daughter born before 19th October 1656. married to Shah Quli Khan [Mirza Muhammad Madani]. She died at Murshidabad on 14th February 1744 (burried at Khosh bagh)
Shah Quli Khan [Mirza Muhammad Madani] from the Afshar tribe and a distant relative of Nasiri Banu Begum died at Rajmahal, before 24
th June 1732, having had issue, three sons and one daughter:
-
Haji Mirza Ahmed Khan [Haji Sahib] (s/o Nawab Aqil Khan's daughter), Superintendant of the Butlery of
Prince Muhammad Azam. Went on pilgrimage to Mecca in 1708, and resided there for sone years.
Migrated to Bengal in 1721. Superintendant of Land Customs 1727-1742, and Dewan of Bengal until 1740.
He died from wounds received while being tortured by the Afghans, at Jafarkhan-bagh, Patna, 30th
January 1748 (burried there), having had issue, five sons and four (or more) daughters
- Nasir ul-Mulk, Ihtisham ud-Daulla, Nawab Nawajesh Muhammad Khan Bahadur, Shahamat Jang.
Dewan of Bengal and Naib Nazim of Dacca (1740), Faujdar of Shilet and Chitagaon.
Raised to the titles of Shahamat Jang (November 1740), and Ihtisham-ud-Daulla (1742).
Married Mehar-un-nisa Begum Sahiba [Ghaseti Begum] daughet of Alivardi Khan. She was killed with her
sister Amina Begum on the orders of Mir Miran, near Jahangirnagar on June 1760
- Muhammad Reza Khan. Bakshi of the Nawab's menial servants 1727.
- Maham ud-Daulla, Nawab Said Ahmed Khan Bahadur, Saulat Jang [Agha Muhammad Syud]. Faujdar of
Rangpur (1740-1741), Subahdar of Cuttack (1741), Naib Nazim of Murshidabad (1741-1742),
and Subahdar of Orissa (1742), Faujder of Hughli (1743-1749), and Purnea (1749-1756).
Raised to the title of Maham-ud-Daulla (1742).
He married Munira Begum Sahiba, second daughter of his paternal uncle Alivardi Khan.
- Muhammad Hashim Khan. born before 21st October 1721
-
Ihtiram-ud-Daulla, Nawab Zain-ud-din Ahmed Khan Bahadur, Haibat Jang. Naib Nazim of Bihar (1740-1748).
Raised to the title of Haibat Jang in November 1740, and Ihtiram-ud-Daulla (1742).
He married Amina Begum Sahiba, daughter of his paternal uncle Alivardi Khan. Zain-ud-din was killed
in open durbar in the Hall of Forty Pillars of Patna Fort on 13th January 1748, having had issue, four sons and one daughter
-
Mirza Muhammad, who succeeded as H.H. Mansur ul-Mulk, Siraj-ud-Daulla Nawab Nazim of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa (s/o Amina Begum)
-
Qudsia Begum Sahiba born at the Palace of Mansurganj near Murshidabad was before 23rd July 1754
(d/o Lutf-un-nisa Begum). She married Mir Asad Ali Khan Bahadur. She had issue, four daughters
- Sharaf-un-nisa Begum Sahiba
- Asmat-un-nisa Begum Sahiba
-
Sakina Begum Sahiba, had two daughters
- Khair-un-nisa Begum Sahiba
- Mirzai Begum Sahiba, married Jafar Quli.
-
Tasuddak Husain. He married at Hazarduari Palace Murshidabad, on 23rd July 1873
Sahibzadi Wahid-un-nisa Begum Sahiba (She was born at Hazarduari Palace Murshidabad,
on 13th June 1854) daughter of
Feradun Jah and Mehr Lekha Begum Sahiba.
- Fatima Begum Sahiba, married Muhammad Ali Khan
- Amat ul-Mahdi Begum Sahiba
- Nawab Mahabat Ali Khan Bahadur [Mirza Mahdi]. He died at Murshidabad, April 1809
-
Ekram-ud-Daulla, Nawab Padshah Quli Khan Bahadur [Mirza Kasim] (s/o Amina Begum). He was Adopted by his paternal uncle Nawajesh Muhammad.
married at Moti Jheel, before 12th January 1747, Faiz-un-nisa Begum Sahiba daughter of Azad-ud-Daulla, Nawab Ataullah Khan Bahadur,
Faujdar of Rajmahal, Akbarnagar and Bhagalpur, by his wife, Rabia Begum Sahiba (fourth daughter of
Haji Mirza Ahmed Khan [Haji Sahib]). Ekram-ud-Daulla died from smallpox, at Murshidabad, before 28th October 1753 (burried at Moti Jheel), having had issue, a son
- Nawab Murad-ud-Daulla Bahadur, born 1752 (s/o Faiz-un-nisa Begum). He married Munna Bai, a former slave girl. He died at Murshidabad in 1795
- Mirza Asadullah
- A d/o Amina Begum, who died at Murshidabad, before 28th October 1753
- A daughter
- A daughter
- A daughter who married Mukhlis Ali Khan, Naib Subahdar of Cuttack 1741
-
Rabia Begum Sahiba married before 23rd June 1732 Azad-ud-Daulla, Nawab Ataullah Khan Bahadur
(killed in battle during the Afghan insurtion at Khudaganj, 13th August 1750), entered the Mughal service
and rose to command a mansab of 6,000 sowar, Faujdar of Rajmahal (1733-1740) and Bhagalpur (1740-1748),
Naib Subahdar of Patna (1748-1750), raised to the title of 'Sabat Jang' November 1740, and 'Azad-ud-Daulla' 1742.
Rabia Begum died at Murshidabad, after 1749, having had issue, several children.
-
Fazlullah Khan, married Nadira Begum Sahiba, daughter of Mirza Hafizullah Khan
- Faiz-un-nisa Walida Begum Sahiba, Gaddinashin Begum, born on ca 1756. She married
Mubarak-ud-Daulla as his second wife. She died at Murshidabad on 30th December 1820 and was burried at Jafarganj Cemetery
- Faiz-un-nisa Begum Sahiba, married Ekram-ud-Daulla at Moti Jheel, before 12th January 1747
- Mirza Muhammad Ali, who became H.H. Suja-ul-Mulk, Hasem-ud-Daulla, Nawab Alivardi Khan Bahadur, Mahabat Jang, Nawab Nazim of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa
- Mirza Muhammad Amin Khan. He died after 1741
- Shah Khanum Sahiba (half sister of Haji Ahmed). Married with Nawab Jafar Ali Khan Bahadur
[Mir Jafar] at Murshidabad, after 30th June 1727, as his principal wife. She died at Jafarganj Palace,
Murshidabad on August 1779 (burried at Jafarganj Cemetery), having had issue, one son and one daughter
Reference : Christopher Buyers, Murshidabad Genealogy,
Royal Ark