Siraj ud-Daulah succeeded ______ as the Nawab of Bengal in 1756.
Alivardi Khan
Understanding the Nawab Succession in Bengal
The question asks about the immediate predecessor of Siraj ud-Daulah as the Nawab of Bengal in the year 1756. To answer this, we need to look at the historical timeline of the Bengal Nawabs.
Siraj ud-Daulah and the Nawabship of Bengal
Siraj ud-Daulah is a significant figure in the history of Bengal, particularly known for his conflict with the British East India Company which culminated in the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
He became the Nawab of Bengal in 1756 upon the death of his maternal grandfather. Let's examine the options provided in the context of the succession:
- Mir Qasim: Mir Qasim became the Nawab of Bengal after Mir Jafar was deposed by the British in 1760. Therefore, he was not the predecessor of Siraj ud-Daulah.
- Alivardi Khan: Alivardi Khan was the Nawab of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha from 1740 until his death in 1756. He was the maternal grandfather of Siraj ud-Daulah. Upon Alivardi Khan's death, Siraj ud-Daulah succeeded him as the Nawab.
- Mir Jafar: Mir Jafar was a commander under Siraj ud-Daulah and famously betrayed him during the Battle of Plassey in 1757. After Siraj ud-Daulah's defeat and death, Mir Jafar was installed as the Nawab by the British. So, Siraj ud-Daulah was the predecessor of Mir Jafar, not the other way around in 1756.
- Murshid Quli Khan: Murshid Quli Khan was the first Nawab of Bengal, establishing the dynasty in the early 18th century (appointed Diwan in 1700, became Subahdar in 1717). He was a much earlier Nawab and not the immediate predecessor of Siraj ud-Daulah in 1756.
Based on the historical facts, Siraj ud-Daulah succeeded his maternal grandfather, Alivardi Khan, as the Nawab of Bengal in 1756.
Succession Timeline of Bengal Nawabs (Leading up to 1757)
| Nawab | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Murshid Quli Khan | 1717–1727 | First independent Nawab of Bengal |
| Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan | 1727–1739 | Son-in-law of Murshid Quli Khan |
| Sarfaraz Khan | 1739–1740 | Son of Shuja-ud-Din |
| Alivardi Khan | 1740–1756 | Usurped power from Sarfaraz Khan |
| Siraj ud-Daulah | 1756–1757 | Grandson of Alivardi Khan |
Conclusion
Reviewing the succession list confirms that Alivardi Khan was the Nawab immediately before Siraj ud-Daulah took the throne in 1756.
Revision Table: Bengal Nawab Succession
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1740 | Alivardi Khan becomes Nawab. |
| 1756 | Alivardi Khan dies; Siraj ud-Daulah succeeds him as Nawab. |
| 1757 | Battle of Plassey; Siraj ud-Daulah defeated and killed; Mir Jafar becomes Nawab. |
Additional Information on Siraj ud-Daulah and Alivardi Khan
Alivardi Khan was a strong ruler who faced challenges from the Marathas. He managed to maintain a degree of independence from the Mughal Empire and kept the European trading companies (like the British and French) under control to some extent.
Siraj ud-Daulah inherited the Nawabship at a young age and faced internal opposition within his court, including from family members and powerful merchants like Jagat Seth. His strained relationship with the British East India Company over trade privileges and fortifications ultimately led to conflict.
The succession of Siraj ud-Daulah in 1756 marked a crucial point in Bengal's history, leading directly to events that significantly increased British influence in the region.
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