Understanding the Capital of Bengal in 1704

The question asks about the city that became the capital of Bengal in the year 1704. This involves understanding a key historical event related to the administration of the Bengal Subah during the Mughal era.

Historical Context of Bengal's Capital

Before 1704, the capital of Bengal was located in Dacca (now Dhaka, Bangladesh). However, a significant administrative change occurred in the early 18th century.

The Shift in Bengal's Capital in 1704

In 1704, Murshid Quli Khan, who was the Diwan (chief revenue officer) and later the Nawab of Bengal, decided to shift the provincial capital. He moved the capital from Dacca to a new location. The reasons for this shift included strategic considerations and consolidating his administrative power.

The city chosen as the new capital in 1704 was Murshidabad. Murshidabad was named after Murshid Quli Khan himself (originally it was known as Mukhsudabad). It became the administrative and political centre of Bengal for several decades until the capital was eventually shifted to Calcutta (Kolkata) by the British.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the provided options in the context of Bengal's capital in 1704:

• Howrah: Howrah is an important city located on the west bank of the Hooghly River, near Kolkata. It was not the capital of Bengal in 1704.
• Murshidabad: As discussed, Murshidabad became the capital of Bengal in 1704 when Murshid Quli Khan moved the administration there from Dacca.
• Kharagpur: Kharagpur is a city in the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal. It was not the capital of Bengal in 1704.
• Kolkata: Kolkata (then Calcutta) was developing as a significant trading post for the British East India Company around this time, but it was not the official capital of the Bengal Subah under the Nawab's rule in 1704. It became the capital much later, under British control.

Based on historical facts, the city that became the capital of Bengal in 1704 was Murshidabad.

Key Events Leading to Murshidabad Becoming Capital

Here is a brief timeline:

• Late 17th Century: Dacca serves as the capital of Bengal Subah.
• 1700: Murshid Quli Khan is appointed as the Diwan of Bengal by Emperor Aurangzeb.
• 1704: Murshid Quli Khan moves the Diwani administration from Dacca to Mukhsudabad, renaming it Murshidabad. Although the official Nizam (administrative) capital remained at Dacca for a short period, Murshidabad quickly grew in prominence and effectively became the capital for most administrative and financial matters.
• Later Years: Murshidabad consolidates its position as the primary capital under Murshid Quli Khan and his successors.

Revision Table: Bengal Capitals Over Time

Additional Information on Murshidabad and Murshid Quli Khan

Murshidabad: Located on the eastern bank of the Bhagirathi River, a distributary of the Ganges. It became a major center of trade, finance, and administration under the Nawabs of Bengal. It was known for its silk industry and prosperous economy.

Murshid Quli Khan: He was a highly capable administrator, particularly skilled in revenue collection. His move of the capital to Murshidabad and his administrative reforms significantly impacted the history of Bengal. He consolidated the position of the Nawab, laying the foundation for the independent Nawabs of Bengal.

Understanding the shift of the capital to Murshidabad in 1704 is important for grasping the administrative and political history of Bengal in the early 18th century.