Q. With reference to the assertion of independence by the Nawabs of Bengal in the 18th century, consider the following statements:
1.Murshid Quli Khan formally and openly defied the Mughal Emperor by refusing to send any annual tribute to Delhi.
2.He shifted the capital of Bengal from Dhaka to Murshidabad to ensure closer supervision of trade and revenue collection.
3.Alivardi Khan seized power by replacing the ruling family and thereafter successfully prevented the Marathas (Bhonsles of Nagpur) from claiming Chauth over the province.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect. Murshid Quli Khan asserted his autonomy by centralizing power (combining the posts of Diwan and Subedar) and transferring key Mughal officials, but he never formally stopped sending tribute to Delhi, maintaining a façade of imperial loyalty until his death.
- Statement 2: Correct. He shifted the capital from Dhaka (remote) to Murshidabad (more central) to better manage the province and the influx of European traders.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. Alivardi Khan usurped power from the family of Sarfaraz Khan. While he initially resisted the Marathas fiercely, he was eventually compelled to buy peace by agreeing to pay the Chauth of Bengal and ceding Orissa to the Bhonsles of Nagpur.
