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{{Short description|17th century Mughal general and provincial governor}}
{{Short description|Mughal noble and Subahdar (1600–1694)}}
{{more citations needed|date=March 2012}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2017}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox royalty
|honorific_prefix=Amir-ul-Umara
| name         = Mirza Abu-Talib Shaista Khan
|name=Mirza Abu Talib
| title        = [[Amir al-umara|Amir-ul-Umara]] <br /> [[Subahdar|Mughal Subahdar]]
|honorific_suffix=Shaista Khan
| image       = Sháyista Khán (cropped).jpg
|image=Nawab Sháyista Khán.jpg
| image_size  = 300
|office1=Viceroy of [[Khandesh]]
| caption      = Shaista Khan in {{circa}} 1650
|term1= 1658–1669
| succession  = 24th & 27th [[Bengal Subah|Subahdar of Bengal]]
|monarch1=[[Aurangzeb]]
| reign        = 30 March 1664 – 1676
|office2=[[Subahdar]] of [[Bengal]]
| reign-type  = 1st [[Governorship]]
|predecessor2=[[Mir Jumla II|Mir Jumla]]
| predecessor  = [[Mir Jumla II]]
|successor2=[[Ibrahim Khan II|Ibrahim Khan]]
| regent      =
|monarch2=[[Aurangzeb]]
| reg-type    =
|term2 = 1664 – 1678, 1680 - 1688
| successor    = [[Fidai Khan Koka|Fidai Khan II]]
|father=[[Asaf Khan IV]]
| birth_name  = Mirza Abu Talib
|children=Buzurg Umed Khan<ref>{{cite Banglapedia|author=Hossain, AKM Yakub & Haque, AKM Khademul|article=Buzurg Umed Khan}}</ref> <br/> [[Bibi Pari|Iran Dukht Rahmat Banu (Bibi Pari)]]<ref>{{cite Banglapedia|author=Hossain, AKM Yakub & Chowdhury, AM|article=Bibi Pari}}</ref> <br/> Aqidat Khan <br/> Jafar Khan <br/> Abu Nasr Khan <br/> Iradat Khan<ref>{{cite Banglapedia|author=Abdul Karim|article=Iranians, The}}</ref>
| birth_date  = 22 November 1600
|birth_date  = {{circa}} 1600<ref>Sir Jadunath Sarkar, ''History of Aurangzib: Mainly Based on Persian Sources'', Volume 5 (1974), p. 283</ref>
| birth_place  = Delhi, [[Mughal Empire]]
|death_date ={{death year and age|1694|1600}}
| death_date  = {{C.|1694}} <br /> (aged 93–94)
| death_place  = Delhi, Mughal Empire
| issue        = Buzurg Umed Khan<ref>{{cite Banglapedia |author=Hossain, AKM Yakub & Haque, AKM Khademul |article=Buzurg Umed Khan}}</ref> <br /> Abul Fatah <br /> [[Bibi Pari|Iran Dukht Rahmat Banu (Bibi Pari)]]<ref>{{cite Banglapedia |author=Hossain, AKM Yakub & Chowdhury, AM |article=Bibi Pari}}</ref> <br /> Aqidat Khan <br /> Jafar Khan <br /> Abu Nasr Khan <br /> Iradat Khan<ref>{{cite Banglapedia |author=Abdul Karim |article=Iranians, The}}</ref><br /> Khuda Banda Khan<ref>Shahnavaz Khan Aurangabadi; Beveridge, H. & Baini Prashad (translators) (1941/1952). *Maʾāṣir al-Umara of Shahnavaz Khan Aurangabadi*, Vol. 1. Asiatic Society, Calcutta. p. 816</ref>
 
| full name    = Mirza Abu-Talib Shaista Khan ibn Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan
| father      = [[Asaf Khan IV]]
| mother      = Diwanji Begum
| occupation  = Mughal Statesman
| religion    = [[Shia Islam]]
| reign-type1  = 2nd Governorship
| reign1      = 1680 – 1688
| predecessor1 = [[Muhammad Azam Shah|Azam Shah]]
| successor1  = [[Ibrahim Khan II]]
| reg-type1    = [[Mughal emperors|Badshah]]
| regent1      = [[Aurangzeb]]
| succession2  = [[Subahdar]] of [[Khandesh Subah]]
| reign-type2  = Governorship
| reign2      = 1658 – 1669
| reg-type2    = [[Mughal emperors|Badshah]]
| regent2      = [[Aurangzeb]]
| succession3  = [[Viceroy of the Deccan]]
| reign-type3 = Governorship
| reign3      = January 1660 – <br /> mid-January 1664
| reg-type3    = [[Mughal emperors|Badshah]]
| regent3      = [[Aurangzeb]]
}}
}}
'''Mirza Abu Talib''' (b. 22 November 1600 – d. 1694),<ref name=hedges_meets_khan/><ref>Sir Jadunath Sarkar, ''History of Aurangzib: Mainly Based on Persian Sources'', Volume 5 (1974), p. 283</ref> better known as '''Shaista Khan''', was a general and the [[Subahdar]] of [[Mughal Bengal]]. He was maternal uncle to the [[Mughal Emperor]] [[Aurangzeb]], and acted as a key figure during his reign. Shaista Khan initially governed [[Deccan Plateau|the Deccan]], where he clashed with the [[Maratha]] ruler [[Shivaji]]. However, he was most notable for his tenure as the governor of [[Bengal]] from 1664 to 1688. Under Shaista Khan's authority, the city of [[Dhaka]] and [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] power in the province attained their greatest heights. His achievements include construction of notable mosques such as the [[Sat Gambuj Mosque]] and masterminding the conquest of [[Chittagong]]. Shaista Khan was also responsible for sparking the [[Anglo-Mughal War (1686–1690)|Anglo-Mughal War]] with the [[East India Company|English East India Company]].<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Conflict and Cooperation in Anglo-Mughal Trade Relations during the Reign of Aurangzeb |first=Farhat |last=Hasan |journal=Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient |volume=34 |issue=4 |year=1991 |pages=351–360 |doi=10.1163/156852091X00058 |jstor=3632456}}</ref>


'''Mirza Abu Talib''', ({{circa}} 1600–1694) better known as '''Shaista Khan''' ({{lang-bn|শায়েস্তা খান}}) was a general and the [[subahdar]] of [[Mughal Bengal]]. A maternal uncle to the emperor [[Aurangzeb]],<ref>{{cite book|author=Samaren Roy|title=Calcutta: Society and Change 1690–1990|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y-W6TjM2n1AC&pg=PA52|access-date=25 February 2012|date=May 2005|publisher=iUniverse|isbn=978-0-595-34230-3|pages=52–}}</ref> he acted as a key figure during his reign. Shaista Khan initially governed [[Deccan Plateau|the Deccan]], where he clashed with the [[Maratha]] ruler [[Shivaji]]. However, he was most notable for his tenure as the governor of [[Bengal]] from 1664 to 1688. Under Shaista Khan's authority, the city of [[Dhaka]] and [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] power in the province attained its greatest heights. His achievements include constructions of notable mosques such as the [[Sat Gambuj Mosque]] and masterminding the conquest of [[Chittagong]]. Shaista Khan was also responsible for sparking the outbreak of the [[Anglo-Mughal War]] with the [[East India Company|English East India Company]].<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Conflict and Cooperation in Anglo-Mughal Trade Relations during the Reign of Aurangzeb|first=Farhat|last=Hasan|journal=Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient|volume=34|issue=4|date=1991|pages=351–360|doi=10.1163/156852091X00058|jstor=3632456}}</ref>
==Early life==
According to the diary of [[William Hedges (colonial administrator)|William Hedges]], the first governor of the [[East India Company]] in Bengal, the birthday of Shaista Khan was on 22 November.<ref name=hedges_meets_khan>{{Cite book |last=Hedges |first=Sir William |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qGcMAAAAIAAJ |title=The Diary of William Hedges, Esq. (afterwards Sir William Hedges), During His Agency in Bengal: As Well as on His Voyage Out and Return Overland (1681-1697) |year=1887 |publisher=Hakluyt Society |language=en |pages=43–51}}</ref>


==Early life==
Khan was of [[Persian people|Persian]] origin. His grandfather [[Mirza Ghiyas Beg]] and father [[Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan]] were the [[Vizier|wazirs]] of the [[Mughal emperors]] [[Jahangir]] and [[Shah Jahan]], respectively. He also had familial connections with the imperial dynasty, having been a paternal nephew of the empress [[Nur Jahan]] and the brother of the empress [[Mumtaz Mahal]]. Jahangir awarded the title of [[Mirza (noble)|Mirza]] to Shaista Khan in recognition of his family's service and position in the Mughal court.<ref name=Karim>{{cite Banglapedia |author=Abdul Karim |article=Shaista Khan}}</ref>
Shaista Khan was of [[Persian people|Persian]] origin. His grandfather [[Mirza Ghiyas Beg]] and father [[Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan]] were the [[Vizier|wazirs]] of the [[Mughal emperors]] [[Jahangir]] and [[Shah Jahan]], respectively. He also had familial connections with the imperial dynasty, having been a paternal nephew of the empress [[Nur Jahan]] and the brother of the empress [[Mumtaz Mahal]]. Jahangir awarded the title of [[Mirza]] to Shaista Khan in recognition of his family's service and position in the Mughal court.<ref name=Karim>{{cite Banglapedia|author=Abdul Karim|article= Shaista Khan}}</ref>


Shaista Khan trained and served with the Mughal army and court, winning multiple promotions and being appointed governor of various provinces. He also developed a reputation as a successful military commander and grew close to his nephew, the prince [[Aurangzeb]], when the duo fought against the kingdom of [[Golconda]].<ref name=Karim/>
Khan trained and served with the Mughal army and court, winning multiple promotions and being appointed governor of various provinces. He also developed a reputation as a successful military commander and grew close to his nephew, the prince [[Aurangzeb]], when the duo fought against the kingdom of [[Golconda]].<ref name=Karim/>


==Confrontation with the Marathas==
==Confrontation with the Marathas==
{{main|Battle of Chakan}}
{{main|Battle of Chakan}}
After Aurangzeb's accession to the Mughal throne in 1659, he sent Shaista Khan as viceroy of the [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]] with a large army to enforce the treaty the Mughals had signed with the [[Adilshahi]] of [[Bijapur]]. Through the treaty the [[Adil Shahi dynasty|Adilshahi]] had ceded territory that it had previously captured from the [[Ahmadnagar Sultanate]], to the Mughals.<ref name="Gordon2007">{{cite book|author=Stewart Gordon|title=The Marathas 1600-1818|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iHK-BhVXOU4C&pg=PR9|date=1 February 2007|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-03316-9|pages=70–71}}</ref> However, the territory was also fiercely contested by [[Maratha Empire|Maratha]] ruler, [[Shivaji]] who had acquired a reputation after his killing of Adilshahi general, [[Afzal Khan (general)|Afzal Khan]] in 1659.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sardesai 1946 |first1=G.S. |title=New history of the Marathas. Vol. I: Shivaji and his line (1600-1701) |date=1946 |publisher=Phoenix Publications |location=Bombay |pages=142–144}}</ref> In January 1660, Shaista Khan arrived at [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]] and quickly advanced, seizing [[Pune]], the centre of Shivaji's realm. He also captured the fort of [[Chakan, Maharashtra|Chakan]] and [[Kalyan, India|Kalyan]] and north [[Konkan]] after heavy fighting with the Maratha.<ref name="Majumdar2007">{{cite book |date=2007 |orig-year=First published 1974 |editor1-last=Majumdar |editor1-first=Ramesh Chandra |editor1-link=R. C. Majumdar |editor2-last=Pusalker |editor2-first=A. D. |editor3-last=Majumdar |editor3-first=A. K. |title=The History and Culture of the Indian People |title-link=The History and Culture of the Indian People |volume=Volume VII: The Mughal Empire |location=Mumbai |publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan}}</ref>{{rp|243, 259–60}} The Maratha were banned from entering the city of [[Pune]] and [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] distance from the locals turned out to be an error. On the evening of 5 April 1663, a wedding party had obtained special permission for holding a procession. Shivaji and many of his nearly 400 men disguised as the bridegroom's procession members entered Pune. Others entered in small parties dressed as labourers and soldiers of Maratha generals serving under Shaista Khan. After midnight, they raided the Nawab's compound and then entered the palace in an attempt to assassinate him.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sardesai 1946 |first1=G.S. |title=New history of the Marathas. Vol. I: Shivaji and his line (1600-1701) |date=1946 |publisher=Phoenix Publications |location=Bombay |pages=142–144}}</ref><ref>Jasper, D., 2006. Celebrating a Region through Historical Commemoration. Region, Culture, and Politics in India, p.239.[https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/37745586/Daniel_Jasper.pdf?1432672953=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DCelebrating_a_Region_through_Historical.pdf&Expires=1591308579&Signature=ctHVujdl9peIc6IrdGmC-CkHbkHrZGDXyGWvg~tYBeQoxcy742IABS3VGeozmqyoVQTO1~ra-LIYNlcVzNfYRFwxI9CclfAF-jN4j2xiFVmqmNqiyRW7o9AM15WM3dtyx0YrkUR3FAOdVvRCxRHo116IU8xm68hy97mgJo1Z6t4uQCsZ2JYIO7ngJlbr3OyutA5Xj0ixKpMqRuxeWk-X0H~yDXkgyrVJIASmgxv5dW1i5n52u0aYkHNzutXm6R1kbgJ9KQPvX3Hh2qOCAVkelCEqnTGFalsLGILWXv2MItQZpCzn5aknsnjuCuESSkEj4CE6TU9lChwg~5GHQ23GYw__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA]{{dead link|date=May 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
After Aurangzeb's accession to the Mughal throne in 1659, he sent Shaista Khan as viceroy of the [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]] with a large army to enforce the treaty the Mughals had signed with the [[Adilshahi]] of [[Bijapur]]. Through the treaty, the [[Adil Shahi dynasty|Adilshahi]] had ceded territory that it had previously captured from the [[Ahmadnagar Sultanate]] to the Mughals.<ref name="Gordon2007">{{cite book |author=Stewart Gordon |title=The Marathas 1600-1818 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iHK-BhVXOU4C&pg=PR9 |year=2007 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-03316-9 |pages=70–71}}</ref> However, the territory was also fiercely contested by [[Maratha]] ruler, [[Shivaji]], who had acquired a reputation after his killing of Adilshahi general [[Afzal Khan (general)|Afzal Khan]] in 1659.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sardesai |first1=G.S. |title=New history of the Marathas. Vol. I: ShivajiRaje and his line (1600-1701) |year=1946 |publisher=Phoenix Publications |location=Bombay |pages=142–144}}</ref> In January 1660, Shaista Khan arrived at [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]] and quickly advanced, seizing [[Pune]], the centre of Shivaji's realm. He also captured the fort of [[Chakan, Maharashtra|Chakan]] and [[Kalyan, India|Kalyan]] and north [[Konkan]] after heavy fighting with the Marathas.<ref name="Majumdar2007">{{cite book |year=2007 |orig-year=First published 1974 |editor1-last=Majumdar |editor1-first=Ramesh Chandra |editor1-link=R. C. Majumdar |editor2-last=Pusalker |editor2-first=A. D. |editor3-last=Majumdar |editor3-first=A. K. |title=The History and Culture of the Indian People |title-link=The History and Culture of the Indian People |volume=VII: The Mughal Empire |location=Mumbai |publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan}}</ref>{{rp|243, 259–60}} The Marathas were banned from entering the city of [[Pune]], and [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] distance from the locals turned out to be an error. Shaista was responsible for heavily mass destruct pune city and its innocent civilians. On the evening of 5 April 1663, a wedding party had obtained special permission for holding a procession. Shivaji and many of his nearly 400 men disguised as the bridegroom's procession members entered Pune. Others entered in small parties dressed as labourers and soldiers of Maratha generals serving under Shaista Khan. After midnight, they raided the Nawab's compound and then entered the palace in an attempt to assassinate him.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sardesai |first1=G.S. |title=New history of the Marathas. Vol. I: Shivaji and his line (1600-1701) |year=1946 |publisher=Phoenix Publications |location=Bombay |pages=142–144}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Jasper |first=Daniel |editor1-last=Vora |editor1-first=Rajendra |editor2-last=Feldhaus |editor2-first=Anne |year=2006 |chapter=Celebrating a Region through Historical Commemoration |title=Region, Culture, and Politics in India |page=239 |publisher=Manohar |isbn=978-81-7304-664-3}}</ref>
[[File:Shaistekhan Surprised.jpg|thumb|250px|Shivaji (right) attacks Shaista Khan, as he tries to flee]]
[[File:Shaistekhan Surprised.jpg|thumb|250px|A 20th-century depiction of Shivaji (right) attacking Shaista Khan as he tries to flee by artist [[M.V. Dhurandhar]]  ]]
Shaista Khan was unaware and unprepared. The Marathas broke into the courtyard of the palace and slaughtered the palace guards. According to a tale, the Nawab lost three fingers in a skirmish with Shivaji, while his son was killed in an encounter with the Marathas in the palace courtyard. Several of his wives also perished.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Truschke|first=Audrey|title=Aurungzeb The man and the myth|publisher=Penguin Books|year=2017|isbn=978-0-143-44271-4}}</ref> Taking advantage of the confusion and darkness, the Marathas escaped the palace and Pune, despite the widespread camping of Mughal forces. Shocked by the sudden and bold attack in the city, Aurangzeb angrily transferred Shaista Khan to Bengal, even refusing to give him audience at the time of transfer as was the custom.<ref>{{Cite book|title=History of medieval India : 800-1700|last=Chandra, Satish.|date=2007|publisher=Orient Longman|isbn=978-81-250-3226-7|location=Hyderabad, India|oclc=191849214}}</ref>
Aurangzeb angrily transferred Shaista Khan to Bengal, refusing to give him an audience at the time of the transfer, as was the custom.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Chandra |first=Satish |title=History of medieval India (800-1700) |url=https://archive.org/details/history-of-medieval-india-800-1700_202303/page/357/mode/1up |year=2007 |publisher=Orient Longman |isbn=978-81-250-3226-7 |page=357}}</ref>


==Subahdar of Bengal==
==Subahdar of Bengal==
[[File:Charles D'Oyly06.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Construction of [[Saat Masjid]] is credited to Shaista Khan]]
[[File:Charles D'Oyly06.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Construction of [[Saat Masjid]] is credited to Shaista Khan]]


On the death of Mir Jumla II in 1663, Shaista Khan was appointed the Subedar of Bengal. As governor, he encouraged trade with Europe, Southeast Asia and other parts of India. He consolidated his power by signing trade agreements with European powers. Despite his powerful position he remained loyal to Aurangzeb, often mediating trade disputes and rivalries. He banned the English East India Company from Bengal in 1686, beginning the Anglo-Mughal War. In 1678, Prince Muhammad Azam Shah was appointed the Subedar of Bengal. In 1680, Shaista Khan was again appointed as the Subedar of Bengal. He served his first term from 1663 to 1678 and his second term from 1680 to 1688.
On the death of Mir Jumla II in 1663, Shaista Khan was appointed the Subedar of Bengal. As governor, he encouraged trade with Europe, Southeast Asia, and other parts of India. He consolidated his power by signing trade agreements with European powers. Despite his powerful position, he remained loyal to Aurangzeb, often mediating trade disputes and rivalries. In 1666, Shaista Khan led the campaign to Chittagong and expelled the [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] and Magh defenders with 300 flotillas.<ref name="Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1707-1813">{{cite book |last1=Lal Mehta |first1=Jaswant · |title=Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1707-1813 |year=2005 |publisher=New Dawn Press, Incorporated |isbn=9781932705546 |page=330 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d1wUgKKzawoC |access-date=5 June 2023 |language=en |format=Hardcover}}</ref> The Mughal forces even forced the Portuguese in [[Sandwip]] to relinquish their bases to be used as Mughal naval operation.<ref name="Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1707-1813" /> Later, he banned the English East India Company from Bengal in 1686, beginning the Anglo-Mughal War. In 1678, Prince Muhammad Azam Shah was appointed the Subedar of Bengal. In 1680, Shaista Khan was again appointed as the Subedar of Bengal. He served his first term from 1663 to 1678 and his second term from 1680 to 1688.


===Construction projects===
===Construction projects===
Shaista Khan encouraged the construction of modern townships and public works in Dhaka, leading to a massive urban and economic expansion. He was a patron of the arts and encouraged the construction of majestic monuments across the province, including mosques, [[mausoleum]]s and palaces that represented the finest in Indo-Sarcenic and [[Mughal architecture]]. Khan greatly expanded [[Lalbagh Fort]], [[Chawk Mosque|Chowk Bazaar Mosque]], [[Saat Masjid]] and [[Choto Katra]]. He also supervised the construction of the mausoleum for his daughter [[Bibi Pari]].
Shaista Khan encouraged the construction of modern townships and public works in Dhaka, leading to a massive urban and economic expansion. He was a patron of the arts and encouraged the construction of majestic monuments across the province, including mosques, [[mausoleum]]s, and palaces that represented the finest in Indo-Saracenic and [[Mughal architecture]]. Khan greatly expanded [[Lalbagh Fort]], [[Chawk Mosque, Dhaka|Chowk Bazaar Mosque]], [[Saat Masjid]], and [[Choto Katra]]. He also supervised the construction of the mausoleum for his daughter [[Bibi Pari]].


== Conquest of Chittagong ==
== Conquest of Chittagong ==
{{See also|Mughal conquest of Chittagong}}


{{Infobox military conflict
Upon his arrival in Bengal, Shaista Khan was faced with putting down the [[Kingdom of Mrauk U|Arakan]]ese pirates. He began by rebuilding the Mughal navy, increasing its Bengal fleet to 300 battle-ready ships within a year.<ref name="Sarkar1948p379">{{cite book |editor-last=Sarkar |editor-first=Jadunath |editor-link=Jadunath Sarkar |year=1973 |orig-year=First published 1948 |title=The History of Bengal |volume=II: Muslim Period, 1200-1757 |location=Patna |publisher=Academica Asiatica |page=379 |oclc=924890 |quote=It was Shāista Khan's task to put an end to this terror [the Arakan pirates] ... The Bengal flotilla (nawwāra) had been wofully depleted ... Shāista Khan's energy and persistence overcame every obstacle. A new navy was created, manned and equipped in a little over a year ... In a short time 300 vessels were ... ready in war-trim ... The island of Sondip ... [was] captured ... (November 1665.) A still more important gain was the seduction of the [[Firingi|Feringis]] of Chātgāon from the side of the Arakanese ... A feud had just then broken out between the Magh ruler of Chātgāon and the local Portuguese ... Shāista Khan gave their chief captain a bounty ... and their other leaders were all enlisted in the Mughal service.}}</ref> He made diplomatic efforts to gain the support of the [[Dutch East India Company]] as well as [[Portuguese India|Portugal]]. With the direct support of the Dutch army, Shaista Khan led the Mughals in an attack on the Arakanese-held Sandwip under the command of Ibn Husain, which lay in Arakanese control.<ref>{{Cite book |author-last=Sarkar |author-first=Jadunath |author-link=Jadunath Sarkar |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.283718/page/n391/mode/2up |title=The History of Bengal. Vol. II |publisher=[[Dhaka University]] |year=1948 |page=379 |language=en |quote=The first step in the campaign was the conquest of the island of Sondip— only six hours' sail from Chatgaon (Chittagong). Dilawwar, a run-away captain of the Mughal navy, who had established himself as king here, was defeated and captured by an expedition from Dacca under admiral Ibn Husain (November 1665).}}</ref> The previous [[Siege of Hooghly]] by Shaishta Khan was considered by Saugata Bhaduri, a professor from [[Jawaharlal Nehru University]], as an attempt by the empire to threaten the Portuguese settlers in Bengal to assist them in the conquest of Chittagong.<ref name="Polycoloniality European Transactions with Bengal from the 13th to the 19th Century">{{cite book |author1=Saugata Bhaduri |title=Polycoloniality European Transactions with Bengal from the 13th to the 19th Century |year=2021 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=9789389812565 |page=195 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5TWcEAAAQBAJ |access-date=13 December 2023 |language=En |format=ebook |quote=Portuguese in Bengal rather than to make them an enemy of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal emperors probably understood well that the Portuguese settlers could prove useful in the wresting of Chittagong ...}}</ref>
| conflict = Conquest of Chittagong
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| date = November 1665 – 27 January 1666<ref name="বাংলাদেশের ইতিহাস">ড. মুহম্মদ আব্দুল করিম. বাংলাদেশের ইতিহাস. মগ বিতাড়ন ও চট্টগ্রাম জয়. ২৬৯–২৭০.</ref>
| place = [[Chittagong Division|Chittagong]], [[Bengal Subah|Province of Bengal]], [[Mughal Empire]] (present-day [[Chittagong Division|Chittagong]], [[Bangladesh]])
| territory = Annexation of [[Chittagong Division|Chittagong]] into [[Bengal Subah|Bengal]]
| result = Mughal victory<ref name="বাংলাদেশের ইতিহাস"/>
| combatant1 = {{flagicon image|Alam of the Mughal Empire.svg}} [[Bengal Subah]] <br> {{flagicon|Netherlands|size=22px}} [[Netherlands]] <br>
* [[Dutch East India Company]]  
{{flagicon|Portugal|size=22px}} [[Portugal]]
| combatant2 = {{Flagicon image|Arakan Liberation Party flag.png}} [[Kingdom of Mrauk U|Arakan]]
| commander1 = {{flagicon image|Alam of the Mughal Empire.svg}} '''Shaista Khan''' <br> {{flagicon image|Alam of the Mughal Empire.svg}} Buzurg Umed Khan <br> {{flagicon image|Alam of the Mughal Empire.svg}} Ibn Hussain <br> {{flagicon image|Alam of the Mughal Empire.svg}} [[Farhad Khan]]
| commander2 = {{Flagicon image|Arakan Liberation Party flag.png}} [[Sanda Thudhamma]]
| strength1 = {{flagicon image|Alam of the Mughal Empire.svg}} 6,500 troops<ref name="Trudy, Ring 1996">Trudy, Ring; M. Salkin, Robert; La Boda, Sharon; Edited by Trudy Ring (1996). International dictionary of historic places. Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers. {{ISBN|1-884964-04-4}}. Retrieved 21 June 2015.</ref> <br> 300 ships<ref name="Trudy, Ring 1996">Trudy, Ring; M. Salkin, Robert; La Boda, Sharon; Edited by Trudy Ring (1996). International dictionary of historic places. Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers. {{ISBN|1-884964-04-4}}. Retrieved 21 June 2015.</ref> <br> {{flagicon|Portugal|size=22px}} 40 ships<ref name="বাংলাদেশের ইতিহাস"/>
| strength2 = {{Flagicon image|Arakan Liberation Party flag.png}} unknown
| casualties1 = {{flagicon image|Alam of the Mughal Empire.svg}} light<ref name="বাংলাদেশের ইতিহাস"/>
| casualties2 = {{Flagicon image|Arakan Liberation Party flag.png}} several ships sunk <br> 135 ships captured<ref name="বাংলাদেশের ইতিহাস"/>
| notes =  
| casus =
| mage2 =  
}}


Upon his arrival in Bengal, Shaista Khan was faced with putting down the [[Kingdom of Mrauk U|Arakan]]ese pirates. He began by rebuilding the Mughal navy, increasing its Bengal fleet to 300 battle-ready ships within a year.<ref name="Sarkar1948p379">{{cite book |editor-last=Sarkar |editor-first=Jadunath |editor-link=Jadunath Sarkar |year=1973 |orig-year=First published 1948 |title=The History of Bengal |volume=Volume II: Muslim Period, 1200-1757 |location=Patna |publisher=Academica Asiatica |page=379 |oclc=924890 |quote=It was Shāista Khan's task to put an end to this terror [the Arakan pirates] ... The Bengal flotilla (nawwāra) had been wofully depleted ... Shāista Khan's energy and persistence overcame every obstacle. A new navy was created, manned and equipped in a little over a year ... In a short time 300 vessels were ... ready in war-trim ... The island of Sondip ... [was] captured ... (November 1665.) A still more important gain was the seduction of the [[Firingi|Feringis]] of Chātgāon from the side of the Arakanese ... A feud had just then broken out between the Magh ruler of Chātgāon and the local Portuguese ... Shāista Khan gave their chief captain a bounty ... and their other leaders were all enlisted in the Mughal service.}}</ref> He also made strenuous diplomatic efforts to win the support of the [[Dutch East India Company]] as well as [[Portugal]], which was supporting Arakan with resources and troops. With active Dutch military support, Shaista Khan led Mughal forces on an assault on the island of Sandwip, which lay in Arakanese control.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} Mughal forces succeeded in capturing the island in November 1665.<ref name="Sarkar1948p379" />
Mughal forces succeeded in capturing the island in November 1665.<ref name="Sarkar1948p379" />


Shaista Khan gained a considerable advantage when a conflict erupted between the Arakanese and the Portuguese. The Portuguese, led by Captain Moor, set fire to [[Kingdom of Mrauk U|Arakan]]ese fleets and fled to [[Bhulua]] where Thanadar [[Farhad Khan]] gave them refuge. Farhad then sent them off to Shaista. By promptly offering protection and support, Shaista secured the aid of the Portuguese against the Arakanese.<ref name="Sarkar1948p379" />
Shaista Khan gained a considerable advantage when a conflict erupted between the Arakanese and the Portuguese. The Portuguese, led by Captain Moor, set fire to [[Kingdom of Mrauk U|Arakan]]ese fleets and fled to [[Bhulua]], where Thanadar [[Farhad Khan]] gave them refuge. Farhad then sent them off to Shaista. By promptly offering protection and support, Shaista secured the aid of the Portuguese against the Arakanese.<ref name="Sarkar1948p379" />


[[File:ShaistaKhan.png|thumb|left|180px|Shaista Khan in later days]]
[[File:ShaistaKhan.png|thumb|left|180px|Shaista Khan in later days]]


In December 1665, Shaista Khan launched a major military campaign against [[Chittagong]], which was the mainstay of the Arakanese kingdom. The imperial fleet consisted of 288 vessels of their own and about 40 vessels of the [[Firingi]]s (Portuguese) as auxiliaries. Ibn Hussain, Shaista Khan's admiral, was asked to lead the navy, while the subahdar himself took up the responsibility of supplying provisions for the campaign. He also ordered [[Farhad Khan]] and Mir Murtaza to take the land route. The overall command was given to Buzurg Ummed Khan, a son of Shaista Khan.<ref name="Majumdar2007" />{{rp|230}} The Mughals and the Portuguese held sway in the following naval battle. The conquered territory to the western bank of Kashyapnadi ([[Kaladan river]]) was placed under direct imperial administration. The name of Chittagong was changed to Islamabad and it became the headquarters of a Mughal [[faujdar]].<ref name="Majumdar2007" />{{rp|230}} Khan also re-asserted Mughal control over [[Cooch Behar]] and [[Kamarupa]].
In December 1665, Shaista Khan launched a major military campaign against [[Chittagong]], which was the mainstay of the Arakanese kingdom. The imperial fleet consisted of 288 vessels of their own and about 40 vessels of the [[Firingi]]s (Portuguese) as auxiliaries. Ibn Hussain, Shaista Khan's admiral, was asked to lead the navy, while the subahdar himself took up the responsibility of supplying provisions for the campaign. He also ordered [[Farhad Khan]] and Mir Murtaza to take the land route. The overall command was given to Buzurg Ummed Khan, a son of Shaista Khan.<ref name="Majumdar2007" />{{rp|230}} The Mughals and the Portuguese held sway in the following naval battle. The conquered territory to the western bank of Kashyapnadi ([[Kaladan River]]) was placed under direct imperial administration. The name of Chittagong was changed to Islamabad, and it became the headquarters of a Mughal [[faujdar]].<ref name="Majumdar2007" />{{rp|230}} Khan also reasserted Mughal control over [[Cooch Behar]] and [[Kamarupa]].
 
==Personal life==


Upon his victory against the Arakanese, he ordered the release of thousands of [[Bengali people|Bengali]] peasants being held captive by the Arakanese forces.
According to Shaista Khan's vasiat-nama (a document registered before his death), he had seven sons and five daughters at the time.<ref>{{Cite book |author-last=Dani |author-first=Ahmad Hasan |author-link=Ahmad Hasan Dani |title=Dhaka Record of its Changing Fortunes |publisher=[[Asiatic Society of Bangladesh]] |year=2009 |isbn=9789843304445 |edition=3rd |page=71}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shaista Khan |url=https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Shaista_Khan |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=Banglapedia |language=en |quote=He ruled Bengal with vigour, and in his administration he was assisted by his half a dozen gifted and able sons, each of whom held the charge of faujdar in one or more than one sarkar, so that one family ruled all divisions of Bengal, and ruled effectively.}}</ref> Among his daughters were Iran Dukht Begum known as Bibi Pari, Turan Dukht Begum known as Bibi Biban<ref name="g338">{{cite book |last=Islam |first=Sirajul |title=History of Bangladesh, 1704-1971: Social and cultural history |publisher=Asiatic Society of Bangladesh |date=1992 |isbn=978-984-512-337-2 |page=729}}</ref> and Shamshad Banu Begum.<ref name="n192">{{cite book |last=Ashfaque |first=Syed M. |title=Lalbagh Fort: Monuments and Museum |publisher=Department of Archaeology & Museums, Ministry of Education & Scientific Research, Government of Pakistan |date=1970 |page=13}}</ref> His oldest son, Buzurg Umed Khan, served as the governor of Allahabad. Another of Shaista Khan's sons, Khuda Banda Khan was married to a daughter of the grand vizier [[Asad Khan (Mughal noble)|Asad Khan]]. He served as a general for Muhammad Azam Shah, and fell in battle fighting Bahadur Shah I. Khuda Banda's son, who was also entitled Khuda Banda Khan, was made the Diwan of Asaf Jah I, the Nizam of Hyderabad.<ref>{{cite book |first1=H. |last1=Beveridge |first2=Baini |last2=Prashad |title=The Maāthir-ul-umarā Being Biographies of the Muhammadan and Hindu Officers of the Timurid Sovereigns of India from 1500 to about 1780 A.D. by Nawwab Samsam-ud-Daula Shah Nawaz Khan and his son Abdul Hayy – Volume II (English) |publisher=Asiatic Society of Calcutta |location=Calcutta, India |year=1952 |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.507589/page/417/mode/2up |page=816}}</ref> One of his daughters was married to [[Ruhullah Khan]], son of Khalilullah Khan of Yazd in 1660. Another daughter was married in 1678 to [[Zulfiqar Khan Nusrat Jung]], son of [[Asad Khan (Mughal noble)|Asad Khan]] and Mihr-un-Nissa Begum, daughter of [[Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan|Asaf Khan]].<ref>{{cite book |first1=H. |last1=Beveridge |first2=Baini |last2=Prashad |title=The Maāthir-ul-umarā Being Biographies of the Muhammadan and Hindu Officers of the Timurid Sovereigns of India from 1500 to about 1780 A.D. by Nawwab Samsam-ud-Daula Shah Nawaz Khan and his son Abdul Hayy – Volume II (English) |publisher=Asiatic Society of Calcutta |location=Calcutta, India |year=1952 |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.507589/page/81/mode/1up |pages=611, 1033}}</ref> Another daughter was married to Itiqad Khan and died in 1688.<ref>{{cite book |first=Jadunath |last=Sarkar |title=Maasir-i-Alamgiri: A History of Emperor Aurangzib-Alamgir (reign 1658-1707 AD) of Saqi Mustad Khan |publisher=Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal, Calcutta |year=1947 |p=189}}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
In his late years, Shaista Khan left [[Dhaka]] and returned to [[Delhi]]. His legacy was the expansion of Dhaka into a regional centre of trade, politics and culture; a thriving and prosperous city from a small township. It is said that he made currency of Bangladesh 'Taka' so strong that eight 'mon' (around 295 kilogram) processed rice or 'chaal' could be bought with one taka.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rice price scam in Bangladesh|url=https://m.theindependentbd.com//arcprint/details/118808/2017-10-15|first=SHAMIM|last=ZAHEDY|access-date=15 October 2017|work=The Independent}}</ref>
In his late years, Shaista Khan left [[Dhaka]] and returned to Delhi. His legacy was the expansion of Dhaka into a regional centre of trade, politics and culture; a thriving and prosperous city from a small township. It is said that he made currency of Bangladesh 'Taka' so strong that eight 'mon' (around 295 kilogram) processed rice or 'chaal' could be bought with one taka.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rice price scam in Bangladesh |url=https://theindependentbd.com/arcprint/details/118808/2017-10-15 |first=Shamim |last=Zahedy |access-date=15 October 2017 |work=The Independent |location=Dhaka |date=15 October 2017 |type=Op-ed}}</ref> The [[Shaista Khan Mosque]] is a massive standing monument to Shaista Khan, built on his palace grounds. Incorporating unique elements of [[Bengal]]i and [[Mughal architecture|Mughal]] architecture, it is a major tourist attraction and a valued historical monument protected by the [[government of Bangladesh]] today.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shaista Khan Mosque |url=https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Shaista_Khan_Mosque |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=Banglapedia |language=en}}</ref>
The [[Shaista Khan Mosque]] is a massive standing monument to Shaista Khan, built on his palace grounds. Incorporating unique elements of [[Bengal]]i and [[Mughal architecture|Mughal]] architecture, it is a major tourist attraction and a valued historical monument protected by the [[Government of Bangladesh]] today.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 88: Line 92:


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}
* {{cite book |last1=Karim |first1=Abdul |date=1992 |title=History of Bengal: Mughal Period |publisher=University of Rajshahi }}
 
* {{cite book |last1=Duff |first1=James Grant |author-link1=James Grant Duff |date=1921 |orig-year=First published 1826 |url=http://ebook.lib.hku.hk/CADAL/B31419239V1/ |title=History of the Marhattas |volume=Vol. 1 |edition=Revised Annotated |location=London |publisher=Oxford University Press }}
==Bibliography==
* {{cite book |last1=Karim |first1=Abdul |author-link1=Abdul Karim (historian) |year=1992 |title=History of Bengal: Mughal Period |publisher=University of Rajshahi}}
* {{cite book |last1=Duff |first1=James Grant |author-link1=James Grant Duff |year=1921 |orig-year=First published 1826 |url=http://ebook.lib.hku.hk/CADAL/B31419239V1/ |title=History of the Mahrattas |volume=1 |edition=Revised Annotated |location=London |publisher=Oxford University Press}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Khan, Shaista}}
[[Category:1600 births]]
[[Category:Subahdars of Bengal]]
[[Category:1694 deaths]]
[[Category:Mughal nobility]]
[[Category:17th-century Iranian military personnel]]
[[Category:17th-century Iranian people]]
[[Category:Indian people of Iranian descent]]
[[Category:Indian people of Iranian descent]]
[[Category:Indian Shia Muslims]]
[[Category:Indian Shia Muslims]]
[[Category:Dhaka]]
[[Category:Government of Dhaka]]
[[Category:History of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Subahdars of Bengal]]
[[Category:Medieval India]]
[[Category:17th-century Mughal Empire people]]
[[Category:Mughal Empire]]
[[Category:Mughal generals]]
[[Category:1694 deaths]]

Revision as of 01:13, 15 March 2026


Mirza Abu-Talib Shaista Khan
Amir-ul-Umara
Mughal Subahdar
Shaista Khan in c. 1650
24th & 27th Subahdar of Bengal
1st Governorship30 March 1664 – 1676
PredecessorMir Jumla II
SuccessorFidai Khan II
2nd Governorship1680 – 1688
PredecessorAzam Shah
SuccessorIbrahim Khan II
BadshahAurangzeb
Subahdar of Khandesh Subah
Governorship1658 – 1669
BadshahAurangzeb
Viceroy of the Deccan
GovernorshipJanuary 1660 –
mid-January 1664
BadshahAurangzeb
BornMirza Abu Talib
22 November 1600
Delhi, Mughal Empire
Diedc. 1694
(aged 93–94)
Delhi, Mughal Empire
IssueBuzurg Umed Khan[1]
Abul Fatah
Iran Dukht Rahmat Banu (Bibi Pari)[2]
Aqidat Khan
Jafar Khan
Abu Nasr Khan
Iradat Khan[3]
Khuda Banda Khan[4]
Names
Mirza Abu-Talib Shaista Khan ibn Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan
FatherAsaf Khan IV
MotherDiwanji Begum
ReligionShia Islam
OccupationMughal Statesman

Mirza Abu Talib (b. 22 November 1600 – d. 1694),[5][6] better known as Shaista Khan, was a general and the Subahdar of Mughal Bengal. He was maternal uncle to the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and acted as a key figure during his reign. Shaista Khan initially governed the Deccan, where he clashed with the Maratha ruler Shivaji. However, he was most notable for his tenure as the governor of Bengal from 1664 to 1688. Under Shaista Khan's authority, the city of Dhaka and Mughal power in the province attained their greatest heights. His achievements include construction of notable mosques such as the Sat Gambuj Mosque and masterminding the conquest of Chittagong. Shaista Khan was also responsible for sparking the Anglo-Mughal War with the English East India Company.[7]

Early life

According to the diary of William Hedges, the first governor of the East India Company in Bengal, the birthday of Shaista Khan was on 22 November.[5]

Khan was of Persian origin. His grandfather Mirza Ghiyas Beg and father Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan were the wazirs of the Mughal emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, respectively. He also had familial connections with the imperial dynasty, having been a paternal nephew of the empress Nur Jahan and the brother of the empress Mumtaz Mahal. Jahangir awarded the title of Mirza to Shaista Khan in recognition of his family's service and position in the Mughal court.[8]

Khan trained and served with the Mughal army and court, winning multiple promotions and being appointed governor of various provinces. He also developed a reputation as a successful military commander and grew close to his nephew, the prince Aurangzeb, when the duo fought against the kingdom of Golconda.[8]

Confrontation with the Marathas

Main article: Battle of Chakan

After Aurangzeb's accession to the Mughal throne in 1659, he sent Shaista Khan as viceroy of the Deccan with a large army to enforce the treaty the Mughals had signed with the Adilshahi of Bijapur. Through the treaty, the Adilshahi had ceded territory that it had previously captured from the Ahmadnagar Sultanate to the Mughals.[9] However, the territory was also fiercely contested by Maratha ruler, Shivaji, who had acquired a reputation after his killing of Adilshahi general Afzal Khan in 1659.[10] In January 1660, Shaista Khan arrived at Aurangabad and quickly advanced, seizing Pune, the centre of Shivaji's realm. He also captured the fort of Chakan and Kalyan and north Konkan after heavy fighting with the Marathas.[11]:243, 259–60 The Marathas were banned from entering the city of Pune, and Mughal distance from the locals turned out to be an error. Shaista was responsible for heavily mass destruct pune city and its innocent civilians. On the evening of 5 April 1663, a wedding party had obtained special permission for holding a procession. Shivaji and many of his nearly 400 men disguised as the bridegroom's procession members entered Pune. Others entered in small parties dressed as labourers and soldiers of Maratha generals serving under Shaista Khan. After midnight, they raided the Nawab's compound and then entered the palace in an attempt to assassinate him.[12][13]

A 20th-century depiction of Shivaji (right) attacking Shaista Khan as he tries to flee by artist M.V. Dhurandhar

Aurangzeb angrily transferred Shaista Khan to Bengal, refusing to give him an audience at the time of the transfer, as was the custom.[14]

Subahdar of Bengal

Construction of Saat Masjid is credited to Shaista Khan

On the death of Mir Jumla II in 1663, Shaista Khan was appointed the Subedar of Bengal. As governor, he encouraged trade with Europe, Southeast Asia, and other parts of India. He consolidated his power by signing trade agreements with European powers. Despite his powerful position, he remained loyal to Aurangzeb, often mediating trade disputes and rivalries. In 1666, Shaista Khan led the campaign to Chittagong and expelled the Portuguese and Magh defenders with 300 flotillas.[15] The Mughal forces even forced the Portuguese in Sandwip to relinquish their bases to be used as Mughal naval operation.[15] Later, he banned the English East India Company from Bengal in 1686, beginning the Anglo-Mughal War. In 1678, Prince Muhammad Azam Shah was appointed the Subedar of Bengal. In 1680, Shaista Khan was again appointed as the Subedar of Bengal. He served his first term from 1663 to 1678 and his second term from 1680 to 1688.

Construction projects

Shaista Khan encouraged the construction of modern townships and public works in Dhaka, leading to a massive urban and economic expansion. He was a patron of the arts and encouraged the construction of majestic monuments across the province, including mosques, mausoleums, and palaces that represented the finest in Indo-Saracenic and Mughal architecture. Khan greatly expanded Lalbagh Fort, Chowk Bazaar Mosque, Saat Masjid, and Choto Katra. He also supervised the construction of the mausoleum for his daughter Bibi Pari.

Conquest of Chittagong

See also: Mughal conquest of Chittagong

Upon his arrival in Bengal, Shaista Khan was faced with putting down the Arakanese pirates. He began by rebuilding the Mughal navy, increasing its Bengal fleet to 300 battle-ready ships within a year.[16] He made diplomatic efforts to gain the support of the Dutch East India Company as well as Portugal. With the direct support of the Dutch army, Shaista Khan led the Mughals in an attack on the Arakanese-held Sandwip under the command of Ibn Husain, which lay in Arakanese control.[17] The previous Siege of Hooghly by Shaishta Khan was considered by Saugata Bhaduri, a professor from Jawaharlal Nehru University, as an attempt by the empire to threaten the Portuguese settlers in Bengal to assist them in the conquest of Chittagong.[18]

Mughal forces succeeded in capturing the island in November 1665.[16]

Shaista Khan gained a considerable advantage when a conflict erupted between the Arakanese and the Portuguese. The Portuguese, led by Captain Moor, set fire to Arakanese fleets and fled to Bhulua, where Thanadar Farhad Khan gave them refuge. Farhad then sent them off to Shaista. By promptly offering protection and support, Shaista secured the aid of the Portuguese against the Arakanese.[16]

Shaista Khan in later days

In December 1665, Shaista Khan launched a major military campaign against Chittagong, which was the mainstay of the Arakanese kingdom. The imperial fleet consisted of 288 vessels of their own and about 40 vessels of the Firingis (Portuguese) as auxiliaries. Ibn Hussain, Shaista Khan's admiral, was asked to lead the navy, while the subahdar himself took up the responsibility of supplying provisions for the campaign. He also ordered Farhad Khan and Mir Murtaza to take the land route. The overall command was given to Buzurg Ummed Khan, a son of Shaista Khan.[11]:230 The Mughals and the Portuguese held sway in the following naval battle. The conquered territory to the western bank of Kashyapnadi (Kaladan River) was placed under direct imperial administration. The name of Chittagong was changed to Islamabad, and it became the headquarters of a Mughal faujdar.[11]:230 Khan also reasserted Mughal control over Cooch Behar and Kamarupa.

Personal life

According to Shaista Khan's vasiat-nama (a document registered before his death), he had seven sons and five daughters at the time.[19][20] Among his daughters were Iran Dukht Begum known as Bibi Pari, Turan Dukht Begum known as Bibi Biban[21] and Shamshad Banu Begum.[22] His oldest son, Buzurg Umed Khan, served as the governor of Allahabad. Another of Shaista Khan's sons, Khuda Banda Khan was married to a daughter of the grand vizier Asad Khan. He served as a general for Muhammad Azam Shah, and fell in battle fighting Bahadur Shah I. Khuda Banda's son, who was also entitled Khuda Banda Khan, was made the Diwan of Asaf Jah I, the Nizam of Hyderabad.[23] One of his daughters was married to Ruhullah Khan, son of Khalilullah Khan of Yazd in 1660. Another daughter was married in 1678 to Zulfiqar Khan Nusrat Jung, son of Asad Khan and Mihr-un-Nissa Begum, daughter of Asaf Khan.[24] Another daughter was married to Itiqad Khan and died in 1688.[25]

Legacy

In his late years, Shaista Khan left Dhaka and returned to Delhi. His legacy was the expansion of Dhaka into a regional centre of trade, politics and culture; a thriving and prosperous city from a small township. It is said that he made currency of Bangladesh 'Taka' so strong that eight 'mon' (around 295 kilogram) processed rice or 'chaal' could be bought with one taka.[26] The Shaista Khan Mosque is a massive standing monument to Shaista Khan, built on his palace grounds. Incorporating unique elements of Bengali and Mughal architecture, it is a major tourist attraction and a valued historical monument protected by the government of Bangladesh today.[27]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Hossain, AKM Yakub & Haque, AKM Khademul (2012). "Buzurg Umed Khan". In Islam, Sirajul; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir (eds.). Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. Retrieved 8 August 2026.{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ↑ Hossain, AKM Yakub & Chowdhury, AM (2012). "Bibi Pari". In Islam, Sirajul; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir (eds.). Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. Retrieved 8 August 2026.{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ↑ Abdul Karim (2012). "Iranians, The". In Islam, Sirajul; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir (eds.). Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  4. ↑ Shahnavaz Khan Aurangabadi; Beveridge, H. & Baini Prashad (translators) (1941/1952). *Maʾāṣir al-Umara of Shahnavaz Khan Aurangabadi*, Vol. 1. Asiatic Society, Calcutta. p. 816
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Hedges, Sir William (1887). The Diary of William Hedges, Esq. (afterwards Sir William Hedges), During His Agency in Bengal: As Well as on His Voyage Out and Return Overland (1681-1697). Hakluyt Society. pp. 43–51.
  6. ↑ Sir Jadunath Sarkar, History of Aurangzib: Mainly Based on Persian Sources, Volume 5 (1974), p. 283
  7. ↑ Hasan, Farhat (1991). "Conflict and Cooperation in Anglo-Mughal Trade Relations during the Reign of Aurangzeb". Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient. 34 (4): 351–360. doi:10.1163/156852091X00058. JSTOR 3632456.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Abdul Karim (2012). "Shaista Khan". In Islam, Sirajul; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir (eds.). Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
  9. ↑ Stewart Gordon (2007). The Marathas 1600-1818. Cambridge University Press. pp. 70–71. ISBN 978-0-521-03316-9.
  10. ↑ Sardesai, G.S. (1946). New history of the Marathas. Vol. I: ShivajiRaje and his line (1600-1701). Bombay: Phoenix Publications. pp. 142–144.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Majumdar, Ramesh Chandra; Pusalker, A. D.; Majumdar, A. K., eds. (2007) [First published 1974]. The History and Culture of the Indian People. Vol. VII: The Mughal Empire. Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
  12. ↑ Sardesai, G.S. (1946). New history of the Marathas. Vol. I: Shivaji and his line (1600-1701). Bombay: Phoenix Publications. pp. 142–144.
  13. ↑ Jasper, Daniel (2006). "Celebrating a Region through Historical Commemoration". In Vora, Rajendra; Feldhaus, Anne (eds.). Region, Culture, and Politics in India. Manohar. p. 239. ISBN 978-81-7304-664-3.
  14. ↑ Chandra, Satish (2007). History of medieval India (800-1700). Orient Longman. p. 357. ISBN 978-81-250-3226-7.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Lal Mehta, Jaswant · (2005). Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1707-1813 (Hardcover). New Dawn Press, Incorporated. p. 330. ISBN 9781932705546. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Sarkar, Jadunath, ed. (1973) [First published 1948]. The History of Bengal. Vol. II: Muslim Period, 1200–1757. Patna: Academica Asiatica. p. 379. OCLC 924890. It was Shāista Khan's task to put an end to this terror [the Arakan pirates] ... The Bengal flotilla (nawwāra) had been wofully depleted ... Shāista Khan's energy and persistence overcame every obstacle. A new navy was created, manned and equipped in a little over a year ... In a short time 300 vessels were ... ready in war-trim ... The island of Sondip ... [was] captured ... (November 1665.) A still more important gain was the seduction of the Feringis of Chātgāon from the side of the Arakanese ... A feud had just then broken out between the Magh ruler of Chātgāon and the local Portuguese ... Shāista Khan gave their chief captain a bounty ... and their other leaders were all enlisted in the Mughal service.
  17. ↑ Sarkar, Jadunath (1948). The History of Bengal. Vol. II. Dhaka University. p. 379. The first step in the campaign was the conquest of the island of Sondip— only six hours' sail from Chatgaon (Chittagong). Dilawwar, a run-away captain of the Mughal navy, who had established himself as king here, was defeated and captured by an expedition from Dacca under admiral Ibn Husain (November 1665).
  18. ↑ Saugata Bhaduri (2021). Polycoloniality European Transactions with Bengal from the 13th to the 19th Century (ebook). Cambridge University Press. p. 195. ISBN 9789389812565. Retrieved 13 December 2023. Portuguese in Bengal rather than to make them an enemy of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal emperors probably understood well that the Portuguese settlers could prove useful in the wresting of Chittagong ...
  19. ↑ Dani, Ahmad Hasan (2009). Dhaka Record of its Changing Fortunes (3rd ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. p. 71. ISBN 9789843304445.
  20. ↑ "Shaista Khan". Banglapedia. Retrieved 7 December 2023. He ruled Bengal with vigour, and in his administration he was assisted by his half a dozen gifted and able sons, each of whom held the charge of faujdar in one or more than one sarkar, so that one family ruled all divisions of Bengal, and ruled effectively.
  21. ↑ Islam, Sirajul (1992). History of Bangladesh, 1704-1971: Social and cultural history. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. p. 729. ISBN 978-984-512-337-2.
  22. ↑ Ashfaque, Syed M. (1970). Lalbagh Fort: Monuments and Museum. Department of Archaeology & Museums, Ministry of Education & Scientific Research, Government of Pakistan. p. 13.
  23. ↑ Beveridge, H.; Prashad, Baini (1952). The Maāthir-ul-umarā Being Biographies of the Muhammadan and Hindu Officers of the Timurid Sovereigns of India from 1500 to about 1780 A.D. by Nawwab Samsam-ud-Daula Shah Nawaz Khan and his son Abdul Hayy – Volume II (English). Calcutta, India: Asiatic Society of Calcutta. p. 816.
  24. ↑ Beveridge, H.; Prashad, Baini (1952). The Maāthir-ul-umarā Being Biographies of the Muhammadan and Hindu Officers of the Timurid Sovereigns of India from 1500 to about 1780 A.D. by Nawwab Samsam-ud-Daula Shah Nawaz Khan and his son Abdul Hayy – Volume II (English). Calcutta, India: Asiatic Society of Calcutta. pp. 611, 1033.
  25. ↑ Sarkar, Jadunath (1947). Maasir-i-Alamgiri: A History of Emperor Aurangzib-Alamgir (reign 1658-1707 AD) of Saqi Mustad Khan. Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal, Calcutta. p. 189.
  26. ↑ Zahedy, Shamim (15 October 2017). "Rice price scam in Bangladesh". The Independent (Op-ed). Dhaka. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  27. ↑ "Shaista Khan Mosque". Banglapedia. Retrieved 4 December 2023.

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