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Raid On Murshidabad
| Raid On Murshidabad | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Maratha invasions of Bengal | |||||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
.svg){kind=small} Bengal Subah | |||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Haji Ahmed (POW) |
 Mir Habib | ||||||||
Katwa Was Occupied By Marathas And established As Headquarter, Rajmahal, Jalesar And Midnapore Were Also Captured. Haji Ahmad The Governor Of Murshidabad (Capital Of Bengal Subah) and Relative Of Alivardi Khan Fled and Locked Himself In The Fort.
Background[edit]
Beginning in the month of June, Katwa was established as the primary base of operations for the invading force, with Mir Habib assuming the central role of leadership and acting as the principal authority in all administrative and strategic matters effectively becoming the Madar-ul-makam (pillar of the state). The territories lying to the west of the Ganges gradually fell under their control. They fortified their presence by setting up military outposts across several strategic locations, gradually asserting dominance over a wide stretch of land extending from Rajmahal in the north to Medinipur and Jalesar in the south.[1]
Battle[edit]
In the early hours of May 6th, Mir Habib led a swift and stealthy advance with 700 well-mounted Maratha cavalry from Katwa, arriving at Dahapara, directly across from Murshidabad, by morning. There, they set fire to the local market before moving across the river at the Hajiganj ferry into the undefended city of Murshidabad, which lacked any protective fortifications. The city's defense crumbled largely due to the inaction and fear of its governor, Haji Ahmad Nawab’s elder brother who retreated into the fort, abandoning the population to their fate. Panic and chaos spread through the city as the Marathas looted freely. Among their spoils was nearly three lakh rupees taken from the residence of Fateh Chand, known as Jagat Seth, along with riches from other affluent homes. By evening, the raiders crossed back over the river to Tirathkona, located west of Murshidabad, where they made camp for the night.[2][3]
Reference[edit]
- ↑ Datta, Kalikinkar. Alivardi And His Times.
- ↑ Sarkar, Jadunath. Fall Of The Mughal Empire- Vol. I (4Th Edn.), Volume 1.
- ↑ Shanta Aathana (1978). Life & Times Of Raghuji Bhonsle I Of Nagpur.