[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Mughals (1526–1857)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal) › [Later Mughals (1707–1857)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later) › [Tārīkh-i Muẓaffarī](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-muzaffari) › [Tarikh-i Muzaffari, of Muhammad 'Ali Khan (Elliot & Dowson, extracts)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-muzaffari~en-elliot) › 4 # Tarikh-i Muzaffari 4: Accession of Siraju-d daula. Taking of Calcutta. Táríkh-i Muzaffarí, of Muhammad 'Alí Khán (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) 4 - **Language:** English ### [4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-muzaffari~en-elliot.4) Nawab Hisamu-d daula Mahabat Jang (Alivardi Khan) died of dropsy near Murshidabad, in the eightieth year of his age, on the 9th Rajab, 1169 A.H. (April 10, 1756 A.D.). From his early youth he had abstained from intoxicating liquors, he had no love for music, and never cohabited with any women except his own wives. \* \* (His daughter's son), Siraju-d daula, son of Zainu-d din Ahmad Khan Haibat Jang, succeeded him in his government of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. \* \* Kishan Ballabh, a zamindar, being in arrears with his revenue, Siraju-d daula gave orders for his imprisonment. But he fled from Dacca, and took refuge in Calcutta, under the protection of Mr. Drake, "the great gentleman" of that place. When Siraju-d daula was informed of this, he proceeded to Murshidabad, and prepared for war. In the month of Ramazan, he started for Calcutta, from a place called Mansur-ganj, which he had built, and on arriving at Calcutta, he pitched his tents outside. The English gentlemen had but a small number of men, and were in want of implements, so they were unable to face him in the field. They shut themselves up in the old fort, threw up intrenchments, and strengthened the defences. Siraju-d daula had with him plenty of guns and large numbers of men; he gave orders for taking the houses, and in the twinkling of an eye he overpowered the English. Mr. Drake, seeing himself reduced to extremity, went on board ship with several of his people and sailed away. Those who were left behind had no leader, but they advanced to the defence. When the ammunition was exhausted, some died fighting with the utmost bravery; others, with their wives and children, were made prisoners. All their wealth and property, which exceeded computation, was taken from the officers of the Company and other chiefs, and became the booty of the vagabonds in Siraju-d daula's army. This happened on the 22nd Ramazan, 1169 A.H. (June 20, 1756 A.D.), two months and twelve days after the accession of Siraju-d daula. The factories belonging to the Company at Kasim-bazar, near Murshidabad, were also pillaged by orders of Siraju-d daula, and Mr. Wajh (Watts), the chief of the factory, and some others, were made prisoners. - [Previous: 3.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-muzaffari~en-elliot.3.11) - [Next: 5.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-muzaffari~en-elliot.5.1) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-muzaffari~en-elliot.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.tarikh-i-muzaffari~en-elliot.4) · Pramāṇa