The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c20.282

v4.c20.282

‘Alī Vardī Khān had established his authority in Bengal, and in Bihār where he appointed his son-in-law Haibat Jang as his deputy, but Orissa was still in the hands of Murshid Qulī Khān, who had been Shujā‘-ud-Daula’s deputy in that province. After lulling suspicions by messages which led Murshid to believe that he was to be retained as governor of Orissa ‘Alī Vardī marched from Murshidābād on 20 December, 1740, at the head of a large force. Murshid Qulī Khān came from Cuttack to Balasore and encamped near the south bank of the Burabalang river. ‘Alī Vardī Khān halted at Rāmchandrapur and nearly a month was spent in negotiations.