A History of the Mahrattas v1.c23.45

Language: English

v1.c23.45

About this period, the usurper Aliverdy Khan³ established his authority over the provinces of Bengal, Bahar, and Orissa. From a humble situation in the service of Shujah-ud-deen Khan, Nabob of Bengal, Aliverdy had been appointed the Nabob’s deputy in Bahar. Surfuraz Khan, the heir-apparent to the nabobship, was stationed at Dacca, and Moorshed Koolee Khan, the son-in-law of Shujah-ud-deen, was the deputy governor of Orissa, having for his Dewan a native of Arabia,⁴ named Meer Hubeeb. On the death of Shujah-ud-deen, Surfuraz Khan was appointed Nabob. Aliverdy Khan rebelled, and slew him in battle. He also attacked and drove Moorshed Koolee from Orissa. Meer Hubeeb the Dewan, a person afterwards so instrumental in Mahratta progress, also fled, but subsequently submitted and entered the service of the successful insurgent. Aliverdy Khan was acknowledged by the Emperor as Nabob of Bengal, in consequence of sending a part of the property and jewels of Surfuraz Khan to court.