The History of Bengal (Vol. I: Hindu Period; Vol. II: Muslim Period 1200–1757) v2.c46.s2.2

v2.c46.s2.2

Shujā-ud-din took also other necessary steps to stengthen his newly acquired position. He tried to undo the wrongs of the previous regime and adopted a conciliatory attitude towards the zamindārs. After having carefully investigated into the conduct of Nāzir Ahmad and Murād Farrāsh, the two oppressive agents of Murshid Quli Ja'far Khān, he found them guilty of highhandedness, confiscated their properties, and condemned them to death. Of the zamindārs, who had been kept in confinement since the time of his predecessor, he immediately released those whom he found to be guiltless The rest, who had been actually defaulters in the payment of revenue, were made to execute written bonds promising to be henceforth obedient to the Nawāb's government and punctual in remitting its dues through the Banking Agency of Jagat Seth Fatehchand. They were allowed to return to this respective homes after being presented with costly khilāts. He realised nazars from them worth one kror and fifty lakhs of rupees, and sent the amount to the Emperor's treasury at Delhi through the Banking Agency of Fatehchānd. He conciliated the Emperor, further by occasionally sending him various presents in elephants, horses and fine Bengal cloths and by the timely remittance of the imperial tribute due from the Bengal government. The Emperor rewarded him with the title of Mutāman-ul-mulk Shujā'-ud-daulah Asad Jang.