Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c8.s2.1

v1.c8.s2.1

At the time of Aurangzib’s death (1707), Murshid Quli Khān (surnamed Jafar Khān Nasiri, Nāsir Jang, Mutaman-ul-mulk) was deputy governor (*nāib nāzim*) of Bengal and Orissā, as well as *diwān* or revenue chief of these two provinces. The absence of the governor, Prince Azim-ush-shān, at the imperial Court during the next four years made Murshid Quli the virtual ruler of Bengal. Farrukh-siyar on his accession (1713) made him the substantive governor of Bengal in addition to his *diwān*-ship. In 1719 the full governorship of Orissā was conferred upon him. [Siyar, ii. 8, Riyāz, 250-252, 273-276.] Murshid Quli’s strong, honest and efficient administration, love of justice, and strict enforcement of peace and order greatly increased the wealth and happiness of the people and fostered the growth of trade in the country. When he died (30th June, 1727) he was succeeded by his son-in-law Shujā-ud-din Muhammad Khān (surnamed Shujā-ud-daulah, Asad Jang) in the rule of the two provinces, to which Bihār was added by the Emperor about 1733. Shujā also enjoyed a peaceful and prosperous reign.