Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c8.s2.4

v1.c8.s2.4

Rustam Jang (originally named Murshid Quli), the son-in-law of Shujā and deputy governor of Orissā, was goaded on by his wife Dardāna Begam to avenge her half-brother Sarāfrāz’s death. He refused to acknowledge the authority of the successful regicide in Bengal, declared his own independence, and in the ensuing cold weather marched from Katak to Balesar with the object of conquering Bengal. Alivardi advanced from his capital to meet the danger. For some weeks the two armies lay facing each other in their trenches near Balesar, with occasional skirmishes between their patrols. At last, on 3rd March, 1741, a battle was precipitated by Rustam’s impetuous son-in-law, Bāqar Ali, who left his impregnable trenches and numerous artillery behind him and attacked Alivardi on the plain of Fulwāri (four miles north of Balesar town), but was routed after a severe fight. Rustam Jang fled to Masulipatam in a friend's ship then happily lying at anchor off the port. Alivardi occupied Katak and installed his son-in-law Said Ahmad (surnamed Mahām-ud-daulah Saulat Jang) as deputy governor there. [*Siyar*, ii. 107-109.]