Mughal Rulers and Bengal
- Sher Shah’s Campaigns: Sher Shah Suri initiated a series of military campaigns, including his entry into Bengal. He used a less-frequented route, passing through the Mor River and Dwarka River, entering Bengal via the Sherpur area of Birbhum.
- Sher Shah’s Victory in Bengal: Sher Shah’s son, Jalal Khan, successfully captured the Teliagadhi pass, a strategic point for controlling Bengal. This was during the weakening phase of Bengal’s Sultan Mahmud Shah, who ceded significant territories to the Afghan ruler.
- Mughal-Sher Shah Rivalry: The Mughal emperor, Humayun, attempted to reclaim Bengal from Sher Shah in 1538, leading to a battle near the Teliagadhi pass. Sher Shah’s forces, led by Jalal Khan, resisted the Mughals for a while, but eventually, Jalal Khan vacated the pass, enabling Humayun’s entry into Bengal.
- Sher Shah’s Territorial Dominance: After defeating Humayun in the Battle of Chausa in June 1539, Sher Shah became the dominant ruler over a vast area stretching from Kanauj to Bengal, including Jharkhand, the Ganges River valley, and the northern Himalayas.
- Bengal Under the Mughals: After Sher Shah’s death, the Mughal emperor Akbar sought to regain control of Bengal. The struggle for Bengal continued, and in 1575, Akbar’s forces successfully defeated Afghan leader Dawood Karani.
- Dawood Karani’s Rebellion: Dawood Karani, the Afghan ruler of Bengal, declared his independence after his father Suleiman Karani’s death in 1572. In 1574, he declared himself the king of Bengal, which prompted Akbar to send his forces to suppress him.
- Mughal Victory Over Dawood Karani: In 1575, Akbar’s forces, led by Munim Khan, defeated Dawood’s forces. Dawood fled to Bengal, and eventually, on March 3, 1575, he was defeated at Tukrohi, ensuring Bengal’s incorporation into the Mughal Empire.
- Mughal Administration Challenges: Despite the military victory, Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha continued to experience internal turmoil and rebellion. From 1575 to 1594, the region faced continuous uprisings, and administrative reforms were slow.
- Appointment of Khan-e-Jahan: After the death of Munim Khan in 1575, Akbar appointed Hussein Kuli Khan as the Viceroy of Bengal. He, along with Todar Mal, worked to stabilize the region. However, rebellions from Afghan forces continued.
- Junaid Karani’s Role: Dawood’s cousin, Junaid Karani, tried to make Jharkhand his stronghold, expanding into southern Bihar. Despite facing resistance from Mughal generals like Khan-e-Jahan and Todar Mal, Junaid’s forces were eventually driven back.
- Mughal Military Operations: By 1582, Akbar sent his commander, Khan-e-Azam, to suppress the Afghan forces and regain control of Bengal. After a series of intense battles, the Mughals finally gained control, culminating in the decisive Battle of Kala Pahad in 1583.
- Rajmahal’s Significance: In 1592, Rajmahal became the capital of Bengal, marking a significant change in administrative centers. Sher Shah had previously selected it as his administrative hub, and Akbar’s representative, Man Singh, further developed its strategic importance.
- Mughal Capital Shifts: Prior to Rajmahal, Bengal’s capital had been Gaur, which was replaced by Pundua, and later, Tanda. The shifting of the Ganges River also played a role in moving the capital closer to Rajmahal, as the river’s course altered.
- Mughal Reforms: Akbar’s administration focused on stabilizing Bengal through effective governance and military campaigns. By 1594, the Mughals had gained a stronger foothold in the region, though periodic rebellions continued to challenge their authority.
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