 |
Bengal tiger Gazi scroll. sos.arsenic.net |
Below are presented in brief two scenarios of Bengal in l600s. The prosperous rulers were losing ground against the British traders who already had a strong hold on them-something like a small prey held tight by a python ready to gobble.
During the 1600s, Bengal was a region of immense prosperity, known for its thriving trade, agriculture, and cultural richness. The local rulers initially maintained control over the land, while British traders, under the banner of the East India Company, began establishing a foothold. This period marked the beginning of significant economic and political changes in Bengal, which eventually led to its decline and the rise of British imperialism.
Bengal flourished under the governance of Nawabs like Murshid Quli Khan, Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan, and Alivardi Khan between 1700 and 1756. These Nawabs implemented strong administrative policies that encouraged trade, industry, and agriculture. Bengal became a hub of economic activity, exporting textiles, silk, saltpeter, opium, and indigo. Cities such as Decca, Murshidabad, and Hughli grew rapidly due to the booming economy. For instance, Decca exported cloth worth nearly 30 lakh rupees annually, while Qasim Bazaar produced two and a half million pounds of silk. Banking systems, led by families like the Jagat Seths, mirrored the efficiency of contemporary institutions like the Bank of England.
The British presence in Bengal began in 1633 when they were granted permission by the Mughal governor of Orissa to establish factories at Hariharpur and Balasore. This was followed by the establishment of a factory at Hughli in 1651. However, their progress faced challenges during the governorship of Mir Jumla, who imposed strict restrictions on British trade between 1658 and 1663. Relief came when Shayista Khan, the new Mughal viceroy of Bengal, restored their trade privileges, allowing them to establish settlements in Qasim Bazaar, Hughli, and Balasore.
The foundation of Calcutta as a British settlement began with Job Charnock in 1690. Choosing Sutanuti as the center of operations, Charnock laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most important cities in British India. In 1697, the construction of Fort William strengthened the British position, and Calcutta was officially designated as the "Presidency of Fort William in Bengal" in 1700. The acquisition of adjacent villages like Kalikata and Govindpur enabled the British to expand their operations further.p
 |
| Mogul Farrukhsiyar in a palanquin,.dungeonsddx.blogspot.com |
By the mid-18th century, with Mughal power declining, Bengal became a site of political intrigue. The British capitalized on this instability, engaging in conflicts that culminated in their dominance after the Battle of Plassey in 1757. This marked the beginning of British colonial control, with Bengal serving as a financial backbone for imperial expansion. While the British prospered, Bengal faced economic decline, poverty, and resource exploitation that reshaped its historical trajectory and had far-reaching consequences. (Revised)
.jpg)
 And The Hunted In the Fertile Land (1600s) Of Bengal And Tigers, India){kind=link}