Explanations:In the context of Mughal India, the administrative roles were clearly defined and held by specific individuals. The title "Diwan" was given to the chief financial officer or revenue minister, responsible for the financial administration of a province. The East India Company was appointed as the Diwan of Bengal in 1756, which meant they were given the responsibility of managing the financial affairs of the province.
The Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II, granted the Diwani rights to the East India Company through the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765. This treaty was a significant turning point in the history of British rule in India, as it gave the East India Company the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. The Diwani rights allowed the Company to control the financial resources of these provinces, which were crucial for their economic and political expansion in India.
It is important to distinguish between the roles of Diwan and Nawab. The Nawab was the governor or ruler of a province, holding both administrative and military responsibilities. The East India Company was not appointed as the Nawab of Bengal in 1756; they were specifically given the role of Diwan, which was a financial position. The confusion between these roles often leads to misconceptions about the East India Company's position in Bengal during this period.
The appointment of the East India Company as the Diwan of Bengal marked the beginning of their direct involvement in the governance of the province. This role allowed them to exert significant control over the financial resources of Bengal, which they used to strengthen their economic and political position in India. The Diwani rights were a critical step in the East India Company's transition from a trading company to a ruling power in India.
Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the Diwan and Nawab is crucial for comprehending the political and administrative landscape of Mughal India during the 18th century. The East India Company's appointment as the Diwan of Bengal in 1756 was a pivotal moment that set the stage for their eventual dominance over large parts of the Indian subcontinent.