Explanations:The history of Bengal, a region in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, has seen numerous changes in its administrative and political landscape. One of the significant changes occurred in the early 18th century when the capital of Bengal was shifted from Dhaka to Murshidabad. This shift was initiated by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, who was the Nawab of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa from 1717 to 1727.
Murshid Quli Khan, originally from the Deccan region, was appointed as the Diwan (prime minister) of Bengal in 1700 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. In 1704, he shifted the capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad, a city he named after himself. This move was strategic, as Murshidabad was located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, which provided better access to the hinterland and facilitated trade and commerce. The city also had a more defensible position compared to Dhaka, which was vulnerable to attacks from the sea.
The shift of the capital to Murshidabad marked the beginning of a new era in the administration of Bengal. It was during this period that the Nawabs of Bengal gained significant autonomy from the Mughal Empire, leading to the establishment of a powerful and independent state. The city of Murshidabad became the center of political, economic, and cultural activities in the region, and it remained the capital of Bengal until the British East India Company took control of the region in the late 18th century.
Understanding the historical context of this shift is crucial for comprehending the political and administrative changes that occurred in Bengal during the early 18th century. The year 1704 is a significant date in the history of Bengal, marking the beginning of a new era under the rule of Nawab Murshid Quli Khan.