Module 1: Bengal Nawabs & Early Conflicts in Bihar

📖 Chapter 1 of 28 🧩 Module 1 of 8 ⏱️ ~2 min read 💡 5 MCQs

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Concept

Subtopic 1.1: The Subedari of Bihar and Alivardi Khan's Rise

During the declining phase of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, Bihar became politically integrated with Bengal. In 1733, the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah formally granted the subedari (governorship) of Bihar to Shujauddin, the Nawab of Bengal. During this transitional era, several key administrative appointments shaped the region's fate:

First Naib Nazim: Raja Ram Narayan was appointed as the first Naib Nazim (Deputy Governor) of Bihar, representing the regional authority.
Rise of Alivardi Khan: Alivardi Khan served as the Deputy Governor of Bihar from 1734 to 1740 before successfully capturing the throne of Bengal in 1740. His tenure was marked by intense military engagements to consolidate power.
Conflict with Marathas and Afghans: Alivardi Khan famously defeated the Maratha incursions near Fatuha. The period also saw violent clashes with the Afghan chieftains, who assassinated the Deputy Nawab of Bihar, Zainuddin Haibat Jung, in 1748. Retaliating to this, Alivardi Khan decisively defeated the Afghans in the Battle of Patna.

The Subedari of Bihar and Alivardi Khans Rise — Figure: The Subedari of Bihar and Alivardi Khan's Rise

⭐ Key Points

Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah granted Bihar's subedari to Shujauddin in 1733.
Raja Ram Narayan was the first Naib Nazim of Bihar.
Alivardi Khan defeated the Marathas near Fatuha.
Afghans assassinated Deputy Nawab Zainuddin Haibat Jung in 1748.
Alivardi Khan defeated the Afghans in the Battle of Patna.

📌 One-line Q&A

Question: Where did Alivardi Khan defeat the Marathas in Bihar? Answer: Near Fatuha.
Question: Who was the first Naib Nazim of Bihar? Answer: Raja Ram Narayan.
Question: In which battle did Alivardi Khan defeat the Afghans in Bihar? Answer: Battle of Patna.

Topic

Questions

MCQs

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Question 1: Where did Alivardi Khan defeat the Marathas in Bihar?

Alivardi Khan successfully defended the region against Maratha raids by defeating them near Fatuha.

Question 2: Which Deputy Nawab of Bihar was assassinated by the Afghans?

Zainuddin Haibat Jung was assassinated by the rebellious Afghans in 1748.

Question 3: In which battle did Alivardi Khan defeat the Afghans in Bihar?

To avenge the assassination of Haibat Jung, Alivardi Khan crushed the Afghan rebellion in the Battle of Patna.

Question 4: In 1733, Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah granted the Subedari of Bihar to whom?

Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah integrated the administration of Bihar with Bengal by granting the Subedari to Shujauddin in 1733.

Question 5: Who among the following was the first Naib Nazim of Bihar?

Raja Ram Narayan held the crucial administrative position of the first Naib Nazim (Deputy Governor) of Bihar.

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One-liners

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Where did Alivardi Khan defeat the Marathas in Bihar?

Near Fatuha.

Who was the first Naib Nazim of Bihar?

Raja Ram Narayan.

In which battle did Alivardi Khan defeat the Afghans in Bihar?

Battle of Patna.

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