Murshid Qulī Khan

Indian nawab

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July 1, 2026

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Murshid Qulī Khan was a prominent figure in 18th-century India, serving as the first nawab (ruler) of Bengal. He was appointed to this position in 1717 by the Mughal emperor, following orders from Aurangzeb. Khan transferred the capital of the province from Dacca to a town he renamed Murshidabad, after himself.12

Under his rule, Bengal became a de facto independent province, and he is credited with establishing a stable administration and fostering economic growth, particularly in silk weaving and agriculture. His descendants continued to rule Bengal, though their power eventually waned, leading to the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which marked the rise of British influence in India.12

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India
The emperor, the nobility, and the provinces
In the east, Murshid Qulī Khan had long held Bengal and Orissa, which his family retained after his death in 1726. In the heartland of the empire, the governors of Ayodhya and the Punjab became practically independent. The court needed money from the governors in order to maintain…
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In the east, Murshid Qulī Khan had long held Bengal and Orissa, which his family retained after his death in 1726. In the heartland of the empire, the governors of Ayodhya and the Punjab became practically independent. The court needed money from the governors in order to maintain…
Read More

Murshidabad
In 1704 the nawab (ruler) Murshid Qulī Khan (following Aurangzeb’s orders) transferred the capital there from Dacca (now Dhaka, Bangladesh) and renamed the town Murshidabad. It continued to be the capital under the British until 1790 and is still the seat of the prominent descendants of the nawabs of Bengal.
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In 1704 the nawab (ruler) Murshid Qulī Khan (following Aurangzeb’s orders) transferred the capital there from Dacca (now Dhaka, Bangladesh) and renamed the town Murshidabad. It continued to be the capital under the British until 1790 and is still the seat of the prominent descendants of the nawabs of Bengal.
Read More