Bengal Province emerged as a powerful regional state in the early 18th century. Murshid Quli Khan, appointed Diwan in 1700 and later Governor in 1717, consolidated authority and shifted the capital to Murshidabad. His successors, including Shuja-ud-din, Alivardi Khan, and Siraj-ud-daula, ruled with autonomy but later faced decline due to weak military power and British interference.

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• Murshid Quli Khan appointed Diwan by Aurangzeb in 1700
• Became Governor of Bengal in 1717 under Farrukhsiyar
• Held dual offices of Diwan and Nazim, rare authority
• Shifted capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad
• Introduced Mal Jasmani system, restructured zamindari and revenues
• Defeated local uprisings, expanded power across Bengal, Bihar, Odisha
• Alivardi Khan legitimised rule by Farman, faced Maratha raids
• Siraj-ud-daula restricted English trade rights, led to Plassey 1757
• British allied with Mir Jafar, imposed Dual System of Government
• Nawabs’ weak armies and poor strategy caused Bengal’s decline