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