Murshid Quli Khan

Murshid Quli Khan was one of the most significant figures in the early eighteenth-century history of Bengal, known primarily for his role as the first Nawab of Bengal under Mughal rule. His administrative reforms, financial discipline, and efforts in strengthening the provincial economy laid the foundation for Bengal’s later prosperity before the British conquest. Originally a Mughal official, he rose through the ranks due to his fiscal acumen and strict governance.

Early Life and Background

Murshid Quli Khan was born as Surya Narayan Mishra in a Brahmin family from Deccan, although exact details of his birthplace remain debated. According to historical sources, he was captured during his youth and converted to Islam, taking the name Murshid Quli Khan. His early career began under the service of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, where he displayed exceptional skill in revenue collection and financial management.
As a result of his abilities, Aurangzeb appointed him as the Diwan (Revenue Administrator) of Bengal in 1701. During his tenure, Murshid Quli Khan became known for his meticulous approach to revenue collection and his intolerance towards corruption and inefficiency among subordinates. His rise from a revenue officer to the Nawab of Bengal exemplifies the Mughal administrative meritocracy of the time.

Administrative Reforms and Governance

Murshid Quli Khan is remembered as a pioneering administrator who transformed Bengal into one of the richest provinces in the Mughal Empire. His major contributions were in the fields of land revenue management, administrative centralisation, and economic discipline.
He reorganised the zamindari system by eliminating corrupt intermediaries and directly dealing with trustworthy landholders. His revenue reforms were modelled on the Mughal jagir system but with more emphasis on accountability. Murshid Quli Khan demanded prompt payment of revenues and introduced a policy where zamindars were required to submit annual financial reports.
Some of his notable administrative policies included:

• Centralisation of revenue collection to reduce the power of local zamindars.
• Strict audit systems to prevent misappropriation of funds.
• Encouragement of agriculture by ensuring peace and stability in the countryside.
• Promotion of trade through security of trade routes and efficient taxation.

He transferred the provincial capital from Dacca (Dhaka) to Muksudabad, later renamed Murshidabad after him. This city soon became a flourishing centre of commerce and administration, attracting merchants from Europe and the Middle East.

Relationship with the Mughal Court

Murshid Quli Khan maintained a delicate balance between loyalty to the Mughal emperor and asserting autonomy in Bengal. Though officially he remained subordinate to the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar, in practice he governed Bengal independently. His skill in diplomacy and financial management allowed him to maintain peace with the Mughal court while solidifying his local authority.
He received the title of “Nawab Nazim of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa” from the Mughal emperor, formalising his position as the first hereditary ruler of Bengal. Despite nominal subordination, he exercised almost complete control over the provincial administration.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Under Murshid Quli Khan, Bengal’s economy achieved remarkable stability. The province became the economic backbone of the Mughal Empire, producing vast quantities of textiles, saltpetre, and agricultural goods. He imposed taxes efficiently without burdening the peasantry, thus ensuring a sustainable source of revenue.
Murshid Quli Khan also invested in urban development. The construction of palaces, mosques, and gardens in Murshidabad reflected the growing prosperity of Bengal. The Katra Masjid, built under his patronage, remains one of the architectural landmarks of the region and also served as his mausoleum.

Relations with Europeans

During Murshid Quli Khan’s rule, European traders—particularly the British East India Company, the Dutch, and the French—expanded their commercial operations in Bengal. The Nawab maintained a pragmatic relationship with these powers, granting them trading privileges in return for revenue. However, he kept their political influence in check by imposing strict customs regulations and monitoring their activities closely.
His policy ensured that Bengal’s trade remained profitable while its sovereignty remained intact. The firm control he maintained over European settlements contrasted with the later decline in authority under his successors.

Legacy and Death

Murshid Quli Khan’s death in 1727 marked the end of an era of efficient and disciplined governance in Bengal. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan, who inherited a stable and prosperous province.
His legacy lies in his establishment of a strong administrative framework that transformed Bengal into a quasi-independent state. His policies of fiscal discipline and bureaucratic centralisation served as a model for later regional rulers.