Note for Aspirants: This topic is crucial for OPSC History Optional (Paper-II, Odisha History). Previous year questions often focus on the Administrative Reforms of Murshid Quli Khan, the Religious Policy of Taqi Khan vs. Murshid Quli Khan II, and the political circumstances leading to the Maratha Conquest.
I. Background and Transition
During the early Mughal rule, Subahdars were sent directly from Delhi. However, during the reign of Aurangzeb, the empire faced threats from the Marathas, Sikhs, and Deccan Sultanates. Following Aurangzeb's death in 1707 A.D., his successors were weak and could not directly supervise Odisha. Consequently, the administration of Odisha virtually passed into the hands of the Naib Nizams of Bengal.
II. Murshid Quli Khan (The Architect of the New Order)
Political Rise
Murshid Quli Khan was initially appointed as the Diwan of Bengal and Odisha. Despite conflicts with Prince Azim-us-Shah, he secured the trust of Emperor Aurangzeb. In 1703 A.D., he was given independent charge as Subahdar of Odisha. Later, Emperor Farrukh Shiyar appointed him the Deputy Subahdar of Bengal in 1713 A.D. and finally the Subahdar of Odisha in 1714 A.D.. By 1717 A.D., he became the Subahdar of Bengal as well, fulfilling his long-cherished desire.
Administrative & Revenue Reforms
- Territorial Reorganization: For administrative efficiency, he separated Midnapur from the Subah of Odisha.
- Revenue Settlement: He conducted settlements in six Sarkars: Jaleswar, Remuna, Basta, Golapara, Malghetia, and Mazkuri.
- Agrarian Measures: He measured waste lands to distribute them to farmers and advanced Taqavi loans (agricultural loans).
- Taxation: He introduced two new Abwabs (cesses): Abwab Jaffar Khan and Abwab Khasnawisi.
III. Suja-ud-din Muhammad Khan (1727–1739 A.D.)
Upon Murshid Quli Khan's death in 1727 A.D., his son-in-law Suja-ud-din ascended the throne. He secured his position by sending forty lakhs of rupees to the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah.
- Territorial Loss: Under his rule, Odisha's territory shrank. Jaleswar division was annexed to Bengal, and the Nizam of Hyderabad occupied territory up to Tekkali-Raghunathpur in the south.
- Economic Policy: He advised merchants to shift from Pipli to Balasore due to erosion at Pipli and built bridges connecting Cuttack to Murshidabad.
- Architecture: He constructed the Qadam Rasul Mosque in Cuttack.
- Revenue: He was a "hard taskmaster" and imposed four new Abwabs, including Nazar Pooniah and Mathut-Fil-Khana (for elephant feeding expenses).
IV. The Era of Conflict: Taqi Khan vs. Murshid Quli Khan II
Suja-ud-din administered Odisha through Deputy Governors (Naib Nizams). Two figures stand out for their contrasting styles:
1. Muhammad Taqi Khan (The Oppressor)
Taqi Khan, the son of Suja-ud-din, served as Deputy Governor. His rule is noted for religious intolerance.
- Conflict with Khurda: He held Raja Ramachandradeva in contempt, eventually imprisoning him in Barabati Fort and converting him to Islam.
- Temple Administration: Fearing Taqi Khan's wrath, the idols of Lord Jagannath were secretly moved to Banapur and Tekkali. Pilgrim traffic decreased significantly.
- Death: He was allegedly poisoned within Barabati Fort at the instigation of Ramachandradeva.
2. Murshid Quli Khan II (The Benevolent)
Following Taqi Khan's death in 1735 A.D., Murshid Quli Khan II (Suja-ud-din's son-in-law) became Deputy Governor.
- Religious Revival: He restored the worship of the Lords in the Puri temple and brought back the idols, leading to an influx of pilgrims.
- Liberal Administration: He exempted many Abwabs (taxes) and was popular among the people.
- Religious Harmony: Local Zamindars were encouraged to participate in both Hindu and Muslim festivals, maintaining religious harmony.
V. Alivardi Khan and the Maratha Invasion
The Struggle for Power
In 1740 A.D., Alivardi Khan killed Sarfaraz Khan (Suja-ud-din's successor) at the Battle of Giria to capture the Bengal throne. Murshid Quli Khan II in Odisha refused to accept Alivardi's authority.
- Battle of Phulwari (1741): Alivardi Khan defeated Murshid Quli II near the river Budhabalanga. This defeat was caused by the treachery of officers like Mukhail Ali Khan.
- Escape: Murshid Quli II and his son-in-law Mirza Baqar were rescued by the Raja of Khurda and fled to the Deccan via Masulipatam.
Alivardi's Administrative Failure
Alivardi appointed Sayyid Ahmad as Governor. Sayyid Ahmad was unpopular, indulging in "wine and women". This led to a brief rebellion where Mirza Baqar returned and defeated Sayyid Ahmad, though Alivardi eventually recaptured Cuttack.
VI. Conclusion: The Fall to the Marathas
Alivardi Khan's administrative arrangements failed to stabilize Odisha. The people, tired of the chaos and Alivardi's rule, desired change. Alivardi ultimately failed to check the Maratha inroads, and Odisha was ceded to the Marathas in 1751 A.D..
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