Battle of Giria

01A plot at Murshidabad

Shuja-ud-din, Nawab of Bengal, died in 1739 and his son Sarfaraz Khan succeeded him. The real power at court lay with a group that included the banker Jagat Seth Fateh Chand and the brothers Haji Ahmad and Alivardi Khan, governor of Bihar. Sarfaraz offended them, and they plotted his overthrow. Alivardi obtained a grant from Delhi in his own name and in April 1740 marched from Patna towards Murshidabad, claiming he came only to pay respects.

02The battle

Sarfaraz came out to meet him at Giria, on the Bhagirathi north of the capital. Many of his officers had been bought. Alivardi attacked at dawn; Sarfaraz fought bravely from his elephant and was shot dead, and his army dispersed. Alivardi entered Murshidabad and took the throne, and the emperor’s confirmation followed. He was an able ruler, but his sixteen years were filled with war against the Maratha raiders sent by Raghuji Bhonsle, and he left the throne to his grandson Siraj-ud-daulah.