Nawabs of Bengal

The Nawabs of Bengal (full title, the Nawab Nizam of Bengal and Orissa) were the rulers of the then provinces of Bengal and Orissa. Between 1717 and 1765, they served as the rulers of the subah (or province) of Bengal.

Quotes

• “While the Muhammadan population was still scattered, it was customary for each householder to hang an earthen water-pot (badana) from his thatched roof, as a sign of his religious belief. One day a Maulvi, after some years’ absence, went to visit a disciple, who lived in the centre of a Hindu village, but could not find the ‘badana’. On enquiry he was told that the Musalman villager had renounced his faith and joined an outcaste tribe. On his return to the city, the circumstances being reported to the Nawab, a detachment of troops was ordered out, the village surrounded, and every person in it compelled to become Muhammadan.”
  • Story cited in the Census of India Report, 1901, Vol. VI, Pt, I, Bengal, pp.165-181. Quoted from Lal, K. S. (1990). Indian muslims: Who are they.

• The Census of India Report of 1901 says that “the tyrannical Murshid Kuli Khan enforced a law that any Amal, or Zamindar, failing to pay the revenue that was due… should, with his wife and children, be compelled to become Muhammadans”, but the practice was much older as vouched by the Banshasmriti.
  • Census of India Report, 1901, quoted from Lal, K. S. (1990). Indian muslims: Who are they.