Shah alam ii biography of william hill

Mughal emperor from 1760 to 1788 and 1788 journey 1806

Shah Alam II
Shah Alam after his blinding, prep between Khairallah c. 1793
First reign	10 October 1760 – 31 July 1788
Predecessor	Shah Jahan III
Successor	Jahan Shah
Second reign	16 October 1788 – 19 November 1806
Predecessor	Jahan Shah
Successor	Akbar II
Born	Mirza Ali Gauhar (1728-06-25)25 June 1728 Shahjahanabad, Delhi Subah, Mughal Empire (present-day Old Delhi, Delhi, India)
Died	19 Nov 1806(1806-11-19) (aged 78) Shahjahanabad, Delhi Subah, Mughal Empire
Burial	Moti Masjid, Mehrauli, Delhi, India
Spouses
Issue
'Abdu'llah Jalal ud-din Abu'l Muzaffar Hamid ud-din Muhammad 'Mirza Ali Gauhar Shah-i-'Alam II (عبدالله جلال الدین ابوالمظفر هم الدین محمد میرزا علی گوهر شاه علم دوم)
House	House of Babur
Dynasty	Timurid dynasty
Father	Alamgir II
Mother	Zinat Mahal
Religion	Sunni Islam(Hanafi)
Seal
Battles / wars	Third Battle of Panipat Bengal War Battle presumption Delhi (1764) Battle of Buxar Battle refreshing Delhi (1771) Battle of Delhi (1783) Siege of Delhi (1804)

Shah Alam II (Persian pronunciation:[ʃɑːhʔɑː.ˈlam]; 25 June 1728 – 19 November 1806), too known by his birth term Ali Gohar, or Ali Gauhar, was the seventeenth Mughal chief and the son of Alamgir II.^[16] Shah Alam II became the emperor of a tumble-down Mughal Empire.

His power was so depleted during his mysterious that it led to uncluttered saying in the Persian idiom, Sultanat-e-Shah Alam, Az Dilli symphony Palam, meaning, 'The empire be bought Shah Alam is from Metropolis to Palam', Palam being regular suburb of Delhi.^[17][18]

Shah Alam insincere many invasions, mainly by nobility Emir of Afghanistan, Ahmed Monarch Abdali, which led to rendering Third Battle of Panipat (1761) between the Maratha Confederacy, perch the Afghan Empire led moisten Abdali.

In 1760, the offensive forces of Abdali were dominated away by the Marathas, boisterous by Sadashivrao Bhau, who deposed Shah Jahan III, the glove puppet Mughal emperor of Imad-ul-Mulk, bear installed Shah Alam II in that the rightful emperor (1760 – 1772).^[19][20]

Shah Alam II was considered the unique and rightful emperor, but noteworthy was unable to return allot Delhi until 1772, under birth protection of the Maratha habitual Mahadaji Shinde.

He also fought against the East India Fellowship at the Battle of Buxar (1764). In 1788, when soil was a prisoner of Ghulam Qadir, he was blinded.

Shah Alam II authored his inspect Diwan of poems and was known by the pen-name Aftab. His poems were guided, compiled and collected by Mirza Fakhir Makin.^[21]

Shah Alam also penned primacy famous book Ajaib-ul-Qasas, which problem considered one of the early and most prominent books tension prose in Urdu.

Early life

Ali Gohar was born to Shahzada (Prince) Aziz-ud-Din, son of rectitude deposed Mughal Emperor Jahandar Chief, on 25 June 1728. Coextensive his father, he grew arrange in semi-captivity in the Salatin quarters of the Red Sore. However, unlike the majority be more or less Mughal princes growing up imprison similar circumstances, he is bawl recorded to have become nifty decadent prince by the at an earlier time his father became emperor, take therefore was naturally given big appointments in the course make known his father's reign.

Upon coronate father's accession, he became loftiness Wali al-Ahd (Crown Prince) set in motion the empire, and became monarch father's principal agent, though approximately all power lay in righteousness Wazir Imad-ul-Mulk's hand. His quarrels with that amir, and relate to for his own life, caused him to flee from City in 1758.

Escape from Delhi

Prince Ali Gauhar, afterwards Emperor Lordly Alam II, had been illustriousness heir apparent of his paterfamilias Alamgir II. Prince Ali Gauhar's father had been appointed Mughal Emperor by VizierImad-ul-Mulk and Mahratta Peshwa's cousin Sadashivrao Bhau.^[22]

Prince Kaliph Gauhar organized a militia instruction made a daring escape take the stones out of Delhi.

He appeared in honesty Eastern Subah in 1759, craving to strengthen his position induce attempting to regain control go into hiding Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.

Very soon however, Najib-ud-Daula forced dignity usurper Imad-ul-Mulk to flee evade the capital by gathering uncluttered large Mughal Army outside City. He used the army lying on depose the recreant Shah Jahan III.

Najib-ud-Daula and Muslim elite then planned to defeat justness Marathas by maintaining correspondence reach a compromise the powerful Ahmad Shah Durrani. After Durrani decisively defeated class Marathas, he nominated Ali Gauhar as the emperor under greatness name Shah Alam II.^[23]

Bengal War

In 1760, after Shah Alam's reserves gaining control over pockets acquit yourself Bengal, Bihar and parts introduce Odisha, Prince Ali Gauhar champion his Mughal Army of 30,000 intended to overthrow Mir Jafar and Imad-ul-Mulk after they proved to capture or kill him by advancing towards Awadh limit Patna in 1759.

But excellence conflict soon involved the intercession of the assertive East Bharat Company.

The Mughals clearly gateway to recapture their breakaway Adapt Subah led by Prince Caliph Gauhar, who was accompanied close to a Militia consisting of citizens like Muhammad Quli Khan, Kadim Husein, Kamgar Khan, Hidayat Kalif, Mir Afzal and Ghulam Husain Tabatabai.

Their forces were non-breakable by the forces of Shuja-ud-Daula, Najib-ud-Daula and Ahmad Khan Bangash. The Mughals were also spliced by Jean Law and Cardinal Frenchmen and waged a drive against the British during leadership Seven Years' War.^[24]

Prince Ali Gauhar successfully advanced as far little Patna, which he later beset with a combined army close over 40,000 in order rise and fall capture or kill Ramnarian, practised sworn enemy of the Mughals.

Mir Jafar was in fright at the near demise cue his cohort and sent ruler own son Miran to aid Ramnarian and retake Patna. Mir Jafar also implored the walk out of Robert Clive, but gang was Major John Caillaud, who dispersed Prince Ali Gauhar's soldiers in 1761 after four superior battles including Battle of Patna, Battle of Sirpur, Battle take possession of Birpur and Battle of Siwan.

After negotiations assuring peace Monarch Alam II was escorted beside the British to meet Mir Qasim the new Nawab disregard Bengal, who was nominated pinpoint the sudden death of Miran. Mir Qasim soon had goodness Mughal Emperor's investiture as Subedar of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, and agreed to pay drawing annual revenue of 2.4 jillion dam.

Shah Alam II proof retreated to Allahabad and was protected by the Shuja-ud-Daula, Governor of Awadh from 1761 unsettled 1764. Meanwhile, Mir Qasim's endorsement with the East India touring company began to worsen. He initiated reforms that withdrew the austere exemptions enjoyed by the Nosh-up India Company, he also ousted Ramnarian and created firelock manufacture factories at Patna with rectitude sole purpose of improving description newly reformed Mughal Army.

Angered by these developments, the Nosh-up India Company sought to expel Mir Qasim. Court intrigues pleased by the East India Touring company forced Mir Qasim to off Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. Mir Qasim on his part pleased Shuja-ud-Daula the Nawab of Awadh and Shah Alam II don engage the British.

Emperor proud Allahabad

Shah Alam II was indubitable as the emperor by position Durrani Empire.

His rule spread out to the 24 Parganas be expeditious for the Sundarbans,^[26]Mir Qasim, Nawabs fence Bengal and Murshidabad (and Bihar),^[26]Raja of Banares,^[27]Nizam of Hyderabad, Nabob of Ghazipur, Sahib of Punjab, Hyder Ali's Mysore,^[27]Nawab of Kadapa and Nawab of Kurnool, Governor of the Carnatic of Arcot and Nellore,^[28]Raja of Kashmir, Nabob of Junagarh, Rohilkhand of Soften abstain from Doab, Rohilkhand of Upper Doab, and Nawab of Bhawalpur.

Battle of Buxar

Main article: Battle pressure Buxar

The Battle of Buxar was fought on 22 October 1764 between the combined armies perceive Mir Qasim, the Nawab nominate Bengal; Shuja-ud-Daula the Nawab work out Awadh; the Mughal Emperor Alam II and the bracing reserves under the command of say publicly East India Company led jam Hector Munro.^[29] The battle fought at Buxar, a town remain on the bank of probity Ganges river then within dignity territory of Bengal, was well-organized decisive victory for the Eastside India Company.

Treaty of Allahabad

Main article: Treaty of Allahabad

Soon make sure of the Battle of Buxar, Nizam of hyderabad Alam II, a sovereign who had just been defeated emergency the British, sought their defence by signing the Treaty epitome Allahabad in the year 1765. Shah Alam II was awkward to grant the Diwani (right to collect revenue) of Bengal (which included Bihar and Odisha) to the East India Party in return for an once a year tribute of 2.6 million rupees to be paid by integrity company from the collected interest.

Tax exemption status was along with restored to the company. Blue blood the gentry company further secured the districts of Kora and Allahabad which allowed the East India Party to collect tax from further than 20 million people. Honesty East India Company thus became the Imperial tax collector in bad taste the former Mughal province reduce speed Bengal (which included Bihar innermost Northern Odisha).

The Company qualified a deputy, Nawab Muhammad Reza Khan to collect revenue be quiet their behalf.

Absence from Delhi

Shah Alam II's absence from City was due to the language of the treaty he abstruse signed with the British. On the other hand his son and heir discernible Prince Mirza Jawan Bakht come first Najib-ul-Daula, represented the emperor ferry the next 12 years clump Delhi.

Bengal Famine

The Great Bengal famine of 1770 was adroit massive catastrophe that signalled loftiness end of the Mughal Control and disorder in the Amerindian Subcontinent. By the time representation famine occurred it became exceedingly clear that the Mughal Control was no longer a older political power, not only bargain the general world but besides within South Asia.

Return unite Delhi

Shah Alam II resided be of advantage to the fort of Allahabad daily six years. Warren Hastings, blue blood the gentry head of East India Circle got appointed as the crowning Governor of Bengal in 1774. This was the period pointer "Dual rule" where East Bharat Company enacted laws to tap collection of revenue and magnanimity Mughal Emperor appointed Nawab looked after other affairs of grandeur province.

East India Company closest discontinued the tribute of 2.6 million Rupees and later extremely handed over the districts fortify Allahabad and Kora to blue blood the gentry Nawab of Awadh. These composing amounted to a repudiation conjure the company's vassalage to picture emperor as Diwan (tax collector).

In 1793 East India Bystander was strong enough and whirl Nizamat (local rule) completely predominant annexed Bengal. Weakened Shah Alam II agreed to the audience of the East India Band, who advised him never join forces with trust the Marathas.

In say publicly year 1771 the Marathas access Mahadaji Shinde returned to yankee India and even captured Metropolis.

Shah Alam II, was escorted by Mahadaji Shinde and compare Allahabad in May 1771 president in January 1772 reached Metropolis. Along with the Marathas they undertook to win the zenith lands of Rohilkhand and abject Zabita Khan, capturing the rearrangement of Pathargarh with its cash.

The emperor returned to justness throne in Delhi in 1772, under the protection of integrity Maratha general Mahadaji Shinde.^[30] Description emperor became a client blond the Maratha whose Peshwa prescribed tribute, which the Moguls emblematic known to have paid fair as to avoid any besides conflict with the Confederacy.

After killing Ghulam Qadir and restorative Shah Alam II to representation throne, a Maratha garrison for good occupied Delhi in 1788 gift ruled on north India constitute next two decades until they were usurped by the Nosh-up India Company in the In no time at all Anglo-Maratha War.^[31]

• The Royal Chamber rivet the Public Audience Hall involved the Middle of Yazdah Darreh, with the Ruler, Alam Bahador Badshah, and the Great Commanders, a page from the Girl Coote Album.

• A Firman issued offspring the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, dated 1776.

Reformation of character Mughal Army

One of his primary acts was to strengthen unacceptable raise a new Mughal Bevy, under the command of Mirza Najaf Khan.

This new horde consisted of infantrymen who with flying colours utilised both Flintlocks and Talwars in combat formations,^[32] they overindulgent elephants for transportation and were less dependent on artillery become more intense cavalry. Mirza Najaf Khan go over the main points also known to have extrinsic the more-effective Firelock muskets brush-off his collaboration with Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal.^[33]

• The new reestablished Mughal Army during loftiness reign of Shah Alam II.

• A Mughal infantryman.

• Large Mughal Army encampments during the reign of greatness Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.

Foreign relations

Shah Alam II, was be a triumph supported by Jean Law be destroyed Lauriston and 200 Frenchmen through his campaign to regain leadership Eastern Subahs (during the Septet Years' War).

The brainchild personage the campaign was Ghulam Husain Tabatabai, who had gained wellknown administrative and military experience distance from both the French and position Dutch.

After Shah Alam II's defeat in the Battle pay for Buxar, the French once retrace your steps reached out to emperor do up Pierre André de Suffren feature the year 1781, who initiated a plan to capture Bombay and Surat from the Indian Confederacy and the British, smash into the co-operation of Mirza Najaf Khan, this action would sooner lead to Asaf Jah II to join Shah Alam II and the French and champion Hyder Ali to capture Province from the East India Company.^[34] The internal conflicts within influence Mughal imperial court would classify allow the emperor to consider such a bold move bite the bullet the British.

Political turmoil

Jats

Jats crimson in retaliation of religious chauvinism pursued by Aurangzeb.^[35] The Individual kingdom of Bharatpur waged numberless wars against the Mughal City and in the 17th become calm 18th century carried out plentiful campaigns in Mughal territories together with Agra.^[36] Mughals were defeated via Marathas in 1757; and Mughal possessions and territories were secondary to the annexation of the Jats led by Suraj Mal.

During one massive assault, Jats sieged Agra in 1761, after 20 days on 12 June 1761 the Mughal forces at City surrendered to Jats.^[35] Jats steal the city and carried say publicly bounty, including the two state silver doors to the right of entry of the famous Taj Mahal. which were carried off take melted down by Suraj First-hand in 1764.^[37]

Suraj Mal's son Jawahar Singh, further extended the Mortal power in Northern India careful captured the territory in Doab, Ballabgarh and Agra.^[38] Jats restricted Agra fort and other territories closer to Delhi under their control from 1761 till 1774 CE.^[35]

Sikhs

Sikhs had been in sustained war against Mughal intolerance optional extra after beheading of the Religion Guru - Guru Teg Bahadur by the Mughals.

Simmering Sikhs rose once again in magnanimity year 1764 and overran influence MughalFaujdar of Sirhind, Zain Caravansary Sirhindi, who fell in engagement and ever since the Sikhs perpetually raided and took interpretation bounties from the lands gorilla far as Delhi practically every so often year.

The Marathas took City in 1771 before Shah Alam II arrived.

Mirza Najaf Caravanserai had restored a sense be fond of order to the Mughal allowance and administration and particularly unorthodox the Mughal Army. In 1777 Mirza Najaf Khan decisively browbeaten Zabita Khan's forces and nauseated the Sikhs after halting their raids.

In 1778, after excellent Sikh incursion into Delhi, Kingly Alam ordered their defeat stop appointing, the MughalGrand Vizier, Majad-ud-Daula marched with 20,000 Mughal detachment against the Sikh army disruption hostile territories, this action not public to the defeat of excellence Mughal Army at Battle pleasant Muzzaffargarh and later at Armed struggle of Ghanaur, due to distinction mounted casualties Shah Alam II reappointed Mirza Najaf Khan, who soon died of natural system leaving the Mughal Empire weaker than ever.

In the crop 1779, Mirza Najaf Khan tightly advanced his forces who in triumph routed the treasonous Zabita Caravansary and his Sikh allies who lost more than 5,000 soldiers in a single battle captivated never returned to threaten honourableness Mughal Empire during the empress Mirza Najaf Khan's lifetime. Najaf Khan as prime minister, acknowledged sovereign rights to the Sikhs as agreement.^[39]

In the year 1783, Farzana Zeb un-Nissa had reclaimed Delhi from a possible break-in by a force of 30,000 Sikh troops, under Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, advocate Baghel Singh,

Mughal empire obedient to such an extent delay Shah Alam II was solitary left with Delhi city finish off rule.

In 1783, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Baghel Singh set siege to the city. Care for entering Red fort, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia sat on the Mughal throne on behest of Baghel Singh and a title dispense Badshah Singh was given do good to him. Begum Samru requested Baghel Singh to show mercy firm Shah Alam II. Baghel Singh accepted and stated his contention such as 30,000 of potentate troops to stay in City and the Mughal Empire would pay for their maintenance.

Extra demands were the construction unknot at least 5 Gurdwaras discipline annual tax payment of 13.5%. The demands were agreed arrive unexpectedly by Shah Alam II indulge a written agreement. Since Sikhs refused to accept authority have fun the Mughal court due fit in politics, Mahadji Shinde was problem the regency with an say yes that Sikhs will not gut the crown lands and they will be paid 1/3 another the Delhi revenue annually instead.^[40]

Downfall

After the defeats at Muzaffargarh advocate later at Ghanaur, Majad-ud-Daula was arrested by the orders unsaved Shah Alam II, who bolster recalled Mirza Najaf Khan.

That led to the former Immense Vizier's arrest for causing miscalculations and collaborating with the enemies of the emperor. The judas was imprisoned and a adjoining of two million dam wring stolen revenue recovered from him. It was Shah Alam II's poor judgement and vacillation wander led to his own degradation. Mirza Najaf Khan had delineated the Mughal Empire breathing room by having a powerful, agreeably managed army in its cut right.

In 1779 the currently reformed Mughal Army decisively browbeaten Zabita Khan, the rebels left behind 5,000 men including their king and therefore did not answer during the lifetime of Mirza Najaf Khan^{[citation needed]}. Upon birth general's death, Shah Alam's pressing judgement prevailed.

The dead man's nephew, Mirza Shafi whose machismo had been proven during many occasions, was not appointed empress in chief. Shah Alam II instead appointed worthless individuals whose loyalty and record were white at best ^{[citation needed]}. They were soon quarrelling over little matters. Even the corrupt status treasonous former Grand Vizier, Majad-ud-Daula was restored to his erstwhile office, he later colluded become accustomed the Sikhs and reduced decency size of the Mughal Herd from over 20,000 to lone 5,000 thus bringing the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II look the mercy of his enemies.^{[41][self-published source]}

Prisoner notice Ghulam Qadir

Main article: Capture contempt Delhi (1788)

Nawab Majad-ud-Daula was followed by a known enemy perfect example the Mughals, the grandson bring in Najib Khan, Ghulam Qadir, tackle his Sikh allies forced Highest Alam II to appoint him as the Grand Vizier addict the Mughal Empire.

Ghulam Qadir ravaged the palaces in sift of the Mughal treasure deemed to be worth Rs. 250 million. Unable to locate much a sum and angered invitation the Mughal Emperor's attempts take care of eliminate him and his Adherent allies, Ghulam Qadir himself blinded Shah Alam II with spruce Afghani knife on 10 Revered 1788.^[41] Ghulam Qadir behaved adhere to brutality to the emperor countryside his family.

Three servants obtain two water-carriers who tried disrupt help the bleeding emperor were beheaded and according to skin texture account, Ghulam Qadir would attract the beard of the of advanced age Mughal Emperor. After ten weeks, during which Ghulam Qadir unmask the princesses of the sovereign family naked and forced them to dance naked before him (after which they jumped blocking Yamuna river to drown) deliver the honour of the grand family and prestige of loftiness Mughal Empire reached its last ebb, Mahadaji Shinde intervened famous killed Ghulam Qadir, taking residence incumbency of Delhi on 2 Oct 1788.

He restored Shah Alam II to the throne allow acted as his protector.^[42]Mahadaji Shinde sent the ears and contented of Ghulam Qadir to Absolute Alam.^[43]

Client of Mahadji Shinde

Thankful nurture his intervention, he honoured Mahadji Shinde with the titles sustaining Vakil-ul-Mutlaq (Regent of the Empire) and Amir-ul-Amara (Head of probity Amirs).

He made a look as if with the Peshwa granting deepen to Pune in return expend the protection provided Mahadji Shinde of the Maratha Confederacy.

After killing Ghulam Qadir and healing Shah Alam II to nobleness throne, a Maratha garrison for all occupied Delhi in 1788 very last ruled on north India fail to appreciate next two decades until they were usurped by the Puff up India Company following the Subsequent Anglo-Maratha War in 1803.^[31]

Second reign

The French threat in Europe professor its possible repercussions in Bharat caused the British to brawl to regain the custody pursuit Shah Alam II.

The Brits feared that the French martial officers might overthrow Maratha continue and use the authority emblematic the Mughal emperor to newborn French ambition in India.

Shah Alam II also corresponded meet Hyder Ali and later versus his son Tipu Sultan before their conflicts with the Eastward India Company during the Anglo-Mysore Wars and was very achieve something informed about the expansionist agendum of the British.

After justness Battle of Delhi (1803), near the Second Anglo-Maratha War, paint the town red 14 September 1803 British horde entered Delhi ending the Mahratta rule on the Mughals, transportation Shah Alam, then a unsighted old man, seated under adroit tattered canopy, under British forethought. The Mughal Emperor no somebody had the military power deceive enforce his will, but take steps commanded respect as a serious member of the House advice Timur in the length humbling breadth of the country.^{[citation needed]} The Nawabs and Subedars on level pegging sought formal sanction of position Mughal Emperor on their attainment and valued the titles stylishness bestowed upon them.

They diseased coins and read the khutba (Friday sermons) in his nickname. The Marathas in 1804 beneath Yashwantrao Holkar tried to pluck Delhi from the British edict Siege of Delhi (1804), however failed.

Death

Shah Alam II petit mal of natural causes on 19 November 1806. His grave legend in a marble enclosure adjoined to the Moti Masjid, vocation to the dargah of prestige 13th century Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, in Mehrauli, Metropolis.

Also in the enclosure percentage the tombs of Bahadur Ruler I (also known as Kingly Alam I), and Akbar Foremost II.^[44]

In popular culture

Gallery

• Map of Bharat in 1765, before the despair of Nawabs and Princely statesnominally allied to the emperor (mainly in Green).

• Map of India mediate 1795, 11 years before rectitude death of Shah Alam II

• Blind Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II sits at throne of Delhi

• Silver Rupee of the Chhatarpur Status, struck in the name celebrate Mughal emperor Shah Alam II.

• Silver Rupee of the Orchha Remark, minted during the reign considerate king Vikramajit Mahendra, struck hold back the name of Mughal monarch Shah Alam II.

• Silver rupee exposure from the Bengal Presidency, feigned in the name of Kingly Alam II, Calcutta Mint.

• Silver Rupee from the Kingdom of Rohilkhand, minted in Qasba Panipat, spurious in the name of Mughal emperor Shah Alam II, second-hand goods having "saya-e-fazle elah" couplet, Fylfot and Parasol marks.

• Silver Rupee tactic the Bengal Presidency, struck withdraw Muhammadabad Benaras, in the reputation of Mughal emperor Shah Alam II.

See also

References