The Afghans and the Moghuls: A Historical Quiz

Struggle Between Afghans and Moghuls

• Sulaiman Katra, the Karrani of Bengal, invaded Orissa in 1568, ousting Raja Mukundadeva.
• Karrani appointed Khan Jahan Lodi as the governor of Cuttack but had to suppress a subsequent rebellion.
• Karrani skillfully aligned with Emperor Akbar, avoiding conflict by not sheltering the Mughal enemy, Ali Quli Khan.
• After Karrani's death in 1572, his son Bayazid briefly ruled, followed by his more ambitious brother Daud in 1573, leading to Afghan-Moghul tensions.
• Akbar sent generals Munim Khan and Todar Mall to confront Daud, who fled after Moghul advances, including a significant battle near Jaleswar in 1575.
• A peace treaty required Daud to cede Bengal to the Moghuls, while maintaining control over Orissa independently.

Battle of Mahal

• After the death of Munim Khan in Bengal, Daud attempted a resurgence, prompting another confrontation.
• A decisive battle occurred on July 12, 1576, at Rajmahal where Daud was captured and executed.
• Khan-i-Jahan became the new Subadar of Bengal, establishing order and governance in the region post-Daud.

Ousting of the Afghans

• Following Daud's death, fragmented Afghan resistance persisted.
• Muzaffar Khan succeeded Khan-i-Jahan, but both governors faced rebellion until the appointment of Masum Khan.
• Masum's insubordination led to further conflicts, including the rebellion against the Moghuls in Orissa.

New Revenue Administration

• Khan-i-Azam introduced a new settlement system in 1582, redistributing Orissa into five Sarkars.
• The administration maintained local chiefs, known as Garhjats, while Moghuls governed directly through Moghulbandi.
• Recognized Ramachandradeva of Khurda as an independent ruler amidst power shifts after Mukundadeva's death.

Rise of Qutlu Khan

• Qutlu Khan Lohani emerged as a unifying figure for Afghans, initially achieving victories against Moghuls and even invading Bengal.
• His alliance with Masum Khan posed a significant threat, leading to military responses from Mughals, including a decisive defeat of Qutlu Khan in 1584.

Defeat of Jagatsingh

• Akbar's forces, under his son Jagatsingh, aimed to subdue the Afghans who faced internal leadership crises following Qutlu Khan's death in 1590.
• Jagatsingh's military campaigns reaffirmed Mughal dominance, leading to a treaty recognizing Ramachandradeva's authority over Khurda.

Transition to Mughal Rule

• By 1592, Orissa was firmly integrated into the Mughal empire after Raja Mansingh's campaigns against remaining Afghan factions.
• From 1607, Orissa functioned as a separate subah, facing governance challenges under various subahdars, including issues surrounding religious intolerance.

Decline Under Aurangzeb

• The period under Aurangzeb was marked by religious oppression including temple demolitions and suppression of Hindu practices.
• The administrative landscape was turbulent with frequent changes in leadership and increasing pressure from the central Mughal authority.### Historical Context of Jagannath Temple
• Aurangzeb issued a decree in 1682 for the demolition of the Jagannath temple, influenced by local rulers and priests.
• Raja Deryasimhades of Khorda negotiated to protect the temple, even arranging for a fake image of Jagannath to deceive Aurangzeb.
• The temple remained intact until Aurangzeb's death in 1707, after which it was restored to its former glory.

Orissa under Nazim of Bengal

• After Aurangzeb’s death, the Mughal Empire began a downward spiral.

Sujauddin, Nazim of Orissa (1727-1739)

• Known for his philanthropy and liberal policies, Sujauddin fostered interfaith unity by building the Kadam Rasul mosque for both Hindus and Muslims.

Transition of Power

• Following Murshid Quli Khan's death in 1727, Sujauddin became Nazim and appointed his illegitimate son, Taqi Khan, as the Naib of Orissa.
• Territorial adjustments were made, merging some areas with Bengal and setting the Suvarnarekha River as Orissa's northern boundary.
• Ganjam was invaded by the Nizam of Hyderabad, while Taqi Khan failed to assist the Raja of Khurda during this incursion.

Military Actions of Ramachandradeva II

• Ramachandradeva II initiated campaigns to regain lost territories but fell victim to betrayal by Taqi Khan, who captured him.
• During detainment in Cuttack, he married a Nawab's daughter and converted to Islam, though he kept his Hindu ties.
• His sons rebelled, freeing Khurda. Despite being reinstated by Taqi Khan, he lost control over the temple of Jagannath.

Ramachandradeva II's Personal Struggles

• Documented love affairs in the Madala Panji lack corroboration and suggest forced conversion rather than a genuine renouncement of Hinduism.
• Retaining his Hindu identity, he discreetly took the Jagannath image with him to prevent Taqi Khan's influence over the temple.
• He sought refuge at Bolgarh and the image was transported to Tikli amid unrest in Khurda.

Navakalevara Ritual and Ramachandradeva II's Restoration

• The Navakalevara ritual for Jagannath in 1733 sought new deity images, contingent upon securing the "Brahma" from the old icons.
• Ramachandradeva II returned with the Jagannath image, receiving a warm welcome and restoring his status.
• Taqi Khan tacitly accepted this change as he aimed to collect pilgrimage taxes during the annual Car festival.
• Sujauddin’s legacy continued through Murshid Quli Khan II, who was entrusted with governance post-Taqi Khan's death in 1735.