# Mughal conquest of Bengal

Mughal invasion of Bengal was an invasion of the Sultanate of Bengal, then ruled by the Afghan Karrani dynasty, by the Mughal Empire in 1572–1576. After a series of intense battles, the Mughals eventually defeated the Sultanate of Bengal in the Battle of Raj Mahal in 1576, and annexed the region into their empire as the province of Bengal.

## Background

Before the Mughal conquest, Bengal was a flourishing region ruled by the Afghan Karrani dynasty. The dynasty had established its control over Bengal in the mid-16th century, after the decline of the Sur Empire. The Karrani rulers maintained a relatively strong hold over the region, fostering trade and cultural development.
Bengal was known for its fertile land, which supported extensive agriculture, and its strategic location along the Bay of Bengal, which facilitated trade with various parts of Asia, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and China. The region's wealth and prosperity made it a coveted prize for the Mughal Empire, which was expanding its territories under the leadership of Emperor Akbar.
However, the Karrani dynasty faced internal strife and political instability, weakening its ability to defend against external threats. This period of vulnerability provided an opportune moment for the Mughal Empire to launch its military campaigns and bring Bengal under its control.

## First phase

The First phase was a strategic military campaign initiated by Emperor Akbar in 1572. The primary goal was to annex the prosperous and strategically important Bengal Sultanate.

### Initial Campaigns (1572-1574)

The Mughals launched their first military expeditions into Bengal in 1572, encountering fierce resistance from the Karrani dynasty. Akbar appointed experienced generals to lead the campaign, including Munim Khan and Todar Mal. The early skirmishes were marked by tactical maneuvers and small-scale battles as the Mughals sought to weaken the Karrani defenses.

### Battle of Tukaroi (1575)

One of the pivotal moments in the conquest was the Battle of Tukaroi, fought in 1575. The Mughal forces, led by Munim Khan, faced the army of Daud Khan Karrani, the last ruler of the Karrani dynasty. The battle was fierce, with both sides suffering significant casualties. However, the superior tactics and discipline of the Mughal army ultimately led to their victory, forcing Daud Khan to retreat.

### Siege of Raj Mahal (1576)

The final and decisive battle of the conquest took place at Raj Mahal in 1576. Akbar's forces, having regrouped and reinforced, launched a full-scale assault on the Karrani stronghold. The siege was intense, with the Mughals employing various siege tactics to breach the fortress walls. Despite a valiant defense by the Karrani troops, the Mughals ultimately prevailed. Daud Khan Karrani was captured and executed, marking the end of the Karrani dynasty's rule in Bengal.

### Isa Khan's Resistance

Despite initial Mughal victories, the Baro-Bhuyans, led by Isa Khan, fiercely resisted Mughal control. Using guerrilla tactics and leveraging local knowledge, Isa Khan and his allies maintained significant autonomy, preventing the Mughals from fully consolidating their power over Bengal. Their resistance created a prolonged conflict that thwarted Mughal ambitions during Isa Khan's lifetime.
It was not until Isa Khan's death in 1599 that the Mughals began to establish more comprehensive control over Bengal. Even then, the process was gradual, marked by ongoing efforts to integrate the region into the Mughal administrative framework. Isa Khan's legacy of defiance remains a significant chapter in Bengal's history, symbolizing the region's resilience and resistance to external domination.

## Second Phase

Between 1611 and 1612, the Mughals concentrated on consolidating their control over Bengal and subduing any remaining resistance. Under the leadership of Subahdar (Governor) Ibrahim Khan Fath-i-Jang, the Mughal forces employed a mix of diplomacy and military strength to bring rebellious local chiefs and zamindars into submission. This phase was marked by significant campaigns aimed at ensuring comprehensive Mughal rule over the region.

### Military Campaigns and Diplomatic Efforts

Ibrahim Khan led a series of military expeditions to pacify the region, addressing pockets of resistance that persisted despite previous Mughal victories. His strategic use of force and negotiation helped in subduing many of the rebellious factions and securing the Mughal's authority over Bengal.

### Capture of Chittagong

One of the key objectives during this phase was to secure the strategic port city of Chittagong, crucial for controlling trade and commerce. The Mughals faced stiff resistance from the Arakanese and Portuguese pirates who controlled the area. However, through a well-coordinated military campaign, Ibrahim Khan was able to capture Chittagong and establish Mughal dominance over the port.
By 1612, the Mughals had successfully quelled most of the resistance in Bengal, bringing the region under their full control. This period marked the administrative and economic integration of Bengal into the Mughal Empire, leading to a period of relative stability and prosperity.

### The Struggle of the Baro-Bhuyans (1599-1612)

After the death of Isa Khan in 1599, the Baro-Bhuyans, a confederation of twelve independent chiefs and zamindars in Bengal, continued their resistance against the Mughal forces. The period from 1599 to 1612 was marked by persistent guerrilla warfare, strategic alliances, and defensive maneuvers by the Baro-Bhuyans to maintain their autonomy.
During this time, the Baro-Bhuyans faced increasing pressure from the Mughal Empire, which was determined to consolidate its control over Bengal. Despite their valiant efforts and localized victories, the Mughal military campaigns gradually weakened the Baro-Bhuyans' resistance. By 1612, the Mughals had successfully quelled most of the uprisings, bringing Bengal under more direct and comprehensive control.