Question

How did the Burhan-ul-Mulk reduce the Mughal influence in the Awadh region?

Answer 1

Hint: Saadat Ali Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk was the founder of the autonomous state of Awadh in 1722 AD. He was the Governor of the emperor Muhammad Shah.

Complete answer: Saadat Ali Khan was the son of Muhammad Nasir who was a merchant from Khurasan. When he was 25, he joined his father in the final campaign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Deccan against the Marathas. Saadat Ali Khan’s grandfather had migrated to India during the rule of emperor Shah Jahan. Saadat Ali Khan was promoted to a rank of 6000 zat and 5000 horses. He became the governor of Akbarabad and received the title of Burhan-ul-Mulk. Burhan-ul-Mulk reduced Mughal influence in the Awadh region by using the following measures:
1. He reduced the number of Jagirdars (office holders) who were appointed by the Mughals.
2. He appointed his own loyal servants
3. The revenues were reevaluated by the officials of the Nawab’s court.
Nader Shah, a Persian ruler, had invaded India in 1739. Saadat Ali Khan marched from Awadh with 3000 cavalries to help Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah. He joined Muhammad Shah’s troops at Karnal. Khan’s troops clashed with the Persian troops. Saadat Ali Khan asked for the permission of Muhammad Shah to fight the enemy. However, the war ended in peace negotiation and Nader Shah had to pay a sum of rupees fifty lakhs to Muhammad Shah.

Note: Saadat Ali Burhan-ul-Mulk played a very important role in the Nader Shah invasion. He was one of the commanding Mughal Generals in the Battle of Karnal. Saadat Khan committed suicide because of humiliation and shame.