Balwant Singh: Difference between revisions

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'''Balwant Singh''' belonged to the '''Narayan dynasty'''. He was the son of '''Mansaram Singh''', who had established himself as a prominent zamindar in Benares.<ref name=":3">Kashi the City Illustrious, Or Benares by Edwin Greaves, p. 5

https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Kashi_the_City_Illustrious_Or_Benares/GItEAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0</ref> Mansaram Singh was the son of Manoranjan Singh, a zamindar of Banaras region and resident of Gangapur village. Upon Mansaram Singh's death in '''1738''', Balwant Singh succeeded him as '''Raja of Kaswar'''. During the course of his reign, he expanded his authority and was later recognized as the '''Maharaja of Benares''', becoming the founder of the semi-independent Benares State.<ref>Hindu Tribes and Castes Volume 1 by Matthew Atmore Sherring, p. 45

https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Kashi_the_City_Illustrious_Or_Benares/GItEAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0</ref> Mansaram Singh was the son of Manoranjan Singh, a zamindar of Banaras region and resident of Gangapur village. Upon Mansaram Singh's death in '''1738''', Balwant Singh succeeded him as '''Raja of Kaswar'''. During the course of his reign, he expanded his authority and was later recognized as the '''Maharaja of Benares''', becoming the founder of the semi-independent [[Benares State]].<ref>Hindu Tribes and Castes Volume 1 by Matthew Atmore Sherring, p. 45

https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Hindu_Tribes_and_Castes/VYnlAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0</ref>

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== Early Administration and Expansion ==

Balwant Singh emerged as the founder of the Benares Raj's political power during the declining years of the Mughal Empire. His rise was closely connected to the administrative abilities of his father, Mansa Ram, a Bhumihar ~~Brahmin~~ who served as the revenue manager under Rustam Ali Khan, the lessee of the sarkars of Benares, Jaunpur, Ghazipur and Chunar.<ref>History of Banaras: From the Earliest Times Down to 1937 by A.S. Altekar

Balwant Singh emerged as the founder of the Benares Raj's political power during the declining years of the Mughal Empire. His rise was closely connected to the administrative abilities of his father, Mansa Ram, a Bhumihar mansabdar who served as the revenue manager under Rustam Ali Khan, the lessee of the sarkars of Benares, Jaunpur, Ghazipur and Chunar.<ref>History of Banaras: From the Earliest Times Down to 1937 by A.S. Altekar

https://books.google.co.in/books/about/History_of_Banaras.html?id=9sc7tAEACAAJ&redir_esc=y</ref> Impressed by Mansa Ram's efficiency, Rustam Ali Khan secured for him the title of Raja Bahadur from the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah. Mansa Ram, however, declined the distinction and requested that it instead be conferred upon his son, Balwant Singh.<ref name=":0">The Bulwuntnamah: Translated from the Tuhfa-i-taza By Khayr al-Dīn Muḥammad Ilāhābādī

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The Afghan ascendancy proved short-lived. Before the arrangement could be fully implemented, Balwant Singh expelled Sahib Zaman Khan from Jaunpur and by April 1751 had recovered all his former possessions. However, the restoration of Safdar Jang's authority created a new challenge.<ref>Marathi Riyasat 4 Sthirabuddhi Raja Ram by Govind Sakharam Sardesai, p. 13 https://archive.org/details/jbqf_marathi-riyasat-4-sthirabuddhi-raja-ram-by-govind-sakharam-sardesai-marathi</ref><ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 29</ref><ref>Khairuddin, ''Tawarikh-i-Jaunpore,'' p. 42</ref> Determined to punish those who had sided with his enemies, Safdar Jang marched through Jaunpur into Benares, plundered Gangapore, and dispatched forces across the Ganges to suppress Balwant Singh. Faced with overwhelming odds, Balwant Singh attempted reconciliation by sending his trusted officer Lal Khan with a gift of two lakh rupees and an offer to increase his annual tribute by an additional two lakh rupees. Although initially encouraged to present himself before the Nawab, he declined to do so. Political developments at the Mughal court soon compelled Safdar Jang to abandon the campaign. At the end of March 1752, the Nawab concluded peace with Balwant Singh, confirmed him in possession of his territories through a ''khilat'', fixed his annual revenue at fifteen lakh rupees, and appointed Syed Nurul Hasan Khan Bilgrami as ''sazawal'' to supervise revenue payments.<ref>The Siyar-ul- Mutaqherin Vol III by Seid Gholam Hossein Khan, p. 308

The Afghan ascendancy proved short-lived. Before the arrangement could be fully implemented, Balwant Singh expelled Sahib Zaman Khan from Jaunpur and by April 1751 had recovered all his former possessions. However, the restoration of Safdar Jang's authority created a new challenge.<ref>Marathi Riyasat 4 Sthirabuddhi Raja Ram by Govind Sakharam Sardesai, p. 13 https://archive.org/details/jbqf_marathi-riyasat-4-sthirabuddhi-raja-ram-by-govind-sakharam-sardesai-marathi</ref><ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 29</ref><ref>Khairuddin, ''Tawarikh-i-Jaunpore,'' p. 42</ref> Determined to punish those who had sided with his enemies, Safdar Jang marched through Jaunpur into Benares, plundered Gangapore, and dispatched forces across the Ganges to suppress Balwant Singh. Faced with overwhelming odds, Balwant Singh attempted reconciliation by sending his trusted officer [[Lal Khan]] with a gift of two lakh rupees and an offer to increase his annual tribute by an additional two lakh rupees. Although initially encouraged to present himself before the Nawab, he declined to do so. Political developments at the Mughal court soon compelled Safdar Jang to abandon the campaign. At the end of March 1752, the Nawab concluded peace with Balwant Singh, confirmed him in possession of his territories through a ''khilat'', fixed his annual revenue at fifteen lakh rupees, and appointed Syed Nurul Hasan Khan Bilgrami as ''sazawal'' to supervise revenue payments.<ref>The Siyar-ul- Mutaqherin Vol III by Seid Gholam Hossein Khan, p. 308

https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.283746</ref><ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 30</ref><ref>THE FIRST TWO NAWABS OF AWADH,ED.2ND by A.L. Srivastava, p. 185

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Following this settlement, Balwant Singh concentrated on consolidating his authority. Taking advantage of the continued difficulties faced by his suzerain between 1752 and 1754, he strengthened his position further by transferring his capital from Gangapore to Ramnagar on the southern bank of the Ganges, where he constructed a substantial stone fort.<ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 31</ref> He also began planning the incorporation of the fertile belt surrounding Benares, bounded by the Ganges in the north, the Karamnasa River in the east, the Son River and the Kaimur Hills in the south, thereby laying the territorial foundations of the Benares Raj.<ref>Shuja Ud Daulah Vol I by Srivastava, Ashirbadi Lal, p. 25

Following this settlement, Balwant Singh concentrated on consolidating his authority. Taking advantage of the continued difficulties faced by his suzerain between 1752 and 1754, he strengthened his position further by transferring his capital from Gangapore to Ramnagar on the southern bank of the Ganges, where he constructed a substantial stone fort.<ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 31</ref> He also began planning the incorporation of the fertile belt surrounding Benares, bounded by the Ganges in the north, the Karamnasa River in the east, the Son River and the Kaimur Hills in the south, thereby laying the territorial foundations of the Benares Raj.<ref>Shuja Ud Daulah Vol I by Srivastava, Ashirbadi Lal, p. 27

https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.85274</ref>

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https://archive.org/details/benaresandtheenglisheastindiacompany17641795suprakashsanyal_202003_724_x</ref><ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 33</ref><ref>Chandels were the native rulers of Bijaigarh

https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/The_Native_Chiefs_and_Their_States_in_18/4uoHAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=chandel+rajput+bijaigarh&pg=PA15&printsec=frontcover</ref> Early in 1754, Balwant Singh captured the neighbouring fort of Agore, controlled by Chandel Rajput kinsmen of Vijay Singh, on the banks of the Son River,<ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 34</ref><ref>Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan, p. 133

https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/The_Native_Chiefs_and_Their_States_in_18/4uoHAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=chandel+rajput+bijaigarh&pg=PA15&printsec=frontcover</ref><ref name=":11">[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.85274/page/32/mode/2up] p. 29</ref> Early in 1754, Balwant Singh captured the neighbouring fort of Agore, controlled by Chandel Rajput kinsmen of Vijay Singh, on the banks of the Son River,<ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 34</ref><ref>Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan, p. 133

https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebookshttps://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebooks</ref><ref>Agore Barhar zamindari of Chandel Rajputs

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These military successes alarmed Nawab Safdar Jang, who marched to Benares in February 1754 to suppress the increasingly independent Raja. Balwant Singh avoided direct confrontation by crossing the Ganges and taking refuge at Chandrauti, east of Benares. Before decisive action could be taken, however, Safdar Jang was compelled by political developments elsewhere to abandon the campaign, allowing Balwant Singh to retain his gains.<ref>Shuja Ud Daulah Vol I by Srivastava, Ashirbadi Lal, p. 26-27

https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.85274</ref><ref>''Tarikh-i-Ahmad Shahi'' by Fakir Khairuddin</ref>

https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.85274</ref><ref>''Tarikh-i-Ahmad Shahi'' by Fakir Khairuddin</ref><ref name=":11" />

Balwant Singh subsequently consolidated his eastern frontier. In 1754 he intervened in a dispute between his uncle Dasa Ram and Daim Khan, a Gaharwar Rajput convert zamindar of Keyra Mangror in Shahabad Sarkar, eventually bringing the estate under his authority.<ref>Memoir Of The Ghazeepoor District Pt.1 by Wilton Oldham

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https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.53598/page/n93/mode/2up</ref> <ref name=":6">The Bulwuntnamah: Translated from the Tuhfa-i-taza by Khayr al-Dīn Muḥammad Ilāhābādi, p. 139-157

https://books.google.co.in/books?id=pGAIAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref>reducing the autonomy of many lesser zamindars by placing their estates under the supervision of his own officials.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5" /> He then moved against Himmat Bahadur, a Naga Goswami the zamindar of Garwara and a veteran of the '''Battle of Panipat III''',<ref>The 'naked' warrior who helped British capture India

https://books.google.co.in/books?id=pGAIAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref>reducing the autonomy of many lesser zamindars by placing their estates under the supervision of his own officials.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5" /> He then moved against Himmat Bahadur, a Naga Goswami Brahmin the zamindar of Garwara and a veteran of the '''Battle of Panipat III''',<ref>The 'naked' warrior who helped British capture India

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65785171</ref><ref>Benares and the English East India Company, by Suprakash Sanyal

https://ia601402.us.archive.org/13/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.98263/2015.98263.Benares-And-The-English-East-India-Company1764-1795_djvu.txt</ref><ref>Warrior Ascetics and Indian Empires - by William R. Pinch<nowiki/>https://assets.cambridge.org/052185/1688/excerpt/0521851688_excerpt.htm</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2GxAZicXao</ref> and Shaikh Kabul Muhammad of Machhlishahr, both of whom had earlier supported Sahib Zaman Khan during the Afghan occupation. Using the expulsion of one of Himmat Bahadur's retainers as a pretext, Balwant Singh launched a campaign against Garwara. ~~Although~~ Himmat Bahadur ~~escaped after his fortifications were breached by artillery~~, the resistance continued under his son Sukhnandan Singh until Balwant Singh pacified the region by granting Garwara to Budh Singh at an annual revenue assessment of ₹80,000.<ref name=":7">Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan, p. 189

https://ia601402.us.archive.org/13/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.98263/2015.98263.Benares-And-The-English-East-India-Company1764-1795_djvu.txt</ref><ref>Warrior Ascetics and Indian Empires - by William R. Pinch<nowiki/>https://assets.cambridge.org/052185/1688/excerpt/0521851688_excerpt.htm</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2GxAZicXao</ref> and Shaikh Kabul Muhammad of Machhlishahr, both of whom had earlier supported Sahib Zaman Khan during the Afghan occupation. Using the expulsion of one of Himmat Bahadur's retainers as a pretext, Balwant Singh launched a campaign against Garwara. Himmat Bahadur brutally defeated and fled, leaving the fort to Balwant Singh's possession, the resistance continued under his son Sukhnandan Singh until Balwant Singh pacified the region by granting Garwara to Budh Singh at an annual revenue assessment of ₹80,000.<ref name=":7">Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan, p. 189

https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebookshttps://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebooks</ref><ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 36-37</ref~~><ref name=":7" /~~>Later that year he attacked Machhlishahr, treacherously captured Shaikh Kabul Muhammad, and incorporated the zamindari into his dominions.<ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 37</ref><ref>Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan, p. 190

https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebookshttps://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebooks</ref><ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 36-37</ref> Later that year he attacked Machhlishahr, treacherously captured Shaikh Kabul Muhammad, and incorporated the zamindari into his dominions.<ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 37</ref><ref>Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan, p. 190

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The conspiracy was discovered by the new Nawab, Shuja-ud-Daula, who personally marched against Balwant Singh in November 1756. Unable to resist the superior Awadhi forces in the open, Balwant Singh retreated to the strong fortress of Bijaygarh and appealed to the Marathas for assistance. During the campaign, the widow of Bariar Singh, the ''zamindar'' of Pindra and Balwant Singh's mother-in-law, mounted a determined defence against the Nawab's forces. The Nawab was struck by the valour of this lady, compelling him to negotiate and save his face. After occupying Chunar, Shuja-ud-Daula appointed a new commandant, he called Mirza Beg's son and treated the young heir with kindness.

After settling the affairs of Chunar, Shuja-ud-daula came to direct his operations against Balwant Singh in December, 1756, and ordered his troops to eject him; but for his strategic advantages, the attempts proved abortive. Balwant Singh took refuge in the strong and secluded fortress of Bijaygarh and sent envoys to the Maratha chiefs for help.<ref name=":8">Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 38</ref> Though sane persons acquainted with the Shuja-ud-daula, such as celebrated Shaikh Ali Hazin<ref>[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.283746 The Siyar-ul- Mutaqherin Vol III by Seid Gholam Hossein Khan]

After settling the affairs of Chunar, Shuja-ud-daula came to direct his operations against Balwant Singh in December, 1756, and ordered his troops to eject him; but for his strategic advantages, the attempts proved abortive. Balwant Singh took refuge in the strong and secluded fortress of Bijaygarh and sent envoys to the Maratha chiefs for help.<ref name=":8">Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 38</ref> Though sane persons acquainted with the Shuja-ud-daula, such as celebrated Shaikh Ali Hazin<ref>[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.283746 The Siyar-ul- Mutaqherin Vol III by Seid Gholam Hossein Khan]</ref> advised him to patch up his differences with Balwant Singh, the Nawab, in the vanity of his youth, refused to lend his ear to the advice and summoned Fazl Ali Khan, the ''faujdar'' of Ghazipore, and told him that he desired him to replace Balwant Singh.<ref name=":8" />

Shaikh Muhammad Ali Hazin was a celebrated scholar who came to India from Iran. According to the contemporary sources, he had no equal in his age and was regarded as one of the most universally learned men of his time, possessing extensive knowledge of both sacred and secular subjects. The Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah invited him to accept the office of ''wazir'' and enhance the splendour of the imperial court, while Alivardi Khan repeatedly requested him to grace his court. Hazin declined both invitations and eventually settled at Banaras during the time of Balwant Singh. He died there in 1765 at the age of eighty-five. Contemporary historian Ghulam Hussain Khan records that Nawabs like Mir Qasim and Shujauddaula, among others, paid visits to him, reflecting the high esteem in which he was held.</ref> advised him to patch up his differences with Balwant Singh, the Nawab, in the vanity of his youth, refused to lend his ear to the advice and summoned Fazl Ali Khan, the ''faujdar'' of Ghazipore, and told him that he desired him to replace Balwant Singh.<ref name=":8" />

Fazl Ali realised, Balwant Singh was a hard nut to crack and proposed to the Nawab that he could undertake the arduous task of extirpating him, provided he was put in command of a force of ten thousand cavalry at least for a year and was paid ten lacs of rupees in advance for the compensation of likely damages to be sustained by him in a war against the mighty rebel.<ref name=":9">Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 39</ref><ref>[https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebookshttps://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebooks Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan,] p. 192</ref> These exorbitant terms of Fazl Ali set Shuja-ud-daula in a fix. At this juncture, Muhammad Ali Khan, one of his courtiers, gave out that the death of Safdar Jang had released the forces of disorder and suggested that it would be imprudent to augment them by pricking up a quarrel with the Raja of Benares, who, if annoyed, could certainly combine all the forces of destruction and devastation by having recourse to open violence and robbery, the consequences of which might sweep even Fyzabad and destroy all sense of security in Awadh. It was also indicated to Shuja-ud-daula, that it would be next to impossible for anybody to collect the revenue from these districts in opposition to Balwant Singh and would be more so for Fazl Ali Khan who managed to pay the revenue of the ''sarkar'' of Ghazipore with great difficulty.<ref name=":9" /><ref>[https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebookshttps://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebooks Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan] p. 193-194</ref>

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 '''Balwant Singh''' belonged to the '''Narayan dynasty'''. He was the son of '''Mansaram Singh''', who had established himself as a prominent zamindar in Benares.<ref name=":3">Kashi the City Illustrious, Or Benares by Edwin Greaves, p. 5
-https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Kashi_the_City_Illustrious_Or_Benares/GItEAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0</ref> Mansaram Singh was the son of Manoranjan Singh, a zamindar of Banaras region and resident of Gangapur village. Upon Mansaram Singh's death in '''1738''', Balwant Singh succeeded him as '''Raja of Kaswar'''. During the course of his reign, he expanded his authority and was later recognized as the '''Maharaja of Benares''', becoming the founder of the semi-independent Benares State.<ref>Hindu Tribes and Castes Volume 1 by Matthew Atmore Sherring, p. 45
+https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Kashi_the_City_Illustrious_Or_Benares/GItEAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0</ref> Mansaram Singh was the son of Manoranjan Singh, a zamindar of Banaras region and resident of Gangapur village. Upon Mansaram Singh's death in '''1738''', Balwant Singh succeeded him as '''Raja of Kaswar'''. During the course of his reign, he expanded his authority and was later recognized as the '''Maharaja of Benares''', becoming the founder of the semi-independent [[Benares State]].<ref>Hindu Tribes and Castes Volume 1 by Matthew Atmore Sherring, p. 45
 https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Hindu_Tribes_and_Castes/VYnlAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0</ref>
@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 == Early Administration and Expansion ==
-Balwant Singh emerged as the founder of the Benares Raj's political power during the declining years of the Mughal Empire. His rise was closely connected to the administrative abilities of his father, Mansa Ram, a Bhumihar Brahmin who served as the revenue manager under Rustam Ali Khan, the lessee of the sarkars of Benares, Jaunpur, Ghazipur and Chunar.<ref>History of Banaras: From the Earliest Times Down to 1937 by A.S. Altekar
+Balwant Singh emerged as the founder of the Benares Raj's political power during the declining years of the Mughal Empire. His rise was closely connected to the administrative abilities of his father, Mansa Ram, a Bhumihar mansabdar who served as the revenue manager under Rustam Ali Khan, the lessee of the sarkars of Benares, Jaunpur, Ghazipur and Chunar.<ref>History of Banaras: From the Earliest Times Down to 1937 by A.S. Altekar
 https://books.google.co.in/books/about/History_of_Banaras.html?id=9sc7tAEACAAJ&redir_esc=y</ref> Impressed by Mansa Ram's efficiency, Rustam Ali Khan secured for him the title of Raja Bahadur from the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah. Mansa Ram, however, declined the distinction and requested that it instead be conferred upon his son, Balwant Singh.<ref name=":0">The Bulwuntnamah: Translated from the Tuhfa-i-taza By Khayr al-Dīn Muḥammad Ilāhābādī
@@ Line 86: / Line 86: @@
 https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12411</ref>
-The Afghan ascendancy proved short-lived. Before the arrangement could be fully implemented, Balwant Singh expelled Sahib Zaman Khan from Jaunpur and by April 1751 had recovered all his former possessions. However, the restoration of Safdar Jang's authority created a new challenge.<ref>Marathi Riyasat 4 Sthirabuddhi Raja Ram by Govind Sakharam Sardesai, p. 13 https://archive.org/details/jbqf_marathi-riyasat-4-sthirabuddhi-raja-ram-by-govind-sakharam-sardesai-marathi</ref><ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 29</ref><ref>Khairuddin, ''Tawarikh-i-Jaunpore,'' p. 42</ref> Determined to punish those who had sided with his enemies, Safdar Jang marched through Jaunpur into Benares, plundered Gangapore, and dispatched forces across the Ganges to suppress Balwant Singh. Faced with overwhelming odds, Balwant Singh attempted reconciliation by sending his trusted officer Lal Khan with a gift of two lakh rupees and an offer to increase his annual tribute by an additional two lakh rupees. Although initially encouraged to present himself before the Nawab, he declined to do so. Political developments at the Mughal court soon compelled Safdar Jang to abandon the campaign. At the end of March 1752, the Nawab concluded peace with Balwant Singh, confirmed him in possession of his territories through a ''khilat'', fixed his annual revenue at fifteen lakh rupees, and appointed Syed Nurul Hasan Khan Bilgrami as ''sazawal'' to supervise revenue payments.<ref>The Siyar-ul- Mutaqherin Vol III by Seid Gholam Hossein Khan, p. 308
+The Afghan ascendancy proved short-lived. Before the arrangement could be fully implemented, Balwant Singh expelled Sahib Zaman Khan from Jaunpur and by April 1751 had recovered all his former possessions. However, the restoration of Safdar Jang's authority created a new challenge.<ref>Marathi Riyasat 4 Sthirabuddhi Raja Ram by Govind Sakharam Sardesai, p. 13 https://archive.org/details/jbqf_marathi-riyasat-4-sthirabuddhi-raja-ram-by-govind-sakharam-sardesai-marathi</ref><ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 29</ref><ref>Khairuddin, ''Tawarikh-i-Jaunpore,'' p. 42</ref> Determined to punish those who had sided with his enemies, Safdar Jang marched through Jaunpur into Benares, plundered Gangapore, and dispatched forces across the Ganges to suppress Balwant Singh. Faced with overwhelming odds, Balwant Singh attempted reconciliation by sending his trusted officer [[Lal Khan]] with a gift of two lakh rupees and an offer to increase his annual tribute by an additional two lakh rupees. Although initially encouraged to present himself before the Nawab, he declined to do so. Political developments at the Mughal court soon compelled Safdar Jang to abandon the campaign. At the end of March 1752, the Nawab concluded peace with Balwant Singh, confirmed him in possession of his territories through a ''khilat'', fixed his annual revenue at fifteen lakh rupees, and appointed Syed Nurul Hasan Khan Bilgrami as ''sazawal'' to supervise revenue payments.<ref>The Siyar-ul- Mutaqherin Vol III by Seid Gholam Hossein Khan, p. 308
 https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.283746</ref><ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 30</ref><ref>THE FIRST TWO NAWABS OF AWADH,ED.2ND by A.L. Srivastava, p. 185
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-Following this settlement, Balwant Singh concentrated on consolidating his authority. Taking advantage of the continued difficulties faced by his suzerain between 1752 and 1754, he strengthened his position further by transferring his capital from Gangapore to Ramnagar on the southern bank of the Ganges, where he constructed a substantial stone fort.<ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 31</ref> He also began planning the incorporation of the fertile belt surrounding Benares, bounded by the Ganges in the north, the Karamnasa River in the east, the Son River and the Kaimur Hills in the south, thereby laying the territorial foundations of the Benares Raj.<ref>Shuja Ud Daulah Vol I by Srivastava, Ashirbadi Lal, p. 25
+Following this settlement, Balwant Singh concentrated on consolidating his authority. Taking advantage of the continued difficulties faced by his suzerain between 1752 and 1754, he strengthened his position further by transferring his capital from Gangapore to Ramnagar on the southern bank of the Ganges, where he constructed a substantial stone fort.<ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 31</ref> He also began planning the incorporation of the fertile belt surrounding Benares, bounded by the Ganges in the north, the Karamnasa River in the east, the Son River and the Kaimur Hills in the south, thereby laying the territorial foundations of the Benares Raj.<ref>Shuja Ud Daulah Vol I by Srivastava, Ashirbadi Lal, p. 27
 https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.85274</ref>
@@ Line 116: / Line 116: @@
 https://archive.org/details/benaresandtheenglisheastindiacompany17641795suprakashsanyal_202003_724_x</ref><ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 33</ref><ref>Chandels were the native rulers of Bijaigarh
-https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/The_Native_Chiefs_and_Their_States_in_18/4uoHAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=chandel+rajput+bijaigarh&pg=PA15&printsec=frontcover</ref> Early in 1754, Balwant Singh captured the neighbouring fort of Agore, controlled by Chandel Rajput kinsmen of Vijay Singh, on the banks of the Son River,<ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 34</ref><ref>Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan, p. 133
+https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/The_Native_Chiefs_and_Their_States_in_18/4uoHAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=chandel+rajput+bijaigarh&pg=PA15&printsec=frontcover</ref><ref name=":11">[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.85274/page/32/mode/2up] p. 29</ref> Early in 1754, Balwant Singh captured the neighbouring fort of Agore, controlled by Chandel Rajput kinsmen of Vijay Singh, on the banks of the Son River,<ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 34</ref><ref>Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan, p. 133
 https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebookshttps://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebooks</ref><ref>Agore Barhar zamindari of Chandel Rajputs
@@ Line 124: / Line 124: @@
 These military successes alarmed Nawab Safdar Jang, who marched to Benares in February 1754 to suppress the increasingly independent Raja. Balwant Singh avoided direct confrontation by crossing the Ganges and taking refuge at Chandrauti, east of Benares. Before decisive action could be taken, however, Safdar Jang was compelled by political developments elsewhere to abandon the campaign, allowing Balwant Singh to retain his gains.<ref>Shuja Ud Daulah Vol I by Srivastava, Ashirbadi Lal, p. 26-27
-https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.85274</ref><ref>''Tarikh-i-Ahmad Shahi'' by Fakir Khairuddin</ref>
+https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.85274</ref><ref>''Tarikh-i-Ahmad Shahi'' by Fakir Khairuddin</ref><ref name=":11" />
 Balwant Singh subsequently consolidated his eastern frontier. In 1754 he intervened in a dispute between his uncle Dasa Ram and Daim Khan, a Gaharwar Rajput convert zamindar of Keyra Mangror in Shahabad Sarkar, eventually bringing the estate under his authority.<ref>Memoir Of The Ghazeepoor District  Pt.1 by Wilton Oldham
@@ Line 134: / Line 134: @@
 https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.53598/page/n93/mode/2up</ref> <ref name=":6">The Bulwuntnamah: Translated from the Tuhfa-i-taza by Khayr al-Dīn Muḥammad Ilāhābādi, p. 139-157
-https://books.google.co.in/books?id=pGAIAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref>reducing the autonomy of many lesser zamindars by placing their estates under the supervision of his own officials.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5" /> He then moved against Himmat Bahadur, a Naga Goswami the zamindar of Garwara and a veteran of the '''Battle of Panipat III''',<ref>The 'naked' warrior who helped British capture India
+https://books.google.co.in/books?id=pGAIAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref>reducing the autonomy of many lesser zamindars by placing their estates under the supervision of his own officials.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5" /> He then moved against Himmat Bahadur, a Naga Goswami Brahmin the zamindar of Garwara and a veteran of the '''Battle of Panipat III''',<ref>The 'naked' warrior who helped British capture India
 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65785171</ref><ref>Benares and the English East India Company, by Suprakash Sanyal
-https://ia601402.us.archive.org/13/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.98263/2015.98263.Benares-And-The-English-East-India-Company1764-1795_djvu.txt</ref><ref>Warrior Ascetics and Indian Empires - by William R. Pinch<nowiki/>https://assets.cambridge.org/052185/1688/excerpt/0521851688_excerpt.htm</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2GxAZicXao</ref> and Shaikh Kabul Muhammad of Machhlishahr, both of whom had earlier supported Sahib Zaman Khan during the Afghan occupation. Using the expulsion of one of Himmat Bahadur's retainers as a pretext, Balwant Singh launched a campaign against Garwara. Although Himmat Bahadur escaped after his fortifications were breached by artillery, the resistance continued under his son Sukhnandan Singh until Balwant Singh pacified the region by granting Garwara to Budh Singh at an annual revenue assessment of ₹80,000.<ref name=":7">Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan, p. 189
+https://ia601402.us.archive.org/13/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.98263/2015.98263.Benares-And-The-English-East-India-Company1764-1795_djvu.txt</ref><ref>Warrior Ascetics and Indian Empires - by William R. Pinch<nowiki/>https://assets.cambridge.org/052185/1688/excerpt/0521851688_excerpt.htm</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2GxAZicXao</ref> and Shaikh Kabul Muhammad of Machhlishahr, both of whom had earlier supported Sahib Zaman Khan during the Afghan occupation. Using the expulsion of one of Himmat Bahadur's retainers as a pretext, Balwant Singh launched a campaign against Garwara. Himmat Bahadur brutally defeated and fled, leaving the fort to Balwant Singh's possession, the resistance continued under his son Sukhnandan Singh until Balwant Singh pacified the region by granting Garwara to Budh Singh at an annual revenue assessment of ₹80,000.<ref name=":7">Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan, p. 189
-https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebookshttps://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebooks</ref><ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 36-37</ref><ref name=":7" />Later that year he attacked Machhlishahr, treacherously captured Shaikh Kabul Muhammad, and incorporated the zamindari into his dominions.<ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 37</ref><ref>Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan, p. 190
+https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebookshttps://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebooks</ref><ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 36-37</ref> Later that year he attacked Machhlishahr, treacherously captured Shaikh Kabul Muhammad, and incorporated the zamindari into his dominions.<ref>Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 37</ref><ref>Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan, p. 190
 https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebookshttps://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebooks</ref>
@@ Line 148: / Line 148: @@
 The conspiracy was discovered by the new Nawab, Shuja-ud-Daula, who personally marched against Balwant Singh in November 1756. Unable to resist the superior Awadhi forces in the open, Balwant Singh retreated to the strong fortress of Bijaygarh and appealed to the Marathas for assistance. During the campaign, the widow of Bariar Singh, the ''zamindar'' of Pindra and Balwant Singh's mother-in-law, mounted a determined defence against the Nawab's forces. The Nawab was struck by the valour of this lady, compelling him to negotiate and save his face. After occupying Chunar, Shuja-ud-Daula appointed a new commandant, he called Mirza Beg's son and treated the young heir with kindness.
-After settling the affairs of Chunar, Shuja-ud-daula came to direct his operations against Balwant Singh in December, 1756, and ordered his troops to eject him; but for his strategic advantages, the attempts proved abortive. Balwant Singh took refuge in the strong and secluded fortress of Bijaygarh and sent envoys to the Maratha chiefs for help.<ref name=":8">Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 38</ref> Though sane persons acquainted with the Shuja-ud-daula, such as celebrated Shaikh Ali Hazin<ref>[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.283746 The Siyar-ul- Mutaqherin Vol III by Seid Gholam Hossein Khan]
+After settling the affairs of Chunar, Shuja-ud-daula came to direct his operations against Balwant Singh in December, 1756, and ordered his troops to eject him; but for his strategic advantages, the attempts proved abortive. Balwant Singh took refuge in the strong and secluded fortress of Bijaygarh and sent envoys to the Maratha chiefs for help.<ref name=":8">Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 38</ref> Though sane persons acquainted with the Shuja-ud-daula, such as celebrated Shaikh Ali Hazin<ref>[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.283746 The Siyar-ul- Mutaqherin Vol III by Seid Gholam Hossein Khan]</ref> advised him to patch up his differences with Balwant Singh, the Nawab, in the vanity of his youth, refused to lend his ear to the advice and summoned Fazl Ali Khan, the ''faujdar'' of Ghazipore, and told him that he desired him to replace Balwant Singh.<ref name=":8" />
-Shaikh Muhammad Ali Hazin was a celebrated scholar who came to India from Iran. According to the contemporary sources, he had no equal in his age and was regarded as one of the most universally learned men of his time, possessing extensive knowledge of both sacred and secular subjects. The Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah invited him to accept the office of ''wazir'' and enhance the splendour of the imperial court, while Alivardi Khan repeatedly requested him to grace his court. Hazin declined both invitations and eventually settled at Banaras during the time of Balwant Singh. He died there in 1765 at the age of eighty-five. Contemporary historian Ghulam Hussain Khan records that Nawabs like Mir Qasim and Shujauddaula, among others, paid visits to him, reflecting the high esteem in which he was held.</ref> advised him to patch up his differences with Balwant Singh, the Nawab, in the vanity of his youth, refused to lend his ear to the advice and summoned Fazl Ali Khan, the ''faujdar'' of Ghazipore, and told him that he desired him to replace Balwant Singh.<ref name=":8" />
 Fazl Ali realised, Balwant Singh was a hard nut to crack and proposed to the Nawab that he could undertake the arduous task of extirpating him, provided he was put in command of a force of ten thousand cavalry at least for a year and was paid ten lacs of rupees in advance for the compensation of likely damages to be sustained by him in a war against the mighty rebel.<ref name=":9">Tuhfa-i-taza by Fakir Khairuddin Muhammad Ilahabadi, p. 39</ref><ref>[https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebookshttps://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebooks Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan,]  p. 192</ref> These exorbitant terms of Fazl Ali set Shuja-ud-daula in a fix. At this juncture, Muhammad Ali Khan, one of his courtiers, gave out that the death of Safdar Jang had released the forces of disorder and suggested that it would be imprudent to augment them by pricking up a quarrel with the Raja of Benares, who, if annoyed, could certainly combine all the forces of destruction and devastation by having recourse to open violence and robbery, the consequences of which might sweep even Fyzabad and destroy all sense of security in Awadh. It was also indicated to Shuja-ud-daula, that it would be next to impossible for anybody to collect the revenue from these districts in opposition to Balwant Singh and would be more so for Fazl Ali Khan who managed to pay the revenue of the ''sarkar'' of Ghazipore with great difficulty.<ref name=":9" /><ref>[https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebookshttps://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/tareekh-e-banaaras-volume-number-001-syed-mazhar-hasan-ebooks Tareekh-e-Banaaras Volume Number-001 by Syed Mazhar Hasan] p. 193-194</ref>

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