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war1740

1740 A battle fought in the Bengal region in mid eighteenth century

April 26, 1740

Alivardi Khan's victory at Giria in 1740 ended the Nasiri dynasty and established Afshar rule over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Quick Facts

Year
1740
Category
war

Key Facts

Date
April 26, 1740
Victor
Alivardi Khan
Defeated commander
Sarfaraz Khan (killed in battle)
Dynasty replaced
Nasiri dynasty replaced by Afshar dynasty
Territories seized
Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa

Location

Giria, India

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

Alivardi Khan, serving as Subahdar of Bihar, sought to overthrow Sarfaraz Khan and seize control of the Bengal Subah. His ambition to expand power and displace the ruling Nasiri dynasty drove him to mount a direct military challenge against the reigning nawab.

Event

On April 26, 1740, Alivardi Khan engaged Sarfaraz Khan's forces at Giria in Bengal. The battle was swift and decisive; Sarfaraz Khan was defeated and killed on the field, allowing Alivardi Khan to claim victory and assert his authority over the province.

Consequence

Alivardi Khan's triumph installed the Afshar dynasty in Bengal, replacing the Nasiri line. He assumed control of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, marking a significant shift in regional political authority that would shape Bengal's governance for the following decades.

Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis

Side A

1 belligerent

Forces of Alivardi Khan (Afshar claimant)
Key Commanders

Alivardi Khan.

Side B

1 belligerent

Forces of Sarfaraz Khan (Nasiri dynasty)
Key Commanders

Sarfaraz Khan.

Outcome
Decisive victory for Alivardi Khan; Sarfaraz Khan killed; Afshar dynasty established over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Timeline Context

Timeline around 1740174017371738173917411742174318th c. military conflict18th century military conflict1740 naval battle between Great Britain and Spain26 June 1740 action of the War of Jenkins' Earbattle-of-giria-1740