The article traces the transformation of Bengal from the late seventeenth century through the rise of British colonial control. It begins with Job Charnock’s arrival in Kolkata in 1690 and the subsequent establishment of English trading settlements supported by local Hindu intermediaries. The narrative describes how the East India Company’s commercial expansion and alliances with local elites led to the erosion of Mughal authority, culminating in the battles of Plassey and Buxar and the Company’s acquisition of revenue rights in 1765.
Following the introduction of direct revenue collection, the Company dismantled the Mughal-era land system and imposed heavy cash taxes on peasants. This policy, combined with exploitative trade practices, triggered the catastrophic famine of 1769–1770, known as the Great Bengal Famine. Millions perished as food prices soared and relief was denied. British officials, including Warren Hastings, continued to increase revenue despite mass starvation. The famine marked a turning point, consolidating British colonial authority and transforming Kolkata into the administrative capital of British Bengal.
The account concludes that the famine and Company rule reshaped Bengal’s social and economic landscape, enriching colonial officials and their local collaborators while devastating rural society.
মোহাম্মদ আবদুল মান্নান প্রকাশ : ২১ মে ২০২৬, ১৭: ০৯ পর্ব-১ পটভূমি : কলকাতা মুর্শিদাবাদ কলকাতা ইস্ট ইন্ডিয়া কোম্পানির রাজস্বখেলাপি কর্মকর্তা জব চার্নক ঢাকার সুবাদার শায়েস্তা খানের গ্রেপ্তার এড়াতে ১৬৮৭ সালে হুগলি থেকে পালিয়ে নবদ্বীপের কলকাতা গ্রামে আশ্র
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