Page:Historical and Ecclesiastical Sketches of Bengal.djvu/23

We are not informed of the precise time, but it was about this period that the Nuwab, Shaista Khan, being far advanced in years, and anxious to return to his native country, obtained permission to resign the government of Bengal. Notwithstanding his harsh conduct to Europeans, his memory is to this day spoken of with the highest respect in that province. It is related, that, during his government, grain was so cheap that rice was sold at the rate of 640ils. weight for the rupee; to commemorate which event, as he was leaving Dacca, he ordered the western gate, through which he departed, to be built up, and an inscription to be placed thereon, interdicting any future Governor from opening it, till he had reduced the price of grain to the same rate . in consequence of which injunction, the gate remained closed till the government of the Nuwab Serferaz Khan.

Several of the public buildings erected by Shaista Khan are yet to be seen at Dacca; which city is still called, by the Mohammedans, Jehangirenagur.

Shaista Khan died at Agra in the year of the Hejira 1105, much regretted by the Emperor and a numerous circle of friends.

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NUWAB IBRAHIM KHAN.

Ibrahim Khan appointed to the government—His character—Invites the English to return to Bengal—Mr. Charnock and his Council arrive at Suttanutty, and are graciously received—The Nuwab forwards the Emperor's passport for the English to trade duty free —he English still dissatis⟨fi⟩ed—Soobha Sing Zemindar rebels—joined by the Afghan chief, Rehim Khan—The rebel army advance to Burdwan—Defeat and kill the Raja—The circumstance reported to the Governor, who orders Nur Allah, Foujedar of Jessore, to punish the rebels—The Foujedar shuts himself up in Hoogly—The rebels lay siege to, and take, that town—The Dutch, French, and English, obtain permission to fortify their factories—The Dutch Governor of Chinsura assists the Royalists to retake Hoogly—The rebels retreat to Saatgong.

UPON the final resignation of Shaista Khan, the Emperor selected, for the government of Bengal, Ibrahim Khan, son of the celebrated Persian nobleman, Aly Murdan Khan, who delivered up the fortress of Candehar to the Emperor Shah Jehan. This chief was, in character, the very reverse of his father; he administered justice with strict impartiality, and