Battle at Bhagalpur (1745)

The Battle at Bhagalpur in 1745 was a significant engagement in the ongoing power struggles within the Bengal Subah during the declining years of Mughal authority. This battle pitted the forces of Alivardi Khan, the Deputy Governor (Subahdar) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, against a rebellious Afghan contingent led by Mustafa Khan.

Mustafa Khan, formerly a loyal commander in Alivardi Khan's army, had grown dissatisfied and, with a significant number of Afghan troops under his command, rose in revolt. Bhagalpur, a strategically important town in Bihar, became the focal point of this conflict.

The exact details of the battle are not meticulously documented across all historical sources, but accounts generally agree on the key outcome. Alivardi Khan decisively defeated Mustafa Khan's forces. This victory was crucial for Alivardi Khan, solidifying his control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa and suppressing a major threat to his authority. It also marked a turning point in his efforts to consolidate his power and defend the region against external threats like the Marathas. Following the battle, Mustafa Khan was killed, effectively ending his rebellion. The Battle at Bhagalpur is a key event illustrating the internal strife and power consolidation efforts during the transition period from Mughal rule to the rise of independent regional powers in India.