October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
Admit one · Blog

The Maratha Invasions of Bengal, 1741/1742–1751: Bargi Raids and Their Impact

Nagpur Bhonsle forces repeatedly raided Bengal in the 1740s for revenue claims. The incursions battered western districts and ended in a 1751 settlement that ceded Orissa.
Opened Runtime3 min Written byDocumentaryTube Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For much of the 1740s, forces associated with Raghuji Bhonsla of Nagpur repeatedly entered Bengal seeking chauth, a share of revenue claimed from territories once governed within the Mughal imperial system. The raids brought severe hardship to western Bengal and helped drive an economic and political crisis. They ended in a 1751 settlement that included Bengal’s cession of Orissa—not a permanent conquest of Bengal.

What were the Bargi raids?

“Bargi raids” is a common name for the repeated Maratha incursions into Bengal during the 1740s. The forces were associated with Raghuji Bhonsla, the Nagpur Bhonsle chief; they should not be treated as a campaign by every Maratha power or community. Their central demand was chauth: a revenue share claimed from territories formerly within the Mughal imperial system. The University of Exeter project describes it as one-fourth of annual produce, but that formulation should not be mistaken for a uniform modern tax rate applied identically in every account.

The dates vary by source. John R. McLane’s Cambridge chapter is titled “The Maratha invasions, 1742-1751” and places the first invasion by April 1742. The University of Exeter project dates annual raids to 1741–1751, while Banglapedia gives 1742–1751. It is therefore safest to describe a decade of raids beginning in 1741 or 1742 and ending with the 1751 settlement. Cambridge University Press; University of Exeter; Banglapedia.

Why did the Marathas invade Bengal?

Revenue claims and political opportunity converged. McLane’s account places Raghuji Bhonsla’s ambitions at the heart of the incursions and connects the opening for attack to Bengal’s unstable succession politics. In 1740, Alivardi Khan seized power from Sarfaraz Khan. The resulting change in the political order gave Raghuji an opening to press claims and intervene militarily.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

This was a conflict over power, revenue, and the authority to collect it, not a simple Hindu-versus-Muslim confrontation. The claim to chauth drew on the former Mughal political framework, while Bengal’s new ruler faced a sustained military challenge to his authority.

Where did the raids hit hardest?

The greatest pressure fell on western Bengal. McLane identifies the Burdwan, Bishnupur, and Birbhum zamindaris and Midnapur district among the areas bearing the brunt, in part because of their relative proximity to the Maratha base in central India. The pattern mattered: repeated incursions threatened communities and local revenue across exposed districts rather than producing a single, decisive battle that settled control of the region.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

What happened to civilians and the Bengal economy?

The sources describe immense hardship and an economic crisis in western Bengal. Crop failures compounded the disruption; villages were deserted and people migrated, according to the Exeter project. McLane also links the invasions to a weakening of the Murshidabad regime’s legitimacy. These accounts establish a broad civilian and political crisis, but the sources cited here do not provide a reliable, attributable aggregate death toll. Specific casualty figures should not be repeated without evidence that identifies their provenance and basis.

Two contemporary Bengali works offer ways to approach popular experience: Bharatchandra Ray’s Annadamangal, written by the Nadia zamindar’s court poet, and Gangaram’s Maharashtra Puran, by a village chronicler. The Exeter project prints Gangaram’s lament in English as “You raid my land again and again.” That is the project page’s English rendering, not an English-language original; it conveys repeated intrusion in a voice distinct from administrative records or modern historical synthesis.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

How did the invasions end?

The raids ended through a 1751 political settlement. Banglapedia says the Bengal Nawab ceded Orissa to the Marathas. This territorial accommodation brought the decade of incursions to a close; it does not show that Bengal as a whole had been permanently conquered. McLane notes that the size of the Burdwan zamindari did not change, even as the invasions had broad social and political consequences.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How should accounts of the raids be read?

Sources answer different questions and should not be flattened into a single kind of evidence. A contemporary literary chronicle can illuminate how people represented danger and loss, but it is not a neutral administrative tally. Modern scholarship can connect military events to political and economic change, while an overview such as Banglapedia summarizes the settlement and chronology. For a fuller scholarly treatment, John R. McLane’s chapter appears in Land and Local Kingship in Eighteenth-Century Bengal, a broader history of Bengal and Burdwan rather than a book devoted only to the raids: Cambridge University Press.

Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Screening Room

  1. Sark: A Modern Day Feudal Island | Crazy BordersAdmit one · Food/DrinkSark: A Modern Day Feudal Island | Crazy BordersOpened05 OCT 2026Runtime2 min
  2. Taiwan vs. China – The rocky road to democracyAdmit one · PeopleTaiwan vs. China - The rocky road to democracyOpened05 OCT 2026Runtime4 min
  3. Trump and Putin (2/2)Admit one · PoliticalTrump and Putin (2/2)Opened05 OCT 2026Runtime2 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.