Conflict and Collaboration:Burdwan Raj and Its Relationship with the British(1757-1947)

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Author:

Sanghapriyo Mandal

Research Scholar
Department of History
Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan
Birbhum,West Bengal,India

Email: sanghapriyomandal2691@gmail.com

Abstract: This paper examines the complex relationship between the Burdwan Raj, a major zamindari (landholding estate) in Bengal, and the British East India Company and subsequent British Raj from 1757 to 1947. The paper explores the early conflicts between the British and the Burdwan Raj during the rule of Trilokchand and Tejchand; the rapid improvement of relations during the rule of Mahatabchand, Aftabchand and Bijoychand; and the growing closeness between the Burdwan Raj and the Indian National Congress during the reign of the Burdwan Raj ruler Udaychand. The paper argues that the relationship between the Burdwan Raj and the British was fundamentally governed by economic factors, specifically the estate’s ability to meet revenue demands.

Key Words::Burdwan Raj, British ,Conflict, Collaboration, Revenue Zamindari etc.