Shuja-ud-Daula

Infobox Monarch
name = Shuja-ud-Daulah
title = Nawab Wazir of Oudh


caption = Nawab of Awadh(Oudh) Shuja ud Daulah
reign =1753 - 1775
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othertitles = H.H. Wazir ul-Mamalik-i-Hindustan, Shuja ud-Daula, Nawab Mirza Jalal ud-din Haidar Khan Bahadur
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predecessor = Safdar Jang
successor = Asaf-Ud-Daula
suc-type = son
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date of birth = 19th January 1732
place of birth = Mansion of Dara Shikoh, Delhi
date of death = 1775
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Shuja-ud-Daulah (b. 19 January1732, at the Mansion of Dara Shikoh, Delhi, d. 1775) was Nawab of Awadh (Oudh). He is also known under the titles H.H. Wazir ul-Mamalik-i-Hindustan, Shuja ud-Daula, Nawab Mirza Jalal ud-din Haidar Khan Bahadur, Nawab Wazir of Oudh. The Kingdom of Oudh was then a small principality formed during the decline of the Mughal Empire after the death of Aurangzeb. Though a minor royal, he is best known for his key roles in two definitive battles in Indian history - the Third Battle of Panipat which ended Maratha domination of India, and the Battle of Buxar that definitively established British domination.

The Third Battle of Panipat

Shuja's decision about whom to join as an ally in the Third Battle of Panipat was one of the decisive factors that determined the outcome of the war as lack of food due to the Afghans cutting the supply lines of Marathas was one of the reasons that Marathas could not sustain the day long battle. Their forces were weak due to starvation and also fighting facing the sun.

Shuja was earlier not very sure about whose side should he take before the Third Battle of Panipat. Marathas were still further south then and it would have taken them considerable time to reach Shuja's province. Considering the risk he had with upsetting Abdali with his huge army on his soil he took (albeit hesitatingly) the decision to join the Afghans and Najib (Najib-ud-Daula). His mother was of the opinion that he should join the Marathas as they had helped his father previously on numerous occasions. Eventually he was forced to join the Afghans that were led by Ahmad Shah Durrani, whose troops crossed the flooded Ganga river into his province.

The Battle of Buxar

Shuja is also known for his role in the Battle of Buxar, a battle that was no less definite in Indian history. He along with the forces of Shah Alam II and Mir Qasim were defeated by the British forces in one of the key battles in the history of British rule in India.

External links

* [http://www.4dw.net/royalark/India4/oudh9.htm Royal line of Nawabs of Oudh]