Nawab Siraj ud-Daula (1733 – 2 July 1757) was the last independent Nawab of Bengal, who ruled from 1756 until 1757. He succeeded his maternal grandfather, Alivardi Khan as the Nawab of Bengal.
Siraj ud-Daula was born in Murshidabad in 1733, the grandson of Nawab Alivardi Khan, who had ascended the throne of Bengal after defeating the last independent Nawab, Sarfaraz Khan. Siraj ud-Daula grew up in the court of his grandfather and was trained in the art of warfare and administration.
After the death of Alivardi Khan in 1756, Siraj ud-Daula ascended the throne. However, his reign was marked by political unrest and the interference of the East India Company in Bengal's affairs. The Company, under the leadership of Robert Clive, had been expanding its territory in India and had gained significant influence in Bengal.
In 1756, Siraj ud-Daula attacked the British-held Fort William in Calcutta, resulting in the infamous Black Hole of Calcutta incident, in which many British prisoners died due to suffocation. The incident led to the outbreak of the Seven Years' War between Great Britain and France and the eventual British conquest of Bengal.
In 1757, Siraj ud-Daula was defeated by the British at the Battle of Plassey, which is considered a turning point in Indian history. He was betrayed by his own commanders, Mir Jafar and Rai Durlabh, who had secretly allied with the British. Siraj ud-Daula was captured and executed by the British on 2 July 1757.
Siraj ud-Daula is remembered as a valiant ruler who fought against the British and defended Bengal's independence. His defeat at the Battle of Plassey paved the way for British colonialism in India.
