The Battle for Suja-ud-Daula: The Ultimate Prize (1760)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Critical Factor: Suja's Decision Changes Everything

The Stakes:

"Suja was the key because if he stays neutral or on the Maratha side, they don't get the communal color, Hindu versus Muslim."

If Suja Joins Marathas or Stays Neutral:

• Remains: Afghans vs Indians
• Foreign invaders vs local powers

If Suja Joins Abdali:

• Becomes: Hindus vs Muslims
• Polarizes all Muslims to fight Marathas

Why Suja Was THE Prize

His Assets:

1. Awadh kingdom (between Ganga-Yamuna, enormous revenue)
2. Substantial fighting force
3. Substantial treasury
4. 7,000 Kizilbash (Iranian suicide soldiers from Nadir Shah)
5. Naga warriors (Hindu fighters)

Bhau's Dual Strategy

Part 1: Shakti Pradarshan (Exhibition of Power)

• Show you're going to win
• "I am too strong to fail"
• Demonstrate invincibility

Part 2: Mutsaddegiri (Statesmanship)

• Promise rewards after war
• Pamper his ego
• Use diplomacy

Why Both Needed:

"Even if he knows you're invincible, if you treat him bad or don't give him reason to join, he won't come. You need both."

Suja's Background: Positive Factors for Marathas

His Father - Safdar Jung:

• Former Wazir who fought WITH Marathas
• Created the 1752 alliance against Abdali
• Good history to build on

His Mother - Sadrunisa Begum:

• Favored Marathas
• Shrewd woman
• Some influence on Suja
• But male-dominated power structure

His Identity:

• Shia Muslim (not Sunni)
• Iranian ancestry (not Afghan)
• No natural bond with Abdali
• "Up for grabs"

The Sources of Suja's Wealth

Agriculture:

• Extremely fertile Doab land
• Sweet water abundant

Religious Tourism:

• Allahabad/Prayagraj (three rivers confluence)
• Massive Hindu pilgrimage site
• Rich commerce from religious visitors

The Political Reality

Abdali's Advantage:

• Already close to Awadh
• Bhau hundreds of miles away
• Abdali's letters carry more weight
• "He was right there"

The Mission: Govindapant Bundele

Orders from Bhau:

1. Best case: Bring Suja to Maratha side
2. Minimum: Keep him neutral

Why Neutral Was Acceptable:

"If neutral, that army and treasury doesn't go to anybody. More even playing field."

Key Figures

The Stakes

For Marathas: MUST keep Suja neutral or win him - if he joins Abdali, becomes Hindu-Muslim war

For Abdali: WANTS Suja badly - changes narrative to religious war, easier to rally Muslims

For Suja: His decision determines the nature of the war itself

One man's decision could transform this from a national defense against foreign invaders into a religious war. Suja sits at the center, courted by both sides, his mother favoring Marathas, geography favoring Abdali.