The Maratha invasions of Bengal during the reign of Alivardi Khan were among the most significant events in the history of eighteenth-century eastern India. Beginning in 1741, repeated Maratha raids continued for nearly a decade and affected the political stability, economy and everyday life of Bengal. These invasions caused heavy loss of life and property, disrupted agriculture and trade, and weakened the financial position of the Nawabi government. Throughout this difficult period, Alivardi Khan made continuous efforts to defend Bengal through military campaigns, administrative measures and diplomatic negotiations. Although he was able to prevent the Marathas from establishing permanent political control over Bengal, the prolonged conflict exhausted the resources of the province and created new political and economic challenges.

This paper examines the causes of the Maratha invasions, the military and administrative response of Alivardi Khan, and their impact on the political, economic and social condition of Bengal. It also studies the views of different historians and compares evidence from Persian chronicles, contemporary records and modern historical works. The study argues that the importance of the Maratha invasions lies not only in the destruction they caused but also in the long-term changes they brought to the Nawabi administration. These developments weakened Bengal at a crucial time and indirectly contributed to the changing political situation that later enabled the English East India Company to expand its influence in the province. By bringing together different historical sources, this paper attempts to present a balanced understanding of Alivardi Khan's role during one of the most challenging periods in the history of Nawabi Bengal.

Keywords: Alivardi Khan, Maratha Invasions, Bengal, Bargi Raids, Nawabi Administration, Eighteenth-Century India.