Shuja-ud-Daula

Shuja-ud-Daula (also known as Shuja)

The ruler of the region that lies between the river Ganga and Yamuna (also called Jamuna) around 1761. This area is also know as the Antar-ved in Marathi language. This region is blessed with very fertile land producing good crops.

Shuja's decision about whom to join as a alley 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 the supply lines of Marathas was one of the reasons that Maratha's 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. But was eventually forced to join the Afghans (Ahmad Shah) when Abdali and his troops crossed the flooded Ganga river into his province. 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 hugh 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 previouly on numerous occasions.