Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Siraj ud-Daulah" in English language version.
The climax of the movement was reached after Murshid Quli Khan had established in Bengal what was practically a Shia dynasty, ever ready to welcome and honour the wandering talent and piety of the centre of that creed.
From 1701 until the British conquest of 1757, Bengal was ruled by Shia governors appointed by the Mughals but de facto almost independent. Since that time huge imâmbârgâhs were built and estates designated as auqâf for the promotion of 'azâdârî by Iranian merchants and their descendants in Bengal towns like Murshidabad and Hoogly, which also attracted many Shia 'ulamâ' from both India and Iran.