Which of the following cities became the capital of Bengal in 1704?

Murshidabad

The correct answer is Option (2) - Murshidabad

In 1704, the capital of Bengal shifted from Dhaka (present-day Dhaka, Bangladesh) to Murshidabad. This decision was made by Murshid Quli Khan, the first Nawab (governor) of Bengal with significant autonomy under the Mughal Empire.

The city was named after Murshid Quli Khan himself and served as the political, economic, and cultural center of Bengal during the time of the Nawabs of Bengal. It remained the capital of Bengal until 1773 when the British East India Company shifted the capital to Kolkata (then Calcutta) due to its growing importance as a trading hub and its more favorable location for British interests.

Therefore, Murshid Quli Khan's decision to shift the capital to Murshidabad in 1704 was a strategic move aimed at strengthening his political and economic control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. The city remained the capital under the Nawabs until 1772 and even under the British East India Company until 1790.