Battle of Plassey and Buxar

Introduction 

On June 23rd, 1757, the historic battle of Plassey took place between Siraj-ud-daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, and the British East India Company. Ultimately, the battle resulted in the major power of Britishers in Bengal.

The Battle of Plassey

Siraj Ud Daulah was known as the Nawab of Bengal after the death of Alivardi Khan in 1756. Although, the Company was unsure regarding his powers and keeping an eye as they were worried if he would give away all privileges. Siraj Ud Daulah said to his Company not to interfere in any political affairs, pay revenues, and stop fortification. 

Later, when the negotiations failed, along with 30,000 soldiers, the Nawab marched at Kasimbazar to an English factory. There, they captured Company officials, disarmed Englishmens, blockaded ships, and locked warehouses, also known as the black hole tragedy. In order to control the Company’s fort, he later marched to Calcutta. 

After the news about the Calcutta fall came, the forces were sent to Madras by the officials under Robert Clive’s command. The prolonged negotiations followed Nawab. In 1757, at Plassey, Company’s army was led by Robert Clive against Sirajuddaulah.

Among all the reasons for the Nawab’s defeat, one primary reason was that Mir Jafar, the leader of the army, never participated in the Battle of Plassey. After the war was over, Mir Jafar was crowned as the Nawab, and Siraj Ud Daulah was killed. Although, the Company was still not willingly taking the administrative responsibilities as they wanted to expand trade. If it was possible without conquest, along with rulers readily granting privileges, then there was no need for territories to be taken over directly. 

Chronology of events 

1. In the 17th century, the factories in Surat, Madras, Calcutta, and Bombay were established. 
2. In 1717, the company got the right to engage in trade freely in the entire Mughal Empire. However, officials of the company were misused. 
3. Siraj-ud-daulah was crowned as Nawab, and the company was asked to stop fortifications. Despite not giving permission to build forts, they continue to do so. 
4. Hence, the British station in Calcutta was attacked. Also, the 3000-strong army of Siraj defeated the British troops. 
5. In June 1756, the Nawab troops occupied Calcutta and made British officers and soldiers prisoners who were kept in a small cell in Fort William. Cell with the capacity of only 6 people had more than a hundred people. This incident was referred to as the Black Hole of Calcutta. 
6. Soon the news reached Nawab, they dispatched troops. 
7. In January 1757, the British captured Calcutta. 
8. In February 1757, Robert Clive tried attacking the Nawab’s camp. On February 4th, In an indecisive skirmish between the Nawab’s men and the company forces, both sides lost men. This brought a panic situation where the Nawab signed the Treaty of Alinagar. As per the signed Treaty of Alinagar, Nawab agreed to Calcutta’s fortification and allowed for the restoration of English factories. His capital and troops were also withdrawn. 
9. In the Nawab court, conspiracies were made to overthrow him. Some of the most prominent names are Mir Jaffar, Rai Durlabh, Omichund, Yar Lutuf Khan, and other officers in the army. 
10. Lately, the company supported Mir Jaffar and signed a treaty with him according to which he will be the next Nawab if he supports the British in the war. 
11. On June 14th, Siraj received the declaration of war from Clive. Accordingly, on 21st June, the Nawab’s troops reached Plassey. 
12. On June 23rd, the British forces reached the village of Plassey
13. Even after having 5000 men in his army along with the French support, Nawab lost the battle because of the betrayal of Mir Jaffar. 

Run up to Battle of Buxar

Since the puppet nawab was not cooperative enough, the Company realized that it was tricky. They cannot afford to lose their sovereignty and dignity as they want to be respected. What can be the next possible step? 

After Mir Jafar started to protest, the Company decided to depose him and install Mir Qasim. Later, he was also defeated in 1764 during the battle at Buxar, which reinstalled Mir Jafar. Although the Nawab was already paying a hefty sum of Rs 500000 to the Company, still they were looking for money to manage finance and fulfill the emerging trade demands. 

Soon after the Battle of Buxar in 1764, Mir Jafar died. By this time, the Company was changed, and Clive declared: “We must indeed become nawabs ourselves.” 

Impact of controlling Bengal

The Company was allowed to get access to Bengal’s revenue resources. This action by Diwani solved the Company’s financial problems to a greater extent. Later, in the 8th century, trading with India drastically multiplied. But they were bound to buy Indian goods with silver or gold. This happens because, during the 8th century, Britain had no interests available.

After the Battle of Plassey, the outflow of gold from Britain slowed, and it was put to breaks after Diwani’s assumption. Silk and cotton textile was purchased with this revenue in India. Apart from this, it was used to maintain the troops and the cost involved in the construction of company offices and forts in Calcutta.

Conclusion 

The Battle of Plassey was fought between Siraj-ud-daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, and the British East India Company on June 23rd, 1757, at Plassey near Murshidabad. In the end, the Nawab of Bengal himself was betrayed, caught, and killed by Mir Jafar, who was then instituted as the new Nawab of Bengal.