The Battle of Plassey and Buxar

Battles of Plassey and Buxar: Decisive Battles in Indian History

Plassey ( 1757) and Buxar ( 1764) were important events in the history of India in the expansion of British power. As a result of these wars, the British took control of Bengal , Bihar and Odisha and strengthened their political power in India.

Battle of Plassey ( 1757 )

place and date:

• place: Plassey , in present-day Nadia district of West Bengal
• Date: 23 June 1757

Parties to the war:

1. British East India Company:
   • Commander: Robert Clive
   • Troops: about 3,000 (900 Europeans and 2,100 Indians)
2. Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal:
   • Commander: Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah
   • Troops: about 50,000 (40,000 infantry , 10,000 cavalry , and 50 cannons)
   • Allies: French Army

Causes of the War:

1. Trade Disputes: Disputes escalated between the British and the Nawab of Bengal over trading rights and taxes.
2. Fortification Issue: The British increased their military strength in Calcutta (Fort William) , which Siraj-ud-Daulah saw as a threat to sovereignty.
3. ‘ Black Hole of Calcutta ‘: Siraj-ud-Daulah attacked Calcutta and reportedly killed many British prisoners.
4. Conspiracy of the British: The British got Siraj-ud-Daula’s commander Mir Jafar , businessman Jagat Seth , Umichand and Rai Durlabh on their side.

Result of the war:

• Mir Jafar did not support the Nawab’s army in the war , due to which Siraj-ud-Daula was defeated.
• The British established their control over Bengal and made Mir Jafar the Nawab.
• This war laid the foundation of British rule in India.

Battle of Buxar ( Battle of Buxar , 1764)

place and date:

• place: Buxar , in present-day Bihar
• Date: 22 October 1764

Parties to the war:

1. British East India Company:
   • Commander: Hector Munro
   • Troops: around 7,000
2. Combined Indian Army:
   • Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal
   • Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh
   • Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II
   • Troops: around 40,000

Causes of the War:

1. Conflict between Mir Qasim and the British: The British made Mir Jafar the Nawab , but later removed him and made Mir Qasim the Nawab. Mir Qasim challenged the power of the British.
2. Trade and Tax Disputes: Mir Qasim took away the British rights of tax-free trade and strengthened his army.
3. Alliance of Mir Qasim: Mir Qasim joined forces with Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh to confront the British.

Result of the war:

• The British under the leadership of Hector Munro defeated the combined Indian army.
• Mir Qasim fled and Shah Alam II had to surrender to the British.
• The Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765 , in which the British got the Diwani (right to collect revenue) of Bengal , Bihar and Odisha.

Effects of the Battles of Plassey and Buxar:

1. Establishment of British Rule: British control was completely established over Bengal , which later spread to the whole of India.
2. Decline of Mughal Power: The Mughal Emperor became only a nominal emperor and became subject to the British.
3. Economic Exploitation: The British company started exploiting the wealth of Bengal , weakening its economy.
4. British interference in Indian administration: The British gained administrative and military control in Bengal , laying the foundation for colonial rule over India.

conclusion: The Battle of Plassey gave the British control over Bengal , while the Battle of Buxar gave them power over all of northern India. Following these battles , the British Raj in India began , which lasted until the First War of Independence of 1857 .

Battles of Plassey and Buxar

Battles of Plassey and Buxar: Decisive Battles in Indian History

In the history of India Battles of Plassey ( 1757) and Buxar ( 1764) These wars were extremely important because as a result of these wars the British East India Company strengthened its hold on Bengal and North India. These wars laid the foundation of British rule in India and increased the company’s control over the Indian administration .

of Plassey ( 1757 )

📍 Location and date:

• place: Plassey , Nadia district , West Bengal
• Date: 23 June 1757

Sides of the war :

1. British East India Company:
   • Commander: robert clive
   • Army: About 3,000 (900 European troops and 2,100 Indian soldiers)
2. Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal:
   • Commander: Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah
   • Army: About 50,000 (40,000 infantry , 10,000 cavalry , and 50 cannons)
   • Associate: French Army

⚔ Reasons for the war:

1. Trade Disputes:
   • The dispute between the British and the Nawab of Bengal over trading rights escalated.
   • The British wanted to do tax-free trade , while the Nawab opposed it.
2. Fortifications and ‘ Kala Pani Scandal ‘:
   • The British increased their military strength in Calcutta (Fort William) without permission.
   • Siraj-ud-Daulah opposed this and captured Calcutta in 1756 .
   • Many British prisoners died during this period , which was called the “Black Hole of Calcutta”.
3. Conspiracy of the British:
   • The British killed the Nawab’s commander Mir Jafar , merchant Jagat Seth , Rai Durlabh , and Umichand got them on his side.

⚡ Result of the war:

• Mir Jafar did not support the Nawab’s army , which led to the defeat of Siraj-ud-Daula.
• Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula fled after the battle but was later captured and killed.
• The British Mir Jafar was made the Nawab of Bengal.
• This war was the first major step in laying the foundation of British rule in India.

Battle of Buxar ( Battle of Buxar , 1764)

📍 Location and date:

• place: Buxar , present-day Bihar
• Date: 22 October 1764

Sides of the war :

1. British East India Company:
   • Commander: Hector Munro
   • Army: About 7,000 soldiers
2. Combined Indian Army:
   • Mir Qasim ( former Nawab of Bengal)
   • Shuja-ud-Daula ( Nawab of Awadh)
   • Shah Alam II ( Mughal Emperor)
   • Army: About 40,000 soldiers

⚔ Reasons for the war:

1. Conflict between Mir Qasim and the British:
   • After the battle of Plassey the British removed Mir Jafar Mir Qasim was made the Nawab.
   • Mir Qasim tried to rule independently and took away the privilege of tax-free trade from the British.
   • The British made Mir Jafar the Nawab again , which made Mir Qasim angry.
2. Alliance of Indian Rulers:
   • Mir Qasim sought help from the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and the Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daula against the British.

⚡ Result of the war:

• The British defeated the combined Indian army.
• Mir Qasim fled , Shuja-ud-Daula surrendered and Shah Alam II came under British protection.
• Allahabad Treaty in 1765 Under Shah Alam II the empire of Bengal , Bihar and Orissa Diwani (right to collect revenue) handed over to the British.
• Now the British gained economic and administrative power in India.

Effects of the Battles of Plassey and Buxar:

1. 🔹Establishment of British rule:
   • The British gained control of Bengal after the Battle of Plassey.
   • After the Battle of Buxar they gained power over all of northern India.
2. 🔹 Decline of Mughal Power:
   • Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II became only a nominal ruler and surrendered to the British.
3. 🔹 Economic exploitation:
   • The British began exploiting Bengal’s wealth and revenue , weakening its economy.
4. 🔹British control over Indian administration:
   • of 1765 Allahabad Treaty After that the administration of Bengal went into the hands of the British.
   • Gradually most of India came under British control.

🔚 Conclusion:

• Battle of Plassey From here the British established their roots in Bengal.
• Battle of Buxar gave them real power in India and they became the administrative rulers of India.
• These wars consolidated British rule over India , which lasted until 1857 .

➡️ These wars laid the foundation of the Indian freedom struggle , because it was from here that the dominance of the British was established .

Battle of Plassey

Battle of Plassey ( 1757) – A detailed study

Battle of Plassey 23 June 1757 to the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah The war proved to be a turning point in the history of India as it gave the British an opportunity to rule Bengal and laid the foundation of their political dominance in India.

Place and time of the battle

• place: Plassey (in present-day Nadia district of West Bengal , on the banks of the Hooghly River)
• Date: 23 June 1757

⚔ Sides of the War

1️⃣ British East India Company:

• Leader: robert clive
• Army: About 3,000 soldiers
  • 900 European soldiers
  • 2,100 Indian Sepoys (Sepoys)

2️⃣ Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal:

• Leader: Siraj-ud-Daulah
• Army: About 50,000 soldiers
  • 40,000 infantry
  • 10,000 horsemen
  • 50 guns (with French cooperation)

Leadership of Bengal Army :

• Mir Jafar ( Commander in Chief)
• Opinion rare
• Jagat Seth (rich businessman of Bengal)
• Umichand

⚡ Main Causes of War

1️⃣ Trade Disputes and Tax Policy:

• The East India Company had received the privilege of doing tax-free trade in Bengal from the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar.
• Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah This was not acceptable to him as it was causing huge economic loss to Bengal.
• The Nawab ordered the British to pay taxes , but the British refused to obey.

2️⃣ Fortifications of Fort William:

• The British without the permission of the Nawab Fort William (Calcutta Fort) They started repairing it and storing weapons in it.
• Siraj-ud-Daula considered this a threat to his sovereignty.

3️⃣ ‘ Black Hole of Calcutta ‘:

• 1756 the Nawab attacked Calcutta and captured Fort William.
• They imprisoned some British officers in a small room , where many died of suffocation.
• The British publicised it as the “Black Hole of Calcutta” and planned revenge.

4️⃣ Betrayal and conspiracy in the Nawab’s court:

• Mir Jafar , Jagat Seth , Rai Rare And Umichand He joined hands with the British and started plotting to deceive the Nawab.
• He assured the British that he would not support the Nawab during the war.

🛡 Description of the battle ( 23 June 1757)

• War Dawn 7 o’clock started and afternoon by 11 o’clock walked.
• The British army was far smaller in number , but their tactics and artillery were more effective.
• Siraj-ud-Daulah’s army was very large in number , but his commander Mir Jafar , Rai Durlabh and Jagat Seth I betrayed him.
• only the Nawab’s army Mirza Mohammed and Mohanlal Fought bravely.
• It rained till noon , soaking the Nawab’s gunpowder and causing his cannons to stop working.
• The British took advantage of this opportunity and intensified the attack.
• When Siraj-ud-Daula realised that Mir Jafar had betrayed him , he He fled to his capital, Murshidabad .

The result of the war

1. Defeat and death of Siraj-ud-Daulah:
   • Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula fled from the war and reached Murshidabad.
   • But Mir Jafar’s son Mirān captured him and He was murdered on 2 July 1757 .
2. Mir Jafar became the new Nawab:
   • The British on their own terms Mir Jafar was made the Nawab of Bengal .
   • In return for making Mir Jafar the Nawab, the British Rs 17.7 crore was looted from the treasury of Bengal .
3. The power of the British strengthened:
   • Now the British gained commercial and military power in Bengal.
   • He started interfering in the internal politics of Bengal.
4. Foundation of British Rule in India:
   • This battle was against the British rule in India It was the first big victory .
   • This helped the British to become economically and politically stable in India.

Effects of the Battle of Plassey

1️ Economic impact:

• The British took possession of the immense wealth of Bengal.
• The company got exemption for tax free trade , which caused loss to Indian traders.

2️ Political influence:

• The British made Mir Jafar a puppet Nawab.
• Soon he removed Mir Jafar and Mir Qasim was made Nawab ( 1760) , but he also came in opposition to the British.

3️ Establishment of British rule:

• The victory at Plassey marked the beginning of British rule and later Battle of Buxar ( 1764) made it stronger.

4️ Foundation of Indian freedom struggle:

• The Battle of Plassey became a lesson for the Indian people that foreign powers benefit from internal treason.
• The struggle against the British continued until the First War of Independence of 1857 .

Conclusion

The Battle of Plassey was not merely a military conflict , but The victory of treachery and conspiracy This war had created problems in India The foundation of British rule was laid , which later led to the complete control of the British over India. If Mir Jafar and other Indian chieftains had stayed with the Nawab , then perhaps it would not have been possible for the British to rule India.

This battle was one of the most important events in Indian history , which changed the fate of India forever .

Battle of Buxar

Battle of Buxar ( Battle of Buxar , 1764) – A detailed study

Battle of Buxar 22 October 1764 It was fought between the British East India Company and three powerful Indian rulers (former Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim , Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah of Awadh , and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II). The British won a decisive victory in this war , gaining complete control over Bengal , Bihar and Orissa. This war was the first war in India. It was the most important struggle that firmly established British power .

Place and time of the battle

• place: Buxar (presently located in the state of Bihar)
• Date: 22 October 1764

⚔ Sides of the War

1️ British East India Company:

• Leader: Hector Munro
• Army: About 7,000 soldiers
  • 850 European soldiers
  • 5,000 Indian soldiers
  • 900 horsemen

2️ Indian Joint Forces:

• Mir Qasim (former Nawab of Bengal)
• Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh)
• Shah Alam II (Mughal Emperor)
• Army: About 40,000 soldiers

⚡ Main Causes of War

1️ Conflict between Mir Qasim and the British:

• of 1757 Battle of Plassey The British after Mir Jafar was made the Nawab of Bengal.
• But later the British felt that Mir Jafar could not fulfill their needs , so in 1760 they removed him. Mir Qasim was made the Nawab .
• Mir Qasim wanted to become an independent Nawab and began to oppose British interference.

2️ Dispute of tax-free trade:

• The British in Bengal privilege of tax-free trade This was causing heavy losses to Bengal’s economy .
• Mir Qasim abolished this policy and tried to give equal rights to Indian traders.
• This increased tension between the British and Mir Qasim.

3️ Confrontation between the British and Mir Qasim:

• Mir Qasim moved the capital to Transferred from Murshidabad to Munger (Bihar) and strengthened the army.
• The British were annoyed by this In 1763 , Mir Qasim was removed and Mir Jafar was made the Nawab again .
• Mir Qasim started fighting against the British , but was defeated in the battles of Geria and Udhua Nala in 1763 and fled to Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh.

4️ Alliance of three Indian rulers:

• Mir Qasim to defeat the British Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II Asked for cooperation from.
• These three together fought against the British formed a joint army And faced the British at Buxar.

 Description of the battle ( 22 October 1764)

• The war began in the morning And it lasted the whole day.
• The Indian combined forces were very large in numbers , but their leadership was weak.
• by Hector Munro European military strategy adopted in the war And divided his army into three parts.
• There was lack of coordination in the Indian Army , which benefited the British.
• Mir Qasim’s army soon weakened and fled from the battle.
• Ultimately The British had a glorious victory And the Indian Army was completely defeated.

The result of the war

1. Defeat and end of Mir Qasim:
   • Mir Qasim fled to Nepal after the war and died there in 1777 .
2. Defeat of Shuja-ud-Daula:
   • The British attacked Awadh and Shuja-ud-Daula had to surrender.
3. Shah Alam II under the British:
   • The Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II He took refuge with the British .
   • Now the Mughal emperor became only a nominal ruler and his power ended.
4. Allahabad Treaty of 1765 :
   • Shah Alam II to the British Handed over the Diwani (right to collect revenue) of Bengal , Bihar and Orissa .
   • Shuja-ud-Daula was again made the Nawab of Awadh , but he pledged to pay heavy taxes to the British.
   • Now Bengal came completely under British control.

⚖ Effects of the Battle of Buxar

1️ Establishment of British rule:

• The Battle of Buxar strengthened the foundation of British rule in India.
• The British now Revenue rights (Diwani) were obtained for Bengal , Bihar and Orissa .
• now they In India they became not just businessmen but administrators .

2️ Decline of the Mughal Empire:

• Shah Alam II completely submitted to the British.
• Now The Mughal Emperor remained only a nominal ruler , while the real power came to the British.

3️ Dependence of Indian rulers:

• Indian rulers now had to depend on the British for their protection.
• The Nawab of Awadh and other kings had to take the help of the British army.

4️ Beginning of British Administration:

• The East India Company gained complete control over Bengal And she now started collecting revenue.
• 1772 the British Warren Hastings was made the first Governor of Bengal.

5️ British economic exploitation began:

• Now the British The British gained control over Bengal’s wealth and taxes , causing heavy losses to the Indian economy.

 Conclusion

Battle of Buxar British Rule in India It was a decisive battle that completely established the British rule . If the Indian rulers had united and adopted the right strategy , then perhaps the British could have been defeated. But due to internal divisions and weak leadership, the British won and they became the de facto rulers of India .

➡️ This battle was a turning point in the history of India , which gave the British an opportunity to establish long-term power in India

Effects of the battles of Plassey and Buxar

Effects of the Battles of Plassey and Buxar – A Detailed Study

Plassey ( 1757) and Buxar ( 1764) are important in the history of India Turning Point These wars laid the foundation of British rule in India and weakened the political , economic and administrative position of Indian rulers.

The impact of these two battles Political , economic , social and administrative level , which completely changed the future of India.

 1️ Political influence

( i ) Establishment of British rule

• Battle of Plassey ( 1757) Gave the British East India Company its first opportunity to establish power in Bengal.
• Battle of Buxar ( 1764) Established complete control of the company in Bengal , Bihar and Orissa.

(ii) Decline of the Mughal Empire

• After the Battle of Buxar, Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II had to take refuge with the British.
• Now The Mughal Emperor remained only a nominal king , while the real power went into the hands of the British.

(iii) Weakness of Indian rulers

• Bengal , Awadh and the Mughal Empire proved that the Indian rulers were weak , disorganized and victims of internal divisions.
• This gave the British an opportunity to expand their power throughout India.

(iv) Appointment of puppet nawabs

• After Plassey Mir Jafar was made the Nawab of Bengal by the British , but he ruled only on the orders of the Company.
• When Mir Jafar did not live up to the expectations of the British , Mir Qasim was made Nawab in 1760 .
• After the Battle of Buxar the British took over direct administration.

 2️ Economic impact

( i ) Civil rights (right to collect revenue) were granted

• Allahabad Treaty of 1765 under the The British got the right of Diwani (tax collection) of Bengal , Bihar and Orissa .
• Now India’s wealth started going into the pockets of the British.

(ii) Decline of Indian trade and industries

• British officials were allowed to trade tax-free , but Indian traders had to pay heavy taxes.
• From this Indian traders suffered losses and slowly the indigenous industries were destroyed .

(iii) Loot of the wealth of Bengal

• After Plassey the British Rs 17.7 crore was looted from the treasury of Bengal .
• Apart from commercial profits, British officials started sending Bengal’s wealth to England.

(iv) Ruin of the land revenue system

• More taxes began to be levied on farmers , which weakened the agricultural system in Bengal.
• In 1770 There was a terrible famine in Bengal , in which millions of people died.

 3️ Social Impact

( i ) Instability in Indian society

• The defeat of the Indian rulers increased the feeling of fear and insecurity among the people.
• The British They won over the landlords and businessmen to their side , due to which inequality began to increase in the society.

(ii) Corruption in administration

• After the arrival of the British, corruption increased in the administration.
• Indian officials They became subject to the British and started serving them only .

(iii) Discontent among the Indian soldiers

• Indian soldiers started being recruited in the British Army , but they were discriminated against.
• This dissatisfaction later Caused the revolt of 1857 .

 4️ Administrative impact

( i ) The East India Company now became not just a trader but also a ruler

• Before Plassey the East India Company was merely a trading organisation , but After Buxar it became the administrative power .
• Now the company They started collecting taxes , maintaining an army and subjugating Indian rulers .

(ii) Establishment of Company Government

• 1772 the British Warren Hastings was appointed the Governor of Bengal .
• He laid the foundation of company administration and Implemented new judicial and revenue system .

(iii) Introduction of English laws

• The British took control of the Indian legal system.
• now in india English laws came into effect And the Indian judicial system became weak.

 5️ Military influence

( i ) The weakness of the Indian forces was exposed

• The battles of Plassey and Buxar made it clear that the Indian armies They were weaker than the British in war skills and technology .
• The Indian forces were large in number , but lacked organisation and unity.

(ii) Expansion of the British Army

• Now the British have Started recruiting Indian soldiers and created a huge army .
• This army later It assisted in British victories against the Marathas , Mysore and the Sikhs .

 6️ Long-term effects

( i ) The foundation of the Revolution of 1857 was laid

• After Plassey and Buxar, British atrocities increased , which increased dissatisfaction among the Indian people.
• This dissatisfaction later It turned into the freedom struggle of 1857 .

(ii) Beginning of India’s slavery

• The battles of Plassey and Buxar were the foundation of British rule in India.
• gradually The British established their control over the entire India .

(iii) Long term impact on the Indian economy

• Indian industries were destroyed and the country was left with only It remained only a supplier of raw materials and a market for British goods .
• This situation later on This led to the collapse of the Indian economy and poverty .

Conclusion

 The battles of Plassey ( 1757) and Buxar ( 1764) completely established British power in India.

• The Battle of Plassey solidified British trading dominance , while
• The Battle of Buxar gave him administrative and political power.

 If the Indian rulers had not fought among themselves and had remained united , then perhaps the British would not have got the opportunity to rule India. But Internal divisions , betrayal and disorganized armies made India a British colony. ➡️ These wars changed the course of India’s history and paved the way for British rule for almost 200 years .