Anglo – Bengal Wars

Anglo – Bengal Wars

1. The Battle of Plassey 1757
2. The Battle of Buxar 1764
Bengal on the Eve of British Conquest
1. Subahdar used to be highest officer of a province/suba. Diwan was not highest position in a suba. Diwan used to deal with
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revenue collection.
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2. Bengal was the richest province [subah (सूबा)] of Mughal empire.
Why richest province? (Bengal’s trade importance)

1. Bengal exported Rice, Indigo, Pepper (Kali Mirch), Sugar, Silk (Resham), Cotton Textiles, Handicrafts , etc., to Europe.
60% of total export of Asia to Europe used to be from Bengal.
2. Agriculture was flourishing.
3. 1700 – 1756
(1) was largely peace period for Bengal which contributed in making Bengal a prosporous Mughal province while rest
of India was disturbed by – In north attacks by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali, South – wars for succession,
Jat revolts, Maraths revolts, etc.
(2) One more reason for prosperity of Bengal – Bengal were governed largely by able nawabs such as – Murshid Quli
Khan, Shuja-ud-Din,…….., and Alivardi Khan.
4. Note
(1) Bengal’s trade importance + other reasons ….……..gave confidence to BEIC that they can capture Bengal.
(2) Victory of EIC over FEIC in south in 3rd Carnatic War
Presence of BEIC in Bengal.
1. In 1651, the first English factory in Bengal was set up at Hooghly post receiving permision of Mughal Subahdar, Shah
Shuja.
2. The same year, much pleased with the services of Mr. Boughton in curing a royal lady, the Subahdar granted the Company
the privileges of free trade throughout Bengal, Bihar and Orissa for a nominal lump sum payment of Rs. 3,000.
(1) Emperor Farrukhsiyar’s Royal Farman of 1717 confirmed these trade privileges.
3. Soon after English factories sprang up at Kassimbazar, Patna and other places in the province.
4. Fort William (2nd British Fort in India)
(1) Job Charnock, an agent of the EIC, established a factory at Sutanuti of EIC.
(2) 1698
i. In 1698, EIC bought Zamindari of 3 villages of Sutanuti, Gobindapur and Kalikata [these villages near by
Sutanuti] from Mughal Subahdar अज़ीम-उस-सान on payment of Rs 1200 [citing threats to sutanuti factory]
(3) 1700
i. Calcutta was established in 1700 by combining these 3 villages.
ii. Fort William was established at Calcutta.
(4) Charles Eyre was appointed President of Fort William and Calcutta.
5. as
Bengal (1700-1712) Subahdar and Diwan of bengal
1700-12 (Murshid Quli Khan as a Diwan of Bengal) & (Azim-us-Shan as a Subahdar of Bengal)

1. Aurangzeb (Mughal emperor during 1658-1707) + Bahadur Shah I (Mughal emperor during 1707-1712)
2. During this period, Murshid Quli Khan was Diwan of Bengal and Azim-us-Shan was Subahdar of Bengal
1712 – 17 (Murshid Quli Khan as a Subahdar+Diwan of Bengal)

1. Jahandar Shah (Mughal emperor during 1712-13) + Farrukhsiyar (Mughal Emperor during 1713-19)
2. Murshid Quli Khan was Diwan of Bengal but Also Playing role of Subahdar
3. Farrukhsiyar’s Farman of 1717.
(1) Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar’s Farman of 1717
(2) In 1717 Emperor Farrukhsiyar issued a farman that includes confirming the free trading rights granted by earlier
subahdars of Bengal and according permission to the Company to rent additional territory around Calcutta among
others.
Bengal (1712-1765)  Nawabs of Bengal
1717 – 1727 (Murshid Quli Khan as a Nawab of Bengal)

1. In 1717, Murshid Quli Khan became Subahdar of Bengal/Nawab of Bengal

2. Bengal became an independent province under Murshid Quli Khan and he was Nawab of Bengal.
3. Capital changed to Murshidabad from Dhaka
4. From here onwards, he can be called as Nawab of Bengal as Bengal started behaving like independent province
5. Opposed Misuse of BEIC’s Dastaks by BEIC’s Officials+ Why? - Farrukhsiyar’s Farman of 1717
6. Note
a. 1717 – 1765 = Independent Bengal history we will study.
1727 – 1739 (Shuja-ud-Din as a Nawab of Bengal)

1. 1727 + Murshid Quli Khan died in 1727 + Shuja-ud-din (shujauddin), (son-in-law) damad of Murshid Quli khan, became Page |
Nawab of Bengal + (Murshid Quli Khan was last appointee by Mughal emperor and from Murshid Quli khan onwards no 2
more)
2. Opposed Misuse of BEIC’s Dastaks by BEIC’s Officials+ Why? - Farrukhsiyar’s Farman of 1717
1739- 40 (Sarfaraz Khan as a Nawab of Bengal)

1739+ Death of Shuja-ud-din + Sarfaraz Khan, son of Shuja-ud-din, became Nawab of Bengal
Opposed Misuse of BEIC’s Dastaks by BEIC’s Officials+ Why? - Farrukhsiyar’s Farman of 1717
1740 - 1756 (Alivardi Khan as a Nawab of Bengal)

1. 1740+ Battle of Giria (1740) – Sarfaraz Khan attacked by Alivardi Khan and Sarfaraz Khan died and Alivardi Khan became
Nawab of Bengal.
2. Opposed Misuse of BEIC’s Dastaks by BEIC’s Officials+ Why? - Farrukhsiyar’s Farman of 1717
3. During reign of Alivardi Khan, there were significant attacks by the Maratha in Bengal. Taking advantage of the Maratha
incursions into Bengal, the English obtained the Nawab’s permission to dig a ditch and throw up an entrenchment around
their settlement of Fort William.
1756 - 1757 (Siraj-ud-Daulah सिराजउददौला as a Nawab of Bengal)

1. 1756 + Alivardi khan died in 1756 + Only 3 Daughters of Alivardi Khan (It is said that all damads died during his reign)+ Siraj-
ud-Daulah सिराजउददौला, son of youngest daughter, became Nawab of Bengal.
2. Only 3 daughters of Alivardi Khan  Siraj ki दो मौसी
3. Challenges Before Siraj-ud-Daulah+ तीन तरफ़ा मोर्चा
(1) Nawab of Purnea – Shaukat Jang- पूर्णिया का शौकतजंग (एक मौसी का पुत्र)- he was also keen to become Nawab of
Bengal
(2) Ghasiti Begum - ढाका की घसीटी बेगम (दूसरी मौसी) और Diwan Raj Ballabh
(3) अंग्रेज़ (supporting 1 and 2)
4. Oct 1756+ Battle of Manihari मनिहारी – Siraj defeated and killed Shaukat Jang
5. Opposed Misuse of BEIC’s Dastaks by BEIC’s Officials+ Why? - Farrukhsiyar’s Farman of 1717
Conditions (Social, economic, political, military) of bengal
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6. As
7. As
Battle of Plassey (23rd June 1757)
Note: Rough

1. Image

2. 1717= bengal became independent province under Murshid Quli Khan. He was founder of independent bengal province.
3. 1717 – 1765 = History we will read.
4. 1717 = post of Nawab Till 1765 = post of Nawab
5. 1757 = a new post started “Governor of Bengal”
6. From 1757 Governor of Bengal started to appoint Nawab of bengal.
List of Nawabs of Bengal

1. 1717 - 1727 (Murshid Quli Khan as a Nawab of Bengal)

2. 1727 - 1739 (Shuja-ud-Din as a Nawab of Bengal)
3. 1739 - 1740 (Sarfaraz Khan as a Nawab of Bengal)
4. 1740 - 1756 (Alivardi Khan as a Nawab of Bengal)
5. 1756 - 1757 (Siraj-ud-Daulah सिराजउददौला as a Nawab of Bengal)
6. 1757 – 1760 (Mir Jafar)
7. 1760 – 1763 (Mir Qasim)
8. 1763 – 1765 (Mir Jafar)
9. 1765 – 1766 (Nazam-ud-Daulah) =
10. 1766 – 1770 (Saif Ud Daulah).
11. 1770 – 1772 (Mubarak Ud Daulah).
Conditions before battle of Plassey

1. As
2. as
1756: Siraj ud Daulah became Nawab of Bengal
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Reasons for Battle of Plassey/Siraj Vs English clash reason

1. [Immediate Reason] Strengthening of Fortification of Fort William in Calcutta by BEIC without permisison of Bengal Nawab
2. The BEIC also annoyed Siraj ud Daulah by giving asylum to political offenders (political fugitives) from Bengal
3. Opposed Misuse of Dastaks by BEIC+ Why? - Farrukhsiyar’s Farman of 1717
Strengthening of Fortification of Fort William in Calcutta by BEIC without permisison of Bengal Nawab
1. Seven years war began in Europe in 1756. In 1756, FEIC and BEIC both anticipated that “Seven years war” might extend to
India also. To protect Forts in Bengal from possible attacks by each other, both started strengthening fortification of their
Forts in Bengal without permission of Nawab of Bengal i.e. Siraj ud Daulah.
2. For example, the English had begun to 'strengthen the fortifications of Fort William and mounted guns on the walls of the
fort.
3. When Nawab asked both BEIC and FEIC to stop fortification. FEIC stopped but BEIC continued.
4. Note: Calcutta+Kasimbazar – BEIC; Chandranagore - FEIC
The BEIC also annoyed Siraj-ud-daulah by giving asylum to political offenders (political fugitives) from Bengal
1. The BEIC also annoyed Siraj-ud-Daulah (Siraj-ud-Daula) by giving asylum to political offenders (political fugitives) from
Bengal. For example, BEIC gave asylum to asylum to political fugitive Krishna Das [Jewels stolen from Siraj ud Daulah;
Krishan das was son of Rai Vallabh; he asked BEIC to return but BEIC did not return]
2. The BEIC also indirectly provided lending support to the claims of Ghasiti Begum.
Opposed Misuse of BEIC’s Dastaks by BEIC’s Officials+ Why? - Farrukhsiyar’s Farman of 1717
1. In 1717, the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar issued a royal farman granting the BEIC many trade priviledges. This royal
farman is also called….
2. Why Farman? + William Hamilton: In 1715, an English mission led by John Surman had came to the court of Mughal
Emperor Farrukhsiyar. Farrukhsiyar was ill and hence John Surman sent a British Surgeon called William Hamilton and
performed two surguries and cured Farrukhsiyar of a disease (swelling in the groin).
3. Important terms of Royal farman of 1717
(1) The BEIC was permitted to carry out trade in Bengal, Bombay and Madras (without payment of) free of regular
customs duty. However, BEIC had to pay nominal annual payment of Rs 3,000 to Mughal Emperor. [BEIC -Import-
export-inlimited]
(2) To ensure movement of goods without paying regular custom duties, BEIC was also given the right to issue
dastak. Dastak was a trade permit which exempted the goods specified from payment of custom duties.
(3) The BEIC was also permitted to mint its own coins and further fortify Calcutta.
(4) The EIC was permitted to rent more land near Calcutta.
(5) Trading privileges in Gujarat and Hyderabad (Carrying out free trade except on payment of nominal charges).
(6) Coins of BEIC minted at Bombay were given recognition throughout Mughal empire (BEIC के सिक्को की मुग़ल
साम्राज्य में मान्यता)
(7) Note: The BEIC servants were also permitted to carry out private trade but were not covered by this farman and
hence were required to pay the same taxes as Indian merchants. However, the dastaks were later misused by the
Company’s servants to carry out private trade without paying regular custom duty.
4. Misuse of Dastaks
(1) In 1717, the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar had issued a royal farman granting BEIC many trade priviledges including
the right to issue dastak for free trade in Bengal by BEIC (without paying regular applicable duties) except on
annual payment of Rs 3,000 to Mughal Emperor + Dastak was a trade permit which exempted the goods specified
from payment of duties
(2) To ensure movement of goods without paying regular custom duties, BEIC was also given the right to issue
dastak.
(3) Issue #1 + Revenue loss to Bengal & Indian Merchant’s goods became incompetitive
i. Because of exemption from payment of regular duties except annual payment of Rs 3000, BEIC’s goods had
become cheaper than goods of Indian Merchants 
 1. Revenue loss to Bengal as BEIC was exempted from payment of duties in Bengal except annual
payment of Rs 3000 to Mughal emperor
2. Indian Merchant’s goods became incompetitive with respect to BEIC’s products
(4) Issue #2 + BEIC’s offcials also started misusing dastaks for their personal trade
i. Revenue loss to Bengal
ii. Indian Merchant’s goods became incompetitive with respect to BEIC offcials’s products
(5) BEIC’s officials also started selling these dastaks to Indian and Euopean Merchants for a commission Page |
i. Indian Merchant’s goods became incompetitive with respect to products of Indian and European 6
Merchants having dastaks
ii. Revenue loss to Bengal
5. All Nawabs of Bengal starting from Murshid Quli Khan to Siraj ud Daulah opposed misuse of Dastaks by BEIC officials
(1) 1717 – 1727 (Murshid Quli Khan as a Subahdar of Bengal/Nawab of Bengal) + 1727 – 1739 (Shuja-ud-Din as a Nawab
of Bengal) + 1739- 40 (Sarfaraz Khan as a Nawab of Bengal) + 1740 - 1756 (Alivardi Khan as a Nawab of Bengal) +
1756 - (Siraj-ud-Daulah सिराजउददौला as a Nawab of Bengal).
The Siege of Fort William 1756 (The Siege of Calcutta 1756)

1. Siraj asked FEIC and BEIC to stop fortification + FEIC stopped while BEIC didn’t.
2. 3rd June 1756:
(1) As a result, on 3rd June 1756, Siraj reached and destroyed the English factory at Kasimbazar and after proceeded to
Fort William (Calcutta)
3. 20th June 1756
(1) On 15 June 1756, Siraj attacked Fort William in Calcutta with some 50,000 troops and Captured Fort William at
Calcutta on 20th June 1756
(2) as
4. Governor of Fort William fled Roger Drake ran away from the fort and reached to Fulta island. Holwell was the Fort’s
magistrate was present there.
5. Siraj Changed name from Calcutta to Alinagar.
6. The Nawab made Manik Chand as an incharge of Calcutta/Alinagar and returned to Murshidabad (Capital of Bengal
Nawab).
Black Hole tragedy 20th June 1756

1. The "Black Hole of Calcutta" was a tiny prison cell in Fort William at Calcutta.
2. According to Holwell, one of the survivors of the Black Hole and the prime author of the story, Magistrate of Fort William, on
20th June 1756, the Nawab of Bengal imprisoned 146 English (including some women and children) inside prision.
3. When the prision was opened the next day, only 23 men (including Holwell) were alive.
4. This story led to the characterization of the Nawab, Siraj-ud-daulah, and by extension all Indians as cruel savages among
public opinion in Great Britain.
5. Controversy and Truths
(1) However, there is much controversy surrounding this story — though the prison was very much a real location that
was later used by British troops as a storage warehouse.
(2) Many historians termed this tragedy to a conspiracy to defame Mughal Nawab
(3) Some posit that given the dimensions of the room at 24 feet by 18 feet, it would not have been possible to cram
more than about 65 prisoners into the space.
(4) Others say that if several had died, all of them inevitably would have at the same time as limited oxygen would have
killed everyone simultaneously, not depriving them individually, unless Howell and his surviving crew had strangled
the others to save air.
(5) Further, it was a subordinate officer of the Nawab who had shut up English prisoners into that prison room, for
which the Nawab himseff was no way directly responsible.
Regain of Calcutta by BEIC – 1756

1. To regain Calcutta (Fort William), the EIC authorities at Madras, on 16 October 1756, sent troops towards Calcutta under the
leadership of Robert Clive.
2. Troops under leadership of Robert Clive reached Calcutta on 14 th December 1756.
3. Manik Chand, the Nawab’s officer-in-charge of Calcutta, was bribed and he surrendered Calcutta to the English after
making a show of resistance.
Treaty of Alinagar (Feb 1757)

1. In February 1757, the Nawab made peace with Robert Clive by the Treaty of Alinagar (Calcutta renamed so after Siraj-ud-
Daula captured it)
(1) Granting permission for further fortification of Fort William in Calcutta.
 (2) Restoring former trade privileges to the English.
(3) Promising compensation for the losses suffered by the English.
2. Why अलीनगर की संधि? + कम उम्र और कम अनुभव और उसके दरबारी ही उसे धोखा दे देंगे
A conspiracy with traitors

1. Taking advantage of the disaffection among the Nawab’s officers, Clive arranged a conspiracy in which ………………joined
(1) Mir Jafar (the Commander-in-Chief of the Nawab's army)
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(2) Rai Durlabh (Diwan)
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(3) Jagat Seth (an influential banker of Bengal)
(4) Omi Chand (Bengal Merchant)
(5) Manik Chand (Officer in Charge of Bengal)
2. It was planned to make Mir Jaffar the Nawab who in turn was to reward the services of the Company and pay
compensation for the losses suffered by them earlier.
3. Note- Rau: Include Black Hole Tragedy, 20 th June 1756 among reasons for battle of Plassey 1757; A conspiracy with a number
of traitors.
23 June 1757 (Battle of Plassey)

1. On 23 June 1757, battle started between army of the Bengal Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula supported by FEIC, and army of BEIC
led by Robert clive.
2. Note
(1) The English army consisted of 950 European infantry, 100 European artillery, 50 English sailors and 2,100 Indian
sepoys.
(2) The Nawab’s large army of 50,000 was commanded by the Mir Jaffar, Commander-in-Chief of the Nawab's army.
3. When the battle started on 23rd June 1757, the army units under Mir Jafar didn’t fight
(1) Some loyal commanders were also there – Mir Madan and Mohanlal.
4. Siraj had no information that the Mir Jafar was bought out by Robert Clive
(1) + [Poor intelligence of Indian ruler] One of the main reason for poor intelligence of Indian rulers was the language.
The English knew the Indian languages but the Indians didn’t understand English due to the accent
5. Hence, the battle was a “Fixed Battle” as the army units under Mir Jafar didn’t participate.
6. Mir Jaffar reached Murshidabad (Nawab Capital) on 25th June 1757 and proclaimed himself the Nawab of Bengal.
7. Siraj ud Daulah was captured and killed by Miran, the son of Mir Jafar.
Rau

Governor of Fort William – actually

Results of Battle of Plassey (1757)/ Significane of Battle of Plassey/ Post Battle of Plassey (1757)

Immediate Impact
1. Mir Jafar was made the new Nawab of Bengal by the BEIC (1757 – 1760 & 1763 – 1765), which was a puppet Nawab in
hands of BEIC.
2. BEIC got (looted) huge cash from Bengal treasury
3. Mir Jaffar rewarded the services of the BEIC
(1) the grant of the zamindari of 24 Parganas
(2) The British got huge money from Bengal
i. BEIC got 1 cr 77 lakhs as war indemnity
 ii. besides a personal present of £234,000 (=20 L) to Clive
iii. Rau: 3 cr rupees to the British.
iv. Giving 50 lakh rupees in reward to army and naval officers.
4. Free trading rights in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa to BEIC and its servants (It was also understood that British merchants and
officials would no longer be asked to pay duties on their private trade).
5. All French settlements in Bengal were surrendered to the English.
Long terms Impact Page |
1. Political Significance 8
(1) The Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of the British Empire in India
(2) It has rightly been described as the starting point of British rule in India.
(3) Mir Jafar was a puppet Nawab in hands of BEIC and subsequent Nawabs of Bengal were also puppet Nawabs in
hands of BEIC and hence BEIC became de-facto ruler of Bengal
2. Since Mir Jafar as merely a puppet Nawab in hands of BEIC, BEIC looted/extracted huge money from Bengal’s treasure which
helped BEIC
(1) to establish a large British Army in India  Conquer wars in parts of India  to acquire territories
(2) (1) helped BEIC to maintain supremacy (military supremacy) over FEIC in Bengal and others parts of country 
Helped BEIC to oust FEIC from colonial game in India  Helped the British (BEIC) to become tha paramount
European power in Bengal.
3. After Plassey, the English Company virtually monopolised the trade and commerce of Bengal. The French never recovered
their lost position in Bengal, the Dutch made a last bid in 1759 but were humbled.
4. From commerce the English proceeded to monopolise political power in Bengal. A great transformation came about in the
position of the English Company in Bengal. Before Plassey, the English Company was just one of the European Companies
trading in Bengal and suffering various exactions at the hands of the Nawab’s officials.
5. The battle of Plassey was hardly important from the military view-point.
(1) The English army didn’t win because of military superiority in the battle.
(2) Treacherous commanders of Bengal Nawab Army were sold out to BEIC.
(3) If Mir Jaffar and Rai Durlabh had remained faithful to Nawab then outcome of the battle would have been different.
It was treason that made Clive the victor.
(4) Perhaps it was in the game of diplomacy that Clive excelled. He played on the fears of the Jagat Seths, worked up
the ambition of Mir Jaffar and won a victory without fighting.
(5) K.M. Pannikar believes that Plassey was a transaction in which the rich bankers of Bengal and Mir Jaffar sold out the
Nawab to the English.
6. Summary (Rau)
(1) The British became the paramount European power in Bengal.
(2) Puppet Nawabs under British Control.
(3) Territorial foundation of the British Rule in India.
(4) Monopoly over trade of Bengal.
(5) Gains from Bengal used to defeat French in South India (3 rd Carnatic War)
1760 – Clive returned England + He will come once again to India later on

Mir Qasim (son–in-law of Mir Jafar) became Nawab replacing Mir Jafar in Oct 1760

In Oct 1760, Mir Qasim became Nawab of Bengal replacing Mir Jafar. A pension of rupees 1500 was fixed for Mir Jafar.
Why?
1. He opposed misuse of Dastaks  Mir Jafar was replaced by Mir Qasim (son–in-law of Mir Jafar) in 1760.
2. Failing to pay outstanding dues to BEIC annoyed to BEIC.
3. The EIC had already extracted a huge amount of money during 1757 – 60 which already resulted in the exhaustation of the
Bengal’s treasury (Further heavy demands of money by BEIC annoyed Mir Jafar i.e. opposed by Mir Jafar)
4. Rau: Jafar instigated the Dutch to attack British resulting Battle of Bedara/Bidara/Chinsura 1759 in Dutch got defeated by the
BEIC.
(1) Mir Jafar had entered into a conspiracy with the Dutch at chinsura to drive out BEIC
(2) However, Dutch forces were defeated by BEIC forces at Bedara in Nov 1759 at the Battle of
Bedara/Bidara/Chinsura (1759) [The EIC had already extracted a huge money during 1757 – 60 which resulted in
the exhaustation of the Bengal’s treasury. Further heavy demands of money by BEIC annoyed Mir Jafar]
5. Hence, Mir Jafar was removed from post of Nawab of Bengal by BEIC and Mir Qasim was made Nawab of Bengal by BEIC. A
pension of rupees 1500 was fixed for Mir Jafar.
Treaty with Mir Qasim (September 1760)
1. In September 1760, a treaty was signed between Mir Qasim and BEIC
 (1) To pay outstansing dues to BEIC and heavy demand of money by BEIC, Mir Qasim agreed to cede to the BEIC the
districts of Burdwan, Midnapore and Chittagong [BMC]
(2) BEIC would get half of the share in Chunam trade of Sylhet
(3) Mir Qasim promised to pay a sum of rupees 5 lakhs towards financing the BEIC’s war efforts in southern India
(4) It was agreed that Mir Qasim’s enemies were the BEIC’s enemies, and his friends, the BEIC’s friends
(5) The BEIC was to assist Nawab’s territory with its Army and was not to interfere in general administration of the
Nawab. Page |
2. as 9
In Oct 1760, Mir Qasim became Nawab of Bengal replacing Mi Jafar. A pension of rupees 1500 was fixed for Mir Jafar.
1. In Oct 1760, Mir Qasim became (puppet) Nawab of Bengal replacing Mi Jafar. A pension of rupees 1500 was fixed for Mir
Jafar.
2. Fulfilled provisions of treaty.
3. He transferred his capital from Murshidabad to Munger (The Nawab wanted to be at a safe distance from Calcutta so that
he might be less under the supervision and interference of the Company)
4. Reorganised Bureaucracy and Military (inspired from western ideas)
The Battle of Buxar (1764)
Reasons for Battle of Buxar (1764)

1. Ram Narayan, Deputy Governor of Bihar, was not responding to repeated requets by Mir Qasim to submit revenue
accounts of Bihar + Ram Narayan has backing of BEIC + Mir Kasim could not tolerate open defiance of his authority.
2. 1763: Mir Kasim no longer loyal to the EIC and raised the same old issue of Dastak again + Mir Kasim asked BEIC to stop
misue of dastaks by its officials for private trade + BEIC didn’t stop misue of dastaks + Mir Kasim made abolished duties for
all merchants which made Indian Merchants’ goods on par with goods of BEIC’s goods + This abolition of payment of duties
to all merchants led to outbreak of wars/clashes between the BEIC and Mir Kasim in 1763 (July – Sept 1763)
3. Outbreak of wars between the BEIC and Mir Kasim in 1763 (July – Sept 1763) - Katwah कहवा (In बर्दवान) + Giria गिरिया +
Murshidabad मुर्शिदाबाद + Munger + Sooty  [Rau: Mir Qasim got defeated]
4. Mir Jafar was once again made Nawab of Bengal (1763-65)
5. Mir Qasim fled to Awadh and formed a confederacy with the Shuja ud Daulah (Shuja – ud – Din: No) (Nawab of Awadh)
and Shah Alam II (the Mughal Emperor) with a view to drive out BEIC from Bengal.
(1) Shah Alam – II: worried about loss of revenues from bengal; wanted to overthrow the British
(2) Shuja ud Dualha (Nawab of Awadh): Alarmed by the increasing British influence.
6. Asas
22nd October 1764 + The Battle of Buxar (1764)

1. British Governor of Fort William: Vansittart; Hector Munro – Commandar-in-Chief of British Army;
2. The combined armies of Mir Qasim, Nawab of Awadh (Shuja-ud-Daulah) and Mughal Emperor (Shah Alam II) were defeated
by the English forces under Major Hector Munro at Buxar on October 22, 1764 in closely contested battle.
3. The combined armies of the three powers numbering between 40,000 to 60,000 met an English army of 7,072 troops
commanded by Major Munro at the battlefield of Buxar on 22 October 1764. Casualties on both sides were heavy. The
English won the day.
Aftermath of Battle of Buxar (1764)

The Treaty of Allahabad (1765)

Importance of Battle of Buxar 1764

1. The battles of Plassey and Buxar are the two important events of Indian History. These had far reaching effects. Firstly, the
English became the virtual masters of the three provinces—Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Secondly, the fugitive Shah Alam
became a pensioner of the Company. Success in these battles made the Company dream of rounding off their conquests for
which the three provinces mentioned above served as strong bases.
2. The battle of Buxar was a closely contested battle in which the losses of the English numbered 847 killed and wounded,
while on the side of the Indian powers more than 2,000 officers and soldiers were killed.
3. If the victory of Plassey was the result of British conspiracy and diplomacy, the same can hardly be said of Buxar. Mir Kasim
had made adequate preparations for the conflict and the Nawab of Oudh had mustered his best soldiers in the field.
Evidently it was a victory of superior military power.
4. Buxar confirmed the decisions of Plassey. Now English power in Northern India became unchallengeable. The new Nawab of
Bengal was their stooge, the Nawab of Oudh a grateful subordinate ally, the Emperor their pensioner. The whole territory up
to- Allahabad lay at their feet and the road to Delhi open. Never after Buxar did the Nawabs of Bengal or Oudh ever
challenge the superior position of the Company : rather the years following witnessed the tightening of English grip over
these regions.
5. If the battle of Plassey had made the English a powerful factor in the politics of Bengal, the victory of Buxar made them a
great power of Northern India and contenders for the supremacy of the whole country.
6. The English now faced the Afghans and the Marathas as serious rivals in the final struggle for the Empire of Hindustan.
7. If Plassey had imposed the European yoke on Bengal, the victory of Buxar riveted the shackles of bondage.
8. The battle of Buxar proved to be a decisive struggle with far- reaching political consequences in the destiny of India.
Dual System of Government in Bengal (1765-72)
1. Clive was sent out to India as Governor and Commander in Chief of the British possessions in India in May 1765 (2 nd time in Page |
India as Governor) 10
2. Robert Clive concluded two treaties at Allahabad in August 1765 – one with Shuja-ud-Daulah, Nawab of Awadh and the other
with Shah Alam – II, the Mughal Emperor.
Treaty of Allahabad (16 August 1765) with Nawab of Awadh
1. Robert Clive concluded proceeded Treaty of Allahabad (16 August 1765) with Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh at
Allahabad. By this treaty Shuja-ud-Daulah agreed
(1) that the Nawab gave/ceded Allahabad and Kora (Rau: Kara) to Emperor Shah Alam II
(2) that he agreed to pay Rs. 50 lakhs to the Company as war indemnity
i. [Battle of Buxar 1765: Indian side attacked first]
(3) that he confirmed Balwant Singh to be given zamindari of Benaras
2. Further, the Nawab entered into an offensive and defensive treaty with the Company binding him to render gratuitous
military help to the Company in time of need and the Company to help the Nawab with troops for the defence of his
frontier on the latter agreeing to pay the cost of its maintenance.
3. Rau: Policy of Ring fence – Awadh, Buffer State.
Treaty of Allahabad (August 1765) with Shah Alam II
1. BEIC (Clive) concluded the second Treaty of Allahabad (August 1765) with Mughal Emperor Shah Alam – II.
(1) The Emperor Shah Alam II was to be given Allahabad and Kora ceded by the Nawab of Awadh.
(2) The Emperor Shah Alam II was to reside at Allahabad under the Company’s protection. [Virtual prisoner of
BEIC/1765-72]
(3) To issue a farman granting to the Company in perpetuity the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa [Rau: in lieu of an
annual payment of Rs 26 lakhs] [Rau: BECI was made Diwan of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa]
(4) The Company to make an annual payment of Rs. 26 lakhs to Emperor
(5) The BEIC to give Rs. 53 lakhs for the Nizamat of the said provinces
2. Note: As per provisions of Treaty of Allahabad (1765), the Emperor in turn issued a firman dated 12 August 1765 granting to
the Company in perpetuity the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa in return for the Company making an annual payment of
Rs. 26 lakhs to him and providing for the expenses of the Nizamat of the said provinces which was fixed at Rs. 53 lakhs.
Clive’s political settlements showed considerable understanding of the realities of the situation {May be skipped}
1. He didn’t annex Awadh as it would have become an obligation on part of BEIC to protect an extensive land frontier open to
attacks from two strong powers of the time — the Afghans under Ahmad Shah Abdali and the Marathas. If BEIC would
have annexed Awadh, they might have to fight with the Afghans and the Marathas which they considered a risky affairs and
for which BEIC was not ready. Awadh was a neighbouring Indian state to Bengal.
2. The friendly treaty with Awadh made the Nawab a firm friend of the Company and created Awadh into a buffer state.
Thus, Shuja-ud- daula was turned into a grateful ally bound to the Company by ties of self-interest.
3. Clive’s settlement with Shah Alam II also showed considerable practical wisdom.
4. He ruled out the march to Delhi as ‘a vain and fruitless project.’ He made the Emperor a pensioner and thereby a useful
‘rubber stamp’ of the Company. The Emperor’s firman legalised the political gains of the Company in Bengal.
Dual System of Government in Bengal

1. Clive implemented Dual System of Government {or Dyarchy/Diarchy} in Bengal - rule of two, the BEIC and the Nawab of
Bengal - in 1765 whereby the Company acquired real power without any responsibility while Nawab of Bengal was vested
with the responsibility without any practical (real) power.
2. In the heydays of the Mughal Empire, the two principal officers of the Central government in a province {Subha} were the
Subahdar and the Diwan.
(1) The Subahdar looked after the Nizamat functions (Military defence + police + administration of criminal justice)
in a Mughal province {Bengal}. [He also used to be head of the mughal province]
(2) The Diwan looked after the Diwani functions (revenue affairs + administration of civil justice) in a Mughal
province {Bengal}.
(3) The two officers served as a check on each other and were directly responsible to the Central government.
(4) After the death of Aurangzeb, the Mughal central authority weakened and Murshid Quli Khan, the Nawab of Bengal,
exercised both the Nizamat and Diwani functions.
3. The Treaty of Allahabad (August 1765) {The firman issued by Emperor Shah Alam II on 12 August 1765}
 (1) granted the Diwani functions to the BEIC {in return for an annual payment of Rs. 26 lakhs to the Emperor and
providing for the expenses of the Nizamat (fixed at Rs. 53 lakhs)}
4. Earlier, in February 1765, Najim ud-Daulah was allowed to succeed as Nawab of Bengal (after the death of his father Mir
Jafar) on the condition that practically surrendered the Nizamat functions [{military defence+ foreign affairs  BEIC} and
{civil administration  a Deputy Subahdar to be named by the BEIC and not removable without their consent}].
5. Thus, the Company acquired the Diwani functions from the Emperor and the Nizamat functions from the Subahdar of
Bengal. Page |
6. At this time, the Company was neither willing nor able to undertake the direct collection of revenue. For the exercise of 11
Diwani functions, the Company appointed two Deputy Diwans, Mohammad Reza Khan for Bengal and Raja Shitab Roy for
Bihar. Mohammad Reza Khan also acted as Deputy Nizam. Thus the whole administration, Nizamat as well as Diwani,
was exercised through Indian agency, though the actual power rested with the Company. This system of government came
to be remembered as Dual System or Dyarchy, i.e., rule of two, the Company and the Nawab.
7. He made a treaty with Najib-ud-dowlah in 1765 and promised to pay him a fixed amount of Rs. 53 lakhs annually for running
the administration. This arrangement enabled the company to deal with the purse without shouldering any responsibility.
8. Clive: Battle of Arcot, Battle of Plassey, Treaty of Allahabad, Policy of ring fence, Awadh buffer state, Dual system of Govt.
Clive’s Justification of the Dual System [Why not complete authority?]
1. Open assumption of authority would have brought the Company in its true colours and might have achieved the miracle of
uniting some Indian princes against the Company and thus embroil them in war
2. It was very doubtful whether the French, the Dutch or the Danes would readily acknowledge the Company’s subahship and
pay into the hands of their servants the duties on trade or the quit-rents of those districts which they had long possessed by
virtue of Imperial firmans or grants from former Nawabs of Bengal ;
3. Open assumption of political power could create complications in England’s diplomatic relations with France, Holland,
Portugal or Sweden and might urge those powers to join in an anti- British front the like of which Europe saw later during
1878-80 (the American War of Independence) ;
4. The Company did not have at its disposal trained personnel to take over and run effectively the work of administration. Clive
wrote to the Court of Directors that even “three times the present member of civil servants would be insufficient” for that
purpose. The few servants of the Company that could be available for the task of administration were ignorant of Indian
practices, languages and customs ;
5. The Court of Directors were opposed to the acquistion of territories for that might interfere with their trade and profits. The
Directors were more interested in commerce and finance than territorial acquisitions ;
6. Clive well understood that open assumption of political power in Bengal might move the British Parliament into interfering
with the affairs of the Company.
Evil Effects of the Dual System of Government in Bengal

Source#1
1. The dual system introduced by Lord Clive worked from 1765 to 1772. Between the departure of Lord Clive and arrival of
Warren Hastings, the reins of office were held by Verelst (1766–69) and Cartier (1769–72). Both these persons were men of
mediocre abilities.
2. People suffered much under the weak and irresponsible rule of the Company.
3. Commenting on the effects of British policy and methods, during the Double System of Government in Bengal, Mr. Goram D.
Sanderson writes : “British Imperialism exhibited its true colours when engaged in the collection of revenue in a conquered
district. Let us follow British imperialism to Bengal. The Province of Bengal, until the advent of the British, was undoubtedly
the richest land in the world. No famine was ever recorded by history to have entered the rich and populous area. For
millennia, Bengal has been famous for its continuous and abundant prosperity. British imperialism needed only thirteen
years to bring destruction, death and famine to the Province of Bengal.”
4. Available records tell us while the revenue collected by the Mughal rulers never exceeded the figure of £817,533 yearly, the
English began to exact as much as £2,680,000 from the Province of Bengal.
5. The division of authority, as envisaged by the Dual System, presented a host of difficulties for the Nawab in running the
administration. He was saddled with power without having any hold over the purse. His power was only shadowy and
nominal. The Company collected the revenue without discharging its duties towards the tax payers. The Nawab was always
in need of money to meet the expenses of the administration. Kaye rightly observes that the divorce of power from
responsibility “made confusion more confounded and corrupt more corrupt.”
6. The abuses of private trade under the Dual system reached an unprecedented height. The Company’s servants entered into
private trade in defiance of native authority. The officers of Nawab were corrupt. The Company’s servants tried recklessly to
fill their pockets with ill-gotten wealth. The result was a confusion in which the people suffered heavily. Corrupt
administration and private trade by the Company’s servants affected the interests of the Company also. Its income from
land fell considerably. Another consequence of Company's misrule was that the native industries were completely ruined.
The silk weavers were forced to work in the Company’s factories and were prohibited from working in their own homes.
 Defiance of the native laws by the employees of the Company infected the minds even of the subjects of the Nawab who
eventually lost their regard for judiciary. All these evils were remedied by the Home Government by the Regulating Act, 1773.
Administrative breakdown
The administration of law and order and justice had become very poor. On one hand, the Nawab had no power to enforce law
and provide justice while on other hand the Company denied any responsibility for administration of law and order and justice.
In the countryside, the dacoits were roaming freely.
The whole administration from top to bottom had become corrupt. Page |
Decline of agriculture (Economic dislocation) 12
The land revenue collection right was annually given to the highest bidder. The tax collectors or contractors had no permanent
interest in the land and they rack rented the cultivators.
This led to exploitation of peasants. Famine of 1770, deteriorated the condition.
William Bolts, a servant of the Company, wrote that the peasants were -‘chastised by the officers of the revenue, and not
unfrequently have by those officials been necessitated to sell their children in order to pay their rents, or otherwise obliged to
fly the country.”
Thus many cultivators ran away to jungles or joined the ranks of the robbers.
Disruption of trade and commerce
Dastaks of east India Company use illegally and the trade were dominated by Europeans, hence Indians suffered in that
point.
Moral degradation:
No incentive for good work by natives led to static condition of society and showed unmistakable signs of decay.
Disruption of Trade and Commerce
Agricultural depression adversely affected the trade and commerce of the country.
By the firman of 1717 issued by Emperor Farrukhuyar the Company had been granted the privileges of trading duty-free in
Bengal. This concession authorised the President of the Company at Calcutta to issue dastaks or pass chits exempting the goods
mentioned in it from duty, stoppage or even inspection. If its legitimate use worked against the interests" of the country, its
misuse ruined the country merchants and traders. The Company’s servants virtually monopolised the internal trade of Bengal
and would undersell the Indian merchants in the local markets.
Clive himseif referred to these abuses in the course of a speech in the House of Commons when he said that the Company’s
merchants traded not only as merchants but as sovereigns and had “taken the bread out of the mouths of thousands and
thousands of merchants, who used formerly to carry on the trade, and who are, now reduced to beggary.”
Ruination of Industry and Skill
The weaving and silk industry of Bengal declined.
In 1769 the Court of Directors sent orders to the Bengal authorities urging them to encourage the manufacture of raw silk and
discourage the weaving of silk fabrics. Thus, the silk-winders of Bengal were compelled to work in the Company's factories.
To save themselves from such oppression and compulsion many silk-winders of Bengal cutoff their thumbs. It was no longer
profitable for the weaver to weave much when he could not keep the gains of his labour.
William Bolts wrote about the various and innumerable methods of oppressing the poor weavers which were duly practised by
the Company’s agents or gomastahs (agents) in the country, such as by fines, imprisonments, floggings, forcing bonds from
them etc. Bolts mentions that the black gomastahs (agents) did not obtain the consent of the poor weaver, but invariably forced
him to sign the contract and receive advance money. Should the weaver refuse to accept the contract he was usually tied in his
girdles and flogged.
Further, these gomastahs registered a large number of weavers in their books and did not permit them to work for any other ;
sometimes the weavers were transferred from one merchant to another like so many slaves .
Moral Degradation
Moral degradation also set in the Bengal Society. The farmer realised that the more he laboured the more he would have to pay
to the revenue- farmers and government officials, would work no more than was absolutely necessary for the bare needs of his
family. Similarly, the weaver who could not keep all the reward of his hard work did not give his best to his work. The incentive
for work being no longer there, the society became static and showed unmistakable signs of decay.
Administrative Reforms
Civil Reforms
The transformation of the Company into a political body had called for administrative reforms. The three revolutions of Bengal
(1757, 1760 and 1764) had enriched the governors and councillors and demoralised the servants of the Company from top to
bottom.
The general desire to ‘get-rich-quick’ had vitiated the whole atmosphere.
Bribery and corruption were rampant and acceptance of presents was carried to extreme limits. The servants of the Company
indulged in private trade and misused the Company’s dastaks to seek exemption from payment of internal duties. The servants
of the Company put self-advancement above the interests of the Company.
 (1) Clive compelled the servants of the Company to sign ‘covenants’ prohibiting acceptance of presents.
(2) He forbade the servants of the Company from indulging in private trade and made payment of internal duties
obligatory.
(3) To compensate the servants of the Company for their low salaries and loss of income from cessation of private trade,
Clive sought to regulate and regularise the control of internal trade.
(4) A Society of Trade was formed in August 1765 with monopoly of trade in Salt, Betelnut and Tobacco. All the production Page |
and import of these goods into Bengal was purchased by this Society and then sold at selected centres to the retailers. 13
The profits from this trade were to go to the superior servants of the Company on a graduated scale, the Governor to
receive £17,500 per annum out of the profits, a Colonel in the army to get £ 7000, a Major’s share was £2000 and so on
the lower ranks to receive in a descending scale.
The evils of private trade had raised the prices of ordinary commodities of life and the people of Bengal suffered. Clive sought to
abolish plunder by the individual servants of the Company only to put the plundering activities of the Company's servants on a
collective basis. The Society of Trade made the matters worse for the people. The Court of Directors disallowed the monstrous
scheme in 1766, Clive decided to abolish the Society in January 1767 but the work of the Society was not actually wound up till
September, 1768.
Military Reforms
As early as 1763 the Court of Directors had sent orders for reduction of the double bhatta (field allowances) paid to military
officers in Bengal. Due to one or the other reason the enforcement of the order was deferred to until Clive’s arrival. The double
bhatta originally granted on active service was continued by Mir Jaffar in times of peace also. The practice had continued since
then and bhatta was considered by military officers as a part of their salary. Thus the allowance of Bengal army officers was
twice as high as of corresponding officers in the Madras army. The Directors sent orders that the bhatta be brought on par with
the bhatta of Madras army. Clive issued orders that with effect from 1 January 1766 double allowance would be paid only
to officers on service outside the frontiers of Bengal and Bihar.
The white brigades stationed at Monghyr (Munger) and Allahabad decided to organise resistance to Clive’s orders by deciding to
resign their commissions en mase. They calculated that the possible advance of the Marathas would coerce Clive. One of them
even planned the assassination of Clive. Clive was not daunted by these threats. He rose to the occasion, accepted all
resignations and ordered the arrest and trial of all ring leaders. Further, he promoted non-commissioned officers, even
mercantile agents, and called all available troops from Madras. Clive’s resolution proved effective and the White Mutiny was
quelled.
Why the english succeeded against other european powers
1. Structure and Nature of the trading company
(1) EIC was a private private company. PEIC, Dutch EIC+ FEIC were largly owened and hence controlled by the
Government.
2. Naval Superiority
(1) The then Royal Navy of Britain + largest navy + most advanced navy
(2) One of the reasons behind that + British were able to defeat the Portuguese and the French + due to strong, and
fast movement of the naval ships.
3. Industrial Revolution
(1) The Industrial revolution started in England (in the early 18 th century) earlier than other european countries +
and this helped England to maintain its hegemony.
(2) In Britain, invention of new machines like spinning Jenny, steam engine, power loom and several others. These
machines greatly improved production in the fields of textiles, metallurgy, steam and agriculutre.
4. Military Skills and Discipline
(1) The British soliders were a disciplined lot and well trained and equipped with modern equipments (well paid and
regularly paid)
(2) All this combined to enabled smaller size army of BEIC to defeat larger size army.
5. Lesser Zeal for Religion
(1) Britain was less zealous about religion and less interested in spreading christianity, as compared to Spain ,
Portugal or Dutch. Thus, its rule was far more acceptable to the subjects than that of other European/colonial
powers.
6. Modern Financial Institutions & Use of Debt market for spending on military
(1) Britain used debt markets to fund its war. The world’s first central bank – the bank of England- was established to
sell Government debt/bonds in money market on the promise of a decent return on Britain’s defeating rival
countries like French and Spain. So, Britain was to spend more money on military as compared to other European
countries.
7. Stable Governments and strong Monarchs
(1) Britain largely witnessed stable Governments with efficient monarchs
 i. With the exception of the Glorious Revolution of 1668, Britain witnessed stable Governments with efficient
monarchs.
(2) Other European nations like France witnesses violent French revolution in 1789 and afterwards the Nepolean wars.
(3) The Dutch and Spain were also involved in the Eighty Years’ War (1568-1648) in the 16th-17th century.
8. Victory in battle of Plassey, 1757
(1) Wealth loot from Bengal helped BEIC to build stronger Army in India and fund future wars.
9. Business Acumen: Page |
Was the British Conquest of India Accidental or Intentional? 14

One School of thought

1. One School of thought says that the British came to India for trading and had no desire for acquiring territories (or making
India as a colony).
2. The English were unwillingly drawn into the political turmoil created by the Indians themselves, and were almost forced to
acquire territories.
3. “Our acquisition of India was made blindly. Nothing great that has ever been done by Englishman was done so
unintentionally and so accidently, as the conquest of India” – John Seeley
Second School of thought
1. Another School of thought argues that the British came to India with clear intention of acquiring territories in India (i.e.
making India a colony). The British executed this plan bit by bit over the years.
2. They dismiss the claim that peaceful intent and politically nuetrality of BEIC in its early days.
My opinion (Third School of thought)
1. In 1750s, Industrial revolution began in England which changed economic and political system of Europe, Africa and Asia
including India.
2. BEIC came to India with initial purpose of trading in India and didn’t have any intention of ruling.
3. Industrial Revolution mainly required two things – (1) Raw materials to produce goods and (2) Big markets to sell their
finished products. For selling their finished goods and to acquire raw materials BEIC needed greater political control in
India.
4. Subsequently, to enhance trade with India and benefit arising out of Industrial Revolution, BEIC started interfering in
internal political affairs and acquiring territories given weak political and military structure in India.
5. Later on, with clear instructions from British authorities, the British indirectly through BEIC and later on directly acquiring
territories to establish an empire in India (i.e. make India a colony).
When did the British Period begin in India? / When did the British Rule begin in India?
1. Some historians consider the year 1757 as beginning of British Period in India as Battle of Plassey took place in 1757 in
which BEIC defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, Mughal Nawab of Bengal [Note - Alamgir II was the Mughal Emperor during Battle
of Plassey 1757]
2. Some historians consider the year 1764 as beginning of British Period in India as Battle of Buxar took place in 1764 in which
BEIC defeated the group consisting of Mir Qasim (was Nawab of Bengal till 1763), Shuja-ud-Daula - the Nawab of Awadh,
and Shah Alam II - the Mughal Emperor
3. Note – Mir Jafar was Nawab of Bengal when Battle of Buxar took place.