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BATTLES OF PLASSEY AND BUXAR
The British with their superior naval power support from
home were the next who like the numerous invaders and adventurers of the past
would establish their dominion in India. The diplomatic moves of
East India Company were clever. The favorable conditions created by the
disintegration of the Mughal empire invited the English to seek political power in India. The political aspirations of the company bore fruit
from Bengal. Owing to the incompetence of Siraj-ud daula the Nawab of Bengal, he
had lost the loyalty of his nobles who conspired against him. The misuse of the privileges
given to the English and the fortification of the settlement invoked the
displeasure of the Nawab who ordered their demolition. The inhuman act of the
Nawabs subordinate resulting in the Black hole tragedy resulted in involvement
of Robert Clive and Admiral Watson in an attempt to subdue the Nawab. After the
capture of Calcutta by Robert Clive he entered into a treaty which proved the
only advantageous solution for both at present. The diplomatic designs of Clive
bore fruit when he learnt of the discontented nobles of the Nawabs who were ready
to go against the authority of the Nawab .On the 23rd of the June 1757 the
armies
of the Nawab Siraj-ud-daula and Robert Clive met in a battle at Plassey. The
Nawab's
nobles who deflected as decided with the English did not support the Nawab,
leading to his defeat. This was the major achievement of the English that was to
act as the foundation of British rule in India. The English put Mir Jafar as the
Nawab with the jurisdiction of government under the Company's control. The
company got the territories around Calcutta. It raised the prestige of the
company who now was able to use this to influence the French and their support
at home. It also started a political gamble by the company officials who now
conspired against Mir Jafar and promised the throne to Mir qasim in return for
money. Mir jafar was disposed by the English and Mir qasim was given the
administration of Bengal. Mir qasim knew well the designs of the English. He was
an able administrator and sought to improve the finance of the state, while
meeting the demands of the company. His quarrels with the company over duties
and articles and trade exposed his intention to break off from the yoke of
British dominance. This ultimately resulted in the battle of Buxar in 1764. A
fierce battle resulted. The superior military power of the English had confirmed
the English victory and thus they became the masters of Bengal and now were the
sole contenders for the control of the whole country.
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