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Battle of Buxar

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Battle of Buxar , Buxur also spelled Baksar , (22 October 1764), conflict at Buxar in northeastern India between the forces of the British East India Company , commanded by Major Hector Munro, and the combined army of an alliance of Indian states including Bengal , Awadh, and the Mughal Empire . This decisive battle confirmed British power over Bengal and Bihar after their initial success at the Battle of Plassey in 1757 and marked the end of the attempt to rule Bengal through a puppet nawab . Thenceforth the company took control. The British victory at Buxar resulted in a large area of the Indian subcontinent coming under British control.

After consolidating gains made at the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the British East India Company assembled an army consisting mainly of Indian sepoys and Indian cavalry and sought to assert its control of Bengal against the Mughal Empire. In October 1764, the combined Indian force confronted the British near the town of Buxar. The British, under the command of Sir Hector Munro, were divided into three sections. On the left flank, Major Stibbert commanded regular troops; on the right were the Bengalese troops, commanded by Major Champion. Supporting these in the center were the Bengal cavalry backed by four companies of sepoys. Champion advanced first and attacked a small village close to the town. After a series of bloody encounters the Indian forces were pushed back, allowing Champion to occupy the village. Meanwhile, the main Indian force advanced to engage Stibbert’s regular troops. However, having secured the village on the Indian left flank, Champion was able move out and outflank the Indian advance. Despite their superiority in numbers, the Indians were encircled and took heavy casualties from British musket volleys. A detachment of Durrani cavalry was unable to turn the battle and the Indians retreated.

The battle resulted in the 1765 Treaty of Allahabad , in which the Mughal Emperor surrendered sovereignty of Bengal to the British. Lord Robert Clive , the victor at the Plassey, became the first governor of Bengal.

Losses: British East India Company, fewer than 1,000 casualties of 8,000; Indian states, 6,000 of 35,000.

Battle of Buxar: Background, Causes & Impact |UPSC Notes

The Battle of Buxar was a pivotal event in Indian history that marked a significant turning point in British colonial expansion in India. Taking place on October 22, 1764, the Battle of Buxar was fought between the British East India Company and a coalition of Indian rulers. This battle, occurring in the small town of Buxar in modern-day Bihar, was crucial in establishing British dominance in India. Understanding the background, causes, and impact of the Battle of Buxar provides insight into the dynamics of colonial India and the eventual rise of British rule.

• The Battle of Buxar was a decisive conflict.
• It involved major Indian powers of the time.
• British East India Company emerged victorious.
• The battle reshaped political power in India.

The article talks about the detailed background leading to the Battle of Buxar, explores the battle of Buxar’s causes, and discusses its far-reaching consequences. By examining these elements, we can better understand the significance of the battle in the context of Indian and British colonial history.

Table of Contents

Background of the Battle of Buxar

The Battle of Buxar occurred on October 22, 1764, involving the British East India Company and a coalition of Indian rulers, including Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Shah Alam II. It was preceded by economic exploitation and administrative interference by the British, leading to significant political tensions.

Political Landscape Preceding the Battle

The period leading up to the Battle of Buxar was marked by significant political upheaval and power struggles in India. Following the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the British East India Company had already established a strong foothold in Bengal. The victory at Plassey allowed the Company to exert considerable influence over the region, leading to increased ambitions to control more territories.

Key Players

The Battle of Buxar was fought between the British East India Company and a coalition of Indian states. The coalition included:

• Mir Qasim : The Nawab of Bengal, who sought to reclaim his authority from British interference.
• Shuja-ud-Daula : The Nawab of Awadh, who allied with Mir Qasim to resist British expansion.
• Shah Alam II : The Mughal Emperor, who aimed to restore his empire’s waning power by supporting the coalition.

Events Leading to the Battle

The immediate cause of the Battle of Buxar can be traced to the growing tensions between Mir Qasim and the British East India Company. Mir Qasim’s attempts to assert his independence and curb British interference led to a series of conflicts. His reforms, aimed at strengthening his army and administration, were perceived as threats by the British, culminating in a direct confrontation.

Causes of the Battle of Buxar

The causes of the Battle of Buxar included British economic exploitation, administrative interference, and military ambitions. Mir Qasim’s attempts to assert independence and reform governance in Bengal led to tensions with the British East India Company, culminating in a coalition of Indian rulers resisting British expansion.

Economic Exploitation

One of the primary battle of Buxar causes was the economic exploitation by the British East India Company. The Company’s aggressive revenue policies and monopolistic practices in trade severely affected local economies and rulers’ revenues, creating widespread resentment.

Administrative Interference

The British East India Company’s interference in the internal administration of Indian states, especially Bengal, led to significant friction. Mir Qasim’s attempts to assert his authority and implement administrative reforms were seen as direct challenges to British interests.

Military Ambitions

The ambitions of the British East India Company to expand their territorial control and influence were significant causes of the Battle of Buxar. The British sought to consolidate their power by defeating regional rulers and establishing dominance over key regions.

Alliance Against the British

The formation of a coalition between Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Shah Alam II was a strategic move to counter the growing British influence. This alliance aimed to pool resources and military strength to resist British expansion.

The Battle of Buxar: The Conflict

The Battle of Buxar on October 22, 1764, was a decisive conflict between the British East India Company and a coalition of Indian rulers, including Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Shah Alam II. The British, led by Major Hector Munro, emerged victorious, solidifying their control over Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.

Preparation for Battle

In the months leading up to the Battle of Buxar, both sides prepared extensively. The British East India Company, under the leadership of Major Hector Munro, mobilized their forces, while the coalition forces also gathered their armies, anticipating a major confrontation.

The Battle of Buxar: October 22, 1764

On October 22, 1764, the battle of Buxar took place near the town of Buxar. The British forces, though smaller in number, were better trained and equipped. The Indian coalition, despite having a larger army, suffered from coordination issues and lack of unified command.

Key Events During the Battle

• The British forces adopted superior battlefield strategies and utilized their advanced artillery effectively.
• The coalition forces struggled with internal divisions and logistical challenges.
• The British cavalry played a crucial role in disrupting the coalition’s formations.

Who Won the Battle of Buxar?

The question of who won the battle of Buxar is straightforward: the British East India Company emerged victorious. This victory was decisive and had profound implications for the future of India.

Impact of the Battle of Buxar

The Battle of Buxar significantly expanded British control in India, leading to the Treaty of Allahabad. It granted the British East India Company revenue collection rights in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, marking the beginning of British colonial dominance and reshaping India’s political and economic landscape.

Immediate Consequences

The immediate result of the Battle of Buxar was the complete defeat of the Indian coalition. The British East India Company’s victory solidified its control over Bengal, Bihar, and parts of Odisha, significantly expanding its territorial dominance.

Treaty of Allahabad

One of the most significant outcomes of the Battle of Buxar was the Treaty of Allahabad, signed in 1765. The treaty had several key provisions:

• The Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II, granted the Diwani rights (revenue collection) of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha to the British East India Company.
• Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, had to cede parts of his territory and pay a substantial indemnity to the British.
• Mir Qasim, having lost his position, fled and was effectively removed from power.

Long-Term Impact on Indian Politics

The Battle of Buxar marked the beginning of the British East India Company’s transition from a trading entity to a sovereign power in India. The control over revenue collection in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha provided the Company with immense financial resources, facilitating further military and political expansion.

Changes in Administration

Post-battle, the British implemented significant administrative changes to consolidate their control. They established a system of dual governance. A system where Indian rulers were nominally in charge, but real power rested with the British. This system allowed the British to exert influence without direct administrative responsibilities.

Economic Impact

The Battle of Buxar had profound economic implications. The British East India Company’s control over revenue collection led to the exploitation of local resources and economies. The focus on revenue maximization often resulted in harsh tax policies, adversely affecting the local population and agrarian economy.

Military Reorganization

The battle underscored the need for a well-organized and disciplined military force. The British East India Company strengthened its military presence. It invested in better training and equipment, which facilitated subsequent conquests and consolidations.

Influence on Indian Rulers

The defeat at Buxar and subsequent treaties demonstrated the futility of fragmented resistance against a technologically advanced colonial power. Indian rulers increasingly recognized the need for strategic alliances, both with and against the British, shaping the political landscape of the subcontinent.

What is Battle of Buxar: A Historical Perspective

Significance in indian history.

The Battle of Buxar is a landmark event in Indian history. It symbolized the shift in power dynamics from Indian rulers to the British East India Company. It highlighted the vulnerabilities of Indian states and the strategic talent of the British in leveraging military victories to establish political control.

Lessons Learned

The battle taught Indian rulers valuable lessons about the importance of unity and strategic planning. It also underscored the need to modernize military tactics and technology to effectively counter colonial forces.

Legacy of the Battle

The Battle of Buxar left an enduring legacy in the annals of Indian history. It set the stage for nearly two centuries of British colonial rule. It shaped the socio-political and economic fabric of the Indian subcontinent. The battle also serves as a reminder of the complexities of colonial encounters and the resilience of local powers in the face of foreign domination.

The Battle of Buxar stands as a significant chapter in the history of India. It marks the ascendancy of the British East India Company from a trading corporation to a sovereign power. The battle of Buxar causes were deeply rooted in economic exploitation, administrative interference, and military ambitions. The result of the Battle of Buxar expanded British territorial control. It redefined the political landscape of India. The battle’s impact was profound, influencing administrative practices, economic policies, and military strategies for years to come. Understanding what the Battle of Buxar is and its implications provides crucial insights into the historical processes that shaped modern India.

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The Battle of Buxar (aka Bhaksar or Baksar) in Bihar, northeast India , on 22-23 October 1764 saw a British East India Company (EIC) army led by Hector Munro (1726-1805) gain victory against the combined forces of the Nawab of Awadh (aka Oudh), the Nawab of Bengal, and the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II (r. 1760-1806).

Victory against the odds at Buxar led to the EIC gaining the crucial rights to raise taxes in various regions, a huge boost to the company's coffers, which allowed it to pursue further territorial conquests across the subcontinent.

East India Company Expansion

The East India Company was founded in 1600, and by the mid-18th century, it was benefiting from its trade monopoly in India to make its shareholders immensely rich. The Company was effectively the colonial arm of the British government in India, but it protected its interests using its own private army and hired troops from the regular British army. By the 1750s, the Company was keen to expand its trade network and begin a more active territorial control in the subcontinent.

Robert Clive (1725-1774) won a famous victory for the EIC against the ruler of Bengal, Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah (b. 1733) at the Battle of Plassey in June 1757. The Nawab was replaced by a puppet ruler, the state's massive treasury was confiscated, and the systematic exploitation of Bengal's resources and people began. 'Clive of India' was made the Governor of Bengal in February 1758 and, for a second spell, in 1764. It was time for a new British name to grab the colonial limelight, though, one Major Hector Munro.

The Indian Allies

The EIC faced a combined alliance of three powerful states. First, there was Awadh, a state in the middle Ganges region of northern India, ruled autonomously by nawabs under the nominal suzerainty of the Mughal Empire (1526-1857). The capital of Awadh was Lucknow, known for its fine architecture , the state was wealthy, and the current nawab was Shuja-ud-Daula (r. 1754-1775). The second ally was the ex-Nawab of Bengal, Mir Qasim (aka Kasim, r. 1760-1764). Qasim was keen to resist pressure from the EIC to grant trade privileges to both the company and private individuals. When the EIC replaced Qasim as the nawab with his own father-in- law , Qasim was obliged to react decisively. Qasim had been ruler of this immensely rich region in the northeast of India since 1760, and he was eager to get it back again. The third member of the alliance was the Mughal emperor, Shah Alam II. Based in Delhi, the emperor did not usually intervene directly in disputes between the EIC and vassal states, but he was now intent on better controlling Bengal and not leaving it in the rapacious hands of the EIC.

Emperor Shah Alam, after failing to capture Patna from the EIC, assembled a well-trained army and marched to the eastern side of the continent. His infantry commander was the wily Frenchman Jean Baptiste Gentil. Armies led by Shuja-ud-Daula and Mir Qasim joined the emperor en route. The total force may have numbered around 50,000 men. The army marched through early monsoon weather, and Shah Alam ordered camp near the fort of Buxar on the Awadh-Bengal border. The position was a good one, protected on his left side by the Ganges river, on his right by the Torah nala stream, and in front by earthworks, the emperor decided to sit out the monsoons until proceeding into Bengal.

Munro's Army

As news of this massive army reached EIC headquarters, a response was immediately organised. Major Hector Munro was selected to lead an EIC army to face the triple alliance. Not untypically for the EIC's approach to warfare , Munro had nowhere near the same numbers to command as the opposition: a mere 4,200 men (3,000 of which were sepoys or Indian troops) according to some historians, or around 900 Europeans and 7,000 sepoys according to others. Munro also had a 1,000-strong cavalry group. Numerically inferior, the British really had two advantages. First, Shah Alam had been wasting his time on easy living and entertainment in his camp at Buxar, allowing his men to grow idle and unfit, and they, in turn, allowed their equipment to fall into disrepair. The second advantage was Munro. The historian W. Dalrymple describes the EIC major as: "one of the most effective British officers in India, a dashing cool-headed but utterly ruthless 38-year-old Scottish Highlander" (197-8). Above all, the major's emphasis on discipline, that is following orders and keeping formation even in the chaos of battle, proved to be the difference between the two sides. Munro left Bankipur on 9 October and headed for Buxar, which he arrived at on 22 October.

Gentil urged the emperor to immediately take the initiative when the British army arrived near Buxar. The Frenchman pleaded:

Now that the English have not yet lined up in battle-order, now that the barges have not yet drawn up along the river to unload their weapons and military equipment, now that they are all busy putting up their tents – now is the moment to attack! (Dalrymple, 198)

The emperor did not take the advice and merely ensured his treasury and women were sent to the safety of Faizabad. It may have been the emperor originally planned to remain where he was and fight a defensive battle, but on realising the small size of the British army he faced, he ordered an attack just after dawn. By that time, though, Munro had already arranged his troops, and he now began the customary artillery barrage. The emperor, in any case, ordered his cavalry to charge the enemy, leaving the protective walls of their camp to cross the battlefield. The emperor also ordered his own artillery to fire on the enemy. The Indian cannons were larger and so could fire heavier shot, but the 20 British pieces had the crucial advantage of being more mobile, permitting Munro to place them where most needed as the battle developed. The better-trained EIC gunners were also capable of firing off more rounds in any given time period than the opposition.

The progress of the Indian cavalry was now impeded by the marshland that divided the two armies. The emperor's Naga and Afghan cavalry went around the marsh and attacked the British positions from behind. The EIC reserves, which would normally have only been used at the end of the battle, now faced the cavalry out of necessity. The Indian riders then made the mistake of not pressing home their advantage and concentrating instead on capturing the British camp and stores, including the treasury and ammunition boxes. In the subsequent round of looting, the Indian and Afghan cavalry took no further part in the battle.

With their rear lines exposed and obliged to defend themselves against the marauding cavalry, with a number of their compatriots already captured, and with everyone remaining still under fire from the Indian artillery, it was at this moment that Munro's famous emphasis on discipline came to the fore. The EIC troops, including the sepoy units, crucially maintained their defensive square formations even when the situation looked so hopeless that the emperor was convinced he had already won the battle. Munro ordered the barges to gather to take the men in a retreat across the river, but in the time it took to carry out this order, it became clear to the major that the Indian cavalry, fully occupied with looting, had presented him with a golden opportunity for a counter-attack. Munro gathered his men and attacked in force the left flank of the Indian army, using disciplined and coordinated musket fire.

The British marched forward in a column and smashed their opponents into disarray. There was a chaotic retreat of men, camels, bullocks, and elephants. The emperor fled across the Torah nala, using a temporary bridge of boats, while his loyal Naga troops fought a brave but fatal rearguard action. The retreating Indians who managed to get to the river and wade across it were picked off by EIC riflemen so that the waters became choked with bodies. Munro had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

Casualties had been heavy on both sides. The EIC suffered around 850 dead, wounded or missing, an unusually high proportion (although some historians put the figure even higher, around one-quarter of the total British force at Buxar). The emperor's armies suffered perhaps as many as 5,000 dead (although more conservative historians put the figure around 2,000). As was the tradition, the emperor's camp was looted. An added bonus for Munro was the 130 or so cannons he captured. After the battle, Mir Qasim fled to the west, Shuja-ud-Daula recognised the supremacy of the EIC, and the Mughal emperor, ever keen to support victors, not losers, switched his support to the British.

After the victory, Shah Alam II signed the Treaty of Allahabad on 12 August 1765. The emperor, after a suitable period to make it look like he was giving a gift rather than a concession forced upon a loser, awarded the EIC the perpetual right to collect land revenue ( dewani ) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This was a very important development since it ensured the Company now had vast resources to expand and protect its traders, bases, armies, and ships. In return for Shah Alam's concession, the EIC guaranteed that the state of Bengal would pay him an annual fee of 2.6 million rupees. However, the Treaty of Allahabad had also stipulated that the EIC be paid the fantastic sum of 5 million rupees to cover the expenses of the recently concluded war . Now fully in control of Bengal with its new puppet nawab (Nazim-ud-Daulah), the EIC eventually obliged Awadh to sign a subsidiary alliance with it in 1801. In 1856, the EIC formally annexed the state. Into the 19th century, the East India Company was by far the most powerful force on the subcontinent, but the foundations of its vast empire had been laid at Plassey and, above all, Buxar.

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Bibliography

• Barrow, Ian. The East India Company, 1600–1858. Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., 2017.
• Dalrymple, William. The Anarchy. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2022.
• Heathcote, T. A. & Beckett, Ian F. W. The Military in British India–1947 . Pen & Sword, 2013.
• Malleson, G. B. & Carruthers, Bob. The Decisive Battles of India - The Illustrated Edition . Coda Books Ltd., 2013.
• Mansingh, Surjit. Historical Dictionary of India . Scarecrow Press, 2006.
• Reid, Stuart & Embleton, Gerry. Armies of the East India Company 1750–1850 . Osprey Publishing, 2009.
• Watney, John Basil. Clive of India. Saxon House, 1974.
• Wilson, Jon. India Conquered. Simon & Schuster India, 1970.

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Battle of Buxar, Causes, Date, Impact and Significance

Battle of Buxar: The Battle of Buxar was fought between 22 and 23 October 1764. Read complete detail about The Battle of Buxar 1764, Causes, Date, Impact & Significance for UPSC exam

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Battle of Buxar

The Battle of Buxar was one of the pivotal conflicts in India’s history and its lengthy alliance with British Colonial forces. British hegemony over the local kingdoms in the Indian subcontinent was successfully established during the Battle of Buxar 1764 War.

On October 22, 1764, the Battle of Buxar took place at Buxar, Bihar as it is known today. The combined armies of Bengal’s Nawab Mir Qasim, Awadh’s Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II fought the East India Company in the Buxar War. To put a stop to the conflict, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765.

The Mughal emperor’s combined armies, the Nawabs of Bengal and Oudh, and the English forces engaged in combat at the Battle of Buxar. If one were to look back at the causes of the fight, one would find some historical context. The British took advantage of the commercial privileges that were granted to them, mostly due to their imperial and colonial ambitions toward the territorial, economic, and political conquest of India.

Battle of Buxar Background

1. mughal period.

Bengal has been a province with significant weight and importance ever since the Mughal era. The province was among the most fertile. And it was really affluent. Bihar, Orissa, and the modern-day nation of Bangladesh were all part of Mughal Bengal. The Bengali Nawab held all of the reins of power.

2. Economic Importance

The silk, saltpetre, and world-class textiles produced in Bengal’s province were of enormous economic importance and significance. Saltpetre, indigo, rice, silk, cotton, handicrafts, and other goods are regularly shipped from Bengal to Europe. Almost 60% of British imports from Asia were made up of Bengali products.

3. British Period

Bengal served as the British colonial powers’ stepping stone. It was the first kingdom that British forces had taken control over. Here, the East India Company set up a successful trading system. The British were able to dominate India thanks to Bengal’s vast riches and resources. The British East India Company built Calcutta’s modern-day British commercial settlement’s basis during the 1690s. The Mughal Emperor received an annual payment of Rs 3,000 (about £ 350) from the EIC in exchange for allowing their operations in Bengal.

4. Conflicts between Nawabs and the British

Under the Mughal Empire, the British enjoyed unique privileges, which the Nawabs of Bengal disliked since it diminished their provincial rights. Commercial considerations were the driving force behind the conflict between the Nawabs and the British. The British saw that the nawabs’ continued reliance on direct control over the provinces blinded them to the emergence of indirect but supreme authority in their hands.

Battle of Buxar Causes

The Battle of Plassey, which enabled the British to establish them in the Bengal region, was followed by the Battle of Buxar . The Nawab of Bengal and his French allies engaged the British army in the Battle of Plassey in June 1757. As a result of this conflict, Siraj-Ud-Daulah was removed from his position as Bengal’s Nawab. Mir Jafar took his place.

Mir Jafar was chosen to serve as the EIC’s puppet. But his son-in-law Mir Qasim took his place when he joined the Dutch East India Company. When Mir Jafar left his position in favour of Qasim, a pension of Rs 1,500 was approved.

When Mir Qasim moved his capital from Calcutta to Munger Fort, he was motivated by self-serving objectives. He began assembling an army by bringing in foreign instructors, some of whom were at war with the British. The English traders received no preferential treatment. He saw both British and Indian traders as sharing the same space.

He was not the puppet that the English had expected when they appointed him; therefore they decided to remove him. He made it challenging for the British to exercise indirect authority and gain from a region like Bengal. In 1763, there was a conflict between Qasim and the British.

Being a sovereign independent from British influence and indirect control allowed Qasim to streamline his government. The British EIC’s mistreatment and abuse of Dastak and Farman did not sit well with him. He also made efforts to cut back on spending on administrative and palace operations, which rankled the British.

Shuja-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Oudh, and Shah Alam II of the Mughal Empire were not pleased with the EIC’s expansion into the province of Bengal and their consequent abuse of trade freedoms, which was harming their business. As a result, their soldiers joined forces with Qasim for their mutual interests and gain.

The British sought special treatment that would elevate their industry above that of rivals. Mir Qasim, who treated the British merchants like the Indian merchants, did not offer this. This led to the British beginning to suffer significant losses. This necessitated the conquest of Bengal.

Battle of Buxar Course of War

1. year 1763.

British East India Company and Mir Qasim’s men engaged in combat. While the English won in Katwah, Murshidabad, Giria, Sooty, and Munger, Mir Qasim suffered severely. As a result, Mir Qasim had to leave Awadh (or Oudh). He established a confederacy with Shah Alam II and Shuja-Ud-Daulah (the Nawab of Awadh) in order to retake Bengal (Mughal Emperor).

2. Year 1764

In 1764, the Mughals, the Nawab of Awadh, and Mir Qasim fought alongside the British Forces. Major Munro oversaw the British side while Mir Qasim headed the Indian side. The 40,000-man Mughal, Awadh, and Mir Qasim united force was ruthlessly crushed by the 10,000-man British Army. The fight was lost by the Indian side on October 22, 1764. The other two submitted to the English forces while Mir Qasim fled the conflict.

In 1765, the British compelled the Nawab of Oudh and the Mughal Emperor to sign the humiliating Treaty of Allahabad.

Battle of Buxar Was Fought Between

The Buxar Battle participants and their role in the conflict are described in the table below:

Battle of Buxar Significance

Through the Battle of Buxar, colonial dominance over the province of Bengal was formally established. The Nawab had been vanquished and replaced by the EIC’s army. The British now controlled the entire province, which included the modern states of Bihar and Orissa as well as Bangladesh. Even though Mir Qasim fled with vast wealth, Munro’s forces beat the confederacy’s soldiers, and the fugitive Mir Qasim perished in obscurity and poverty.

The Nawab of Bengal’s independence had been put an end by the Battle of Plassey in 1757. However, the British forces also exerted political dominance and control over the Awadh and the Mughal Empire during the Battle of Buxar. The British gained a solid foundation in India thanks to the Battle of Buxar, which eventually allowed them to dominate the entire country.

Battle of Buxar Impact

On October 22, 1764, the British forces routed the alliance that Shah Alam II, Shuja-Ud-Daula, and Mir Qasim had formed. Robert Clive played a significant role in the victory that Major Hector Munro oversaw for the British troops. With control over the Mughal domain and the province of Awadh following the Buxar conflict, the English rose to prominence in the North.

Mir Qasim gave the English control over the Midnapore, Burdwan, and Chittagong districts in order to support the army. Duty-free trade permits were issued to English traders following the Battle of Buxar in 1764. Only salt was still subject to a 2% tariff.

Najimud-Daula, Mir Jafar’s younger son, assumed the throne after his death. But since the English held control over both the military and the government, this was only an acknowledgment to the situation. Shuja-Ud-Daula of Awadh and Shah Alam II had their differences resolved by the Treaty of Allahabad. This was led by Robert Clive.

Battle of Buxar UPSC

On October 22, 1764, the British army under Hector Munro engaged an alliance of Indian kings from Bengal, Awadh, and the Mughal Empire at the Battle of Buxar. This pivotal conflict paved the way for the British to dominate India for the following 183 years. After winning the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the British East India Company turned its attention to Bengal. The Mughal Emperor submitted and Bengal was taken over by the British in 1765, marking the end of the conflict. We will gain in-depth information about the causes and significance of the Battle of Buxar in this post, which will be beneficial for UPSC exam preparation.

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Who won the Battle of Buxar?

The British were victorious over the combined army of Mir Qasim. The other two submitted to the English forces while Mir Qasim fled the conflict.

When was the battle of Buxar fought?

The Battle of Buxar was fought between 22 and 23 October 1764

What was the reason of the Battle of Buxar?

The British overcame the combined army of Mir Qasim. While Mir Qasim fled the conflict, the other two were captured by the English forces.

What is the difference between Battle of Plassey and Buxar?

The East India Company and the Mughal army engaged in combat at the Battle of Plassey. The East India Company's troops and the Nawab Mir Kasim engaged in combat at the Battle of Buxar.

Why Battle of Buxar is more important than Battle of Plassey?

The significance of this fight rested in the British defeat of both the Mughal Emperor of India and the Nawab of Bengal.

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Battle of Buxar 1764

Introduction

In 1764, the Battle of Buxar proved to be a crucial event in Indian history, as it marked the British East India Company’s triumph over the joint forces of the Mughal Empire, the Nawab of Bengal, & the Nawab of Awadh. This battle solidified British control over Bengal and laid the foundation for British dominance in India. The consequences of the conflict had a significant and enduring effect on Indian politics and society, shaping their course for centuries. The Battle of Buxar is a stark example of the East India Company’s military and political prowess, highlighting the complex power dynamics of 18th-century India and the beginning of British imperialism on the subcontinent.

• Political Fragmentation : In the mid-18th century, political fragmentation characterized India, with different powers ruling various regions, including the declining Mughal Empire and powerful regional kingdoms like Bengal, Awadh, and Hyderabad.
• British Expansion : The British East India Company, seeking to expand its trade and influence, had already established a strong presence in India, particularly in Bengal, through a combination of diplomacy, alliances, and military conquests.
• Rising Tensions : Tensions between the British and the local rulers, including the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, had been escalating due to disputes over trade, taxation, and the presence of European rivals.
• Alliances Formed : In response to British expansion, the Nawab of Bengal formed an alliance with the Nawab of Awadh and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, aiming to challenge British influence and control in the region.
• Outbreak of Hostilities : Diplomatic efforts failed to resolve the tensions, leading to the outbreak of hostilities. The Battle of Buxar culminated these tensions and power struggles, with each side seeking to assert its authority and interests in the region.

Causes of the Conflict

The causes of the conflict leading to the Battle of Buxar in 1764 include:

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• Territorial Ambitions : The British East India Company sought to expand its territorial control and influence in India to secure trade routes and economic interests.
• Political Instability : The weakening of central authority under the Mughal Empire led to power struggles among regional rulers, creating opportunities for European powers like the British to intervene and exploit the situation.
• Trade Disputes : Trade regulations, taxation, and the monopoly of key industries, including the profitable textile trade, led to conflicts between the British and local rulers.
• Strategic Alliances : The British faced opposition from Indian rulers who formed alliances to challenge British expansionism and maintain their own power and autonomy.
• Military Confrontations : Skirmishes and clashes between British forces and local armies, as well as conflicts between rival Indian states, contributed to the escalation of hostilities in the region.
• Erosion of Native Authority : The growing influence of the British and their superior military technology undermined the authority of traditional Indian rulers, prompting resistance and conflict.

The Parties Involved

The Battle of Buxar in 1764 involved the following parties:

• British East India Company : By the 18th century, the British East India Company had solidified its position in India following its 1600 royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I. It controlled key areas in Bengal, Madras, and Bombay and had its own military forces.
• Mughal Empire : Although in decline by the 18th century, the Mughal Empire still held sway over parts of northern India. The Mughal emperor, Shah Alam II, was a nominal participant in the conflict, but his authority was largely symbolic.
• Nawab of Bengal : Mir Qasim was the Nawab of Bengal at the Battle of Buxar. He initially aligned himself with the British but later turned against them due to disagreements over revenue and trade policies.
• Nawab of Awadh : Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh (Oudh), joined forces with the Mughal Emperor and the Nawab of Bengal in opposition to the British. Awadh was a wealthy and strategically important region in northern India.
• Mir Qasim of Bengal : The Nawab of Bengal, Mir Qasim, was a key figure in the conflict. He formed an alliance with the Nawab of Awadh and the Mughal Emperor against the British, leading to the Battle of Buxar.
• Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh : Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, was another prominent figure in the conflict. He joined forces with Mir Qasim and the Mughal Emperor to counter British influence in India.

Key Leaders

The Battle of Buxar involved several key leaders from the British and Indian sides:

• Hector Munro (British East India Company) : Major General Hector Munro commanded the British forces during the Battle of Buxar. His strategic decisions and leadership were instrumental in securing victory for the British.
• Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal) : Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, led the allied Indian forces against the British. His military prowess and political maneuvering shaped the course of the conflict.
• Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh) : As the Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daula played a crucial role in the alliance against the British. His forces bolstered the strength of the Indian coalition.
• Shah Alam II (Mughal Emperor) : Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor, was a nominal participant in the battle. Although lacking real power, his symbolic authority lent legitimacy to the Indian alliance.
• Major Hector Munro (British East India Company) : Major Hector Munro, known for his military acumen, commanded the British forces during the Battle of Buxar, making strategic decisions crucial to the outcome of the conflict.
• Mohammad Ali Beg (Commander, Mughal Forces) : Mohammad Ali Beg, a prominent commander in the Mughal army, played a key role in leading Mughal forces into battle alongside allied Indian troops.
• Ram Narayan (Commander, Nawab of Awadh’s Forces) : Ram Narayan was a notable commander in the Nawab of Awadh’s army. His leadership and tactical skills contributed to the effectiveness of the Indian coalition.
• Major John Carnac (British East India Company) : Major John Carnac was a key military leader in the British forces during the Battle of Buxar. His strategic insights and battlefield command were instrumental in the British victory.

Events Leading to the Battle

Escalating tensions and political maneuvering marked the events leading to the Battle of Buxar in 1764:

• British Expansion : The British East India Company had been steadily expanding its control over Indian territories, particularly in Bengal, leading to increased friction with local rulers.
• Conflict with Mir Qasim : Disputes over trade regulations and taxation policies led to a rupture between the British and Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, who had initially allied with the British.
• Alliance Formation : Mir Qasim, along with the Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daula, and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, formed an alliance to challenge British dominance in the region.
• Battle of Plassey (1757) : The Battle of Plassey, where the British defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the previous Nawab of Bengal, in 1757, had established British control over Bengal and heightened tensions in the region.
• Deterioration of Relations : Relations between the British and the Nawab of Bengal deteriorated further due to disagreements over the conduct of Company officials and the presence of other European powers in the region.
• Military Buildup : Both sides built up military forces and fortifications in preparation for a potential conflict.
• Failed Diplomacy : Diplomacy and negotiation failed to resolve the underlying issues, leading to a breakdown in relations and the outbreak of hostilities.

Here’s an overview of the Battle of Buxar 1764:

• Date and Location : The battle occurred on October 22, 1764, near Buxar, on the banks of the Ganges River in Bihar, India.
• Deployment of Forces : The British East India Company deployed a well-trained and disciplined army consisting of European infantry, native sepoys, and artillery commanded by Major General Hector Munro. On the opposing side, the allied Indian forces consisted of troops led by Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
• Strategic Maneuvers : The British forces strategically positioned themselves to exploit their superior firepower and discipline. They utilized their artillery to devastating effect, targeting the enemy’s formations and weakening their resolve.
• Engagement : The battle began with skirmishes between the two sides, followed by a full-scale engagement. Despite initial resistance from the Indian forces, the superior tactics and firepower of the British gradually turned the tide of the battle in their favor.
• Turning Point : The battle’s turning point came when the British forces, led by Major Hector Munro, launched a decisive assault on the Indian lines, breaking their formation and causing chaos among their ranks.
• Outcome : The British East India Company decisively won the Battle of Buxar. The allied Indian forces suffered heavy casualties, forcing them to retreat, while the British emerged victorious, consolidating their control over Bengal and securing their dominance in India.
• Consequences : The outcome of the Battle of Buxar has far-reaching implications for India’s political landscape. It marked the end of Mughal authority in Bengal and paved the way for British supremacy in the region. The British East India Company gained control over the lucrative Bengal trade and expanded its influence across northern India, laying the foundations for British colonial rule in the subcontinent.

Treaty Of Allahabad

The Treaty of Allahabad, signed on August 16, 1765, was a significant agreement that followed the Battle of Buxar. Here’s an overview of its key provisions and impact:

• Diwani Rights : The treaty granted the British East India Company the Diwani rights, which allowed them to collect revenue and administer the civil justice system in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This effectively gave the Company control over the economic and administrative affairs of these regions.
• Political Influence : While recognizing the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II as the nominal sovereign, the British gained significant political influence and control over the Mughal court. The Emperor had to pay a significant tribute to the Company and accept a British resident at his court.
• Territorial Concessions : The treaty also resulted in territorial concessions, with the Mughal Emperor granting the Company the right to administer the districts of Kora and Allahabad in the province of Awadh (Oudh).
• Financial Compensation : In return for these concessions, the Mughal Emperor and the Nawabs of Bengal and Awadh received financial compensation, including the payment of war indemnities.
• Impact on Indian Politics : The signing of the Treaty of Allahabad was a turning point in the power dynamics of India, as it solidified British dominance over Bengal and established the East India Company as a major political and economic player in the region. It also weakened the authority of the Mughal Empire and other indigenous rulers, paving the way for further British expansion in India.

The outcome of the Battle of Buxar and the subsequent Treaty of Allahabad had several significant consequences:

• British Ascendancy : The British East India Company’s victory at Buxar and the terms of the Treaty of Allahabad established British ascendancy in India. It marked the beginning of British political and economic dominance over large parts of the subcontinent.
• Expansion of British Territories : The Treaty of Allahabad granted the British Diwani rights over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, expanding their territorial control and paving the way for further expansion in India.
• Weakening of Indigenous Powers : The defeat of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and the Nawabs of Bengal and Awadh weakened indigenous powers in India. This event signaled the downfall of the Mughal Empire and set the stage for the eventual decline of numerous local leaders.
• Consolidation of British Rule : The Treaty of Allahabad permitted the British East India Company to set up a more streamlined and effective governing system in Bengal. This laid the groundwork for the consolidation of British rule in India in the years to come.
• Economic Exploitation : The Diwani rights granted to the British allowed them to collect revenue from Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, leading to economic exploitation and the draining of wealth from India to Britain.
• Political Reorganization : The treaty reorganized India’s political landscape, with the British becoming the dominant political force in the region. It also established British residency at the Mughal court, further solidifying British influence.

The aftermath of the Battle of Buxar and the Treaty of Allahabad had several significant effects on India:

• Consolidation of British Power : The British East India Company’s victory at Buxar and the terms of the treaty allowed the Company to consolidate its power and expand its control over large parts of India. This laid the foundation for British colonial rule in the subcontinent.
• Political Changes : The defeat of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and the Nawabs of Bengal and Awadh weakened indigenous powers in India. The Mughal Empire’s authority further declined, and regional rulers lost their autonomy, leading to increased British political control.
• Economic Exploitation : The Diwani rights granted to the British by the Treaty of Allahabad allowed them to control revenue collection in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This led to economic exploitation and the draining of wealth from India to Britain.
• Administrative Reforms : The British implemented administrative reforms in the territories under their control, introducing a more centralized and efficient system of governance. This included the establishment of a regular system of taxation and the introduction of English education and legal systems.
• Social Changes : British rule brought about significant social changes in India, including the introduction of English education, modernization of infrastructure, and the spread of Western ideas and values.
• Resistance and Rebellion : The imposition of British rule also led to resistance and rebellion by various groups in India. The Sepoy Mutiny, which occurred in 1857, marked a significant shift in the British influence in India.

The Battle of Buxar in 1764 left a profound and lasting legacy on the Indian subcontinent, influencing its political, social, and economic landscape in significant ways:

• British Hegemony : The victory of the British East India Company at Buxar solidified British hegemony in India. The event marked the start of British colonial domination, which persisted for almost 200 years and significantly impacted the future of India.
• End of Mughal Supremacy : The defeat of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and his subsequent alliance with the British marked the final decline of Mughal supremacy in India. The Mughal Empire, once a powerful and influential force, became a mere puppet in the hands of the British.
• Territorial Expansion : The Treaty of Allahabad, which followed the Battle of Buxar, granted the British Diwani rights over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, expanding their territorial control. This laid the foundation for further British expansion across the subcontinent.
• Economic Exploitation : The British control over revenue collection in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa allowed them to exploit India’s resources and wealth for their own benefit. This economic exploitation had long-lasting effects on India’s economy and contributed to its impoverishment.
• Political Reorganization : The Battle of Buxar and the Treaty of Allahabad reorganized the political landscape of India, with the British becoming the dominant political force. Indian rulers lost their autonomy and were relegated to subordinate positions under British rule.
• Social Changes : British colonial rule brought about significant social changes in India, including the introduction of English education, modernization of infrastructure, and the spread of Western ideas and values. However, it also led to the marginalization of indigenous cultures and traditions.
• Resilience and Resistance : Despite British dominance, the legacy of the Battle of Buxar also includes the resilience and resistance of the Indian people. Throughout the colonial period, Indians continued to resist British rule through various forms of protest, rebellion, and struggle for independence.

In 1764, the Battle of Buxar proved to be a crucial turning point for India as it paved the way for British colonialism and marked the downfall of native powers. The British East India Company’s victory led to significant territorial expansion, economic exploitation, and political reorganization in India. The Treaty of Allahabad solidified British dominance and reshaped the political landscape, laying the foundation for British rule over the subcontinent. Despite the lasting legacy of British hegemony, the Battle of Buxar also symbolizes the resilience and resistance of the Indian people against colonial oppression, setting the stage for future struggles for independence.

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Battle Of Buxar (1764)

• Last Updated : 28-Aug-2023

Introduction

Background to the battle of buxar, battle of buxar: events, participants, shuja-ud-daulah, shah alam ii, hector munro, robert clive, consequences, allahabad treaty of 1765, bengal under dual rule (1765–72), any suggestions or correction in this article - please click here ( [email protected] ), related posts:, government measures to suppress the swadeshi movement (1905).

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THE STRATEGIC MEANING OF BATTLE OF BUXAR

2021, Geopolitics

THE STRATEGIC MEANING OF BATTLE OF BUXAR Major A.H Amin (Retired) THE STRATEGIC MEANING OF BATTLE OF BUXAR • July 2021 • DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.19296.61444 • Project: • Strategy • Agha H Amin

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Battle of Buxar (1764) – Modern India History Notes

Amruta Patil

Aug 9, 2024

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The Battle of Buxar took place on October 22, 1764 , between the British army led by Hector Munro and a combined alliance of Indian rulers from Bengal, Awadh, and the Mughal Empire. This historic battle laid the groundwork for the British to rule India for the next 183 years . The British East India Company set its sights on Bengal after winning the Battle of Plassey in 1757 . The battle ended in 1765, with the Mughal Emperor surrendering and Bengal coming under British control. In this article, we will learn in detail regarding the causes and significance of Battle of Buxar which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Hector Munro

Battle of buxar – background.

• Mir Kasim , the Company reasoned, would be an ideal puppet for them. Mir Kasim, on the other hand, defied the Company's expectations .
• Ram Narayan , Bihar's deputy governor, refused to respond to the nawab's repeated requests to submit Bihar's revenue accounts.
• Mir Kasim couldn't stand up to such open defiance of his authority. However, Ram Narayan was supported by Patna's English officials.
• Misuse of the Company's dastak or trade permit (a permit that exempted the specified goods from duty payment) by Company officials also contributed to tensions between the nawab and the English.
• The nawab lost tax revenue as a result of the dastak's misuse.
• It also forced local merchants to compete unfairly with Company merchants.
• The English company had obtained the right to trade in Bengal without paying transit dues or tolls through an imperial farman.
• However, the Company's servants claimed the same privileges for their private trade.
• Dastak was also sold to Indian merchants for a commission by the Company's servants.
• Furthermore, they used coercive methods to obtain goods at lower prices, which was contrary to the spirit of duty-free trade.
• Duty-free shopping simply meant getting a good deal in an otherwise competitive market.
• Mir Kasim decided to abolish the duties entirely, but the British objected and insisted on preferential treatment over other traders.
• The Nawab-Company feud over transit duty sparked war between the English and Mir Kasim in 1763 .
• The English won at Katwah, Murshidabad, Giria, Sooty, and Munger in quick succession.
• Mir Kasim fled to Awadh (or Oudh), where he formed a confederacy with the Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daulah, and the Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II , to reclaim Bengal from the English.

Events of Battle of Buxar

• It was one of the subcontinent's first major defeats, as a combined army of 40,000 men from the Mughals, Awadh, and Mir Qasim was brutally defeated by a British army of 10,000 men.
• The lack of coordination among the major three disparate allies was one of the primary reasons for this defeat.
• When Mirza Najaf Khan led the Mughal Army's first flank to ambush the British at dawn, Major Hector was able to form the British lines in twenty minutes and halt the Mughals' advance.
• As a result, Munro divided the British Army into columns and pursued the Mughal Grand Vizier Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, who responded by blowing up his boat bridge after crossing the river.
• This had the unintended consequence of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and his regiment abandoning the war .
• According to historian John Willaim Fortescue, the British suffered 847 casualties, while Indian allies lost 2000 soldiers.
• Munro then decided to help the Marathas , who were described as a "warlike race" known for their unwavering hatred of the Mughal Empire and its Nawabs.

Participants in the Battle of Buxar

• He objected to the English's use of "dastak" and "farmans".
• He plotted against them by forming an alliance with the Nawab of Awadh and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.

Shuja-ud-Daulah

• He was the Nawab of Awadh.
• He formed a confederacy with Mir Qasim and Shah Alam-II.

Shah Alam II

• He was the Mughal Emperor.
• He wished to drive the English out of Bengal.
• He was a British Army major.
• He led the English side in the Buxar War.

Robert Clive

He signed treaties with Shuja-Ud-Daulah and Shah Alam-II after winning the buxar war.

Consequences of Battle of Buxar

• The combined armies of Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Awadh, and Shah Alam II were defeated by English forces led by Major Hector Munro on October 22, 1764, at Buxar.
• The English campaign against Mir Kasim was brief but powerful.
• The significance of this battle lay in the fact that the English defeated not only the Nawab of Bengal, but also the Mughal Emperor of India.
• The victory established the English as a major power in northern India and a contender for supremacy over the entire country.
• Following the battle, Mir Jafar, who was appointed Nawab in 1763 after relations between Mir Kasim and the Company soured, agreed to hand over the districts of Midnapore, Burdwan, and Chittagong to the English for army maintenance.
• The English were also allowed duty-free trade in Bengal, with the exception of a 2% salt duty .
• After Mir Jafar's death, his minor son , Najimud-dula , was appointed nawab, but the real power of administration rested with the naib-subahdar , who could be appointed or dismissed by the English.

Treaty of Allahabad 1765

In August 1765, Robert Clive signed two important treaties in Allahabad , one with the Nawab of Awadh and the other with the Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II .

Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula agreed to

• surrender Allahabad and Kara to Emperor Shah Alam II;
• pay Rs 50 lakh to the Company as war indemnity ; and
• give full possession of his estate to Balwant Singh, Zamindar of Banaras.

Shah Alam II agreed to

• reside in Allahabad , which was ceded to him by the Nawab of Awadh, under the protection of the East India Company;
• issue a farman granting the diwani of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the East India Company in exchange for an annual payment of Rs 26 lakh ; and
• a provision of Rs 53 lakh to the Company in exchange for the said provinces' nizamat functions (military defence, police, and administration of justice).

Dual Government in Bengal (1765-72)

• Following the Battle of Buxar, the East India Company established itself as the true ruler of Bengal.
• In Bengal, Robert Clive established the dual system of government , i.e., the rule of two—the Company and the Nawab—under which both the diwani, i.e., revenue collection, and nizamat, i.e., police and judicial functions , came under the control of the Company.
• As the diwan, the Company exercised diwani rights and nizamat rights through its right to nominate the deputy subahdar.
• The Company inherited the diwani and nizamat functions from the Emperor and the subahdar of Bengal, respectively.
• The system provided significant benefits to the company.
• It gave the puppet Indian ruler the appearance of authority while retaining sovereign power in the hands of the Company.
• The nawab was in charge of maintaining peace and order, but he had to rely on the Company for both funds and forces because the latter controlled the army and revenues.
• The Company appointed two deputy diwans, Mohammad Reza Khan for Bengal and Raja Sitab Roy for Bihar, to carry out diwani functions.
• Mohammad Reza Khan also served as the deputy nazim or subahdar.
• The dual system caused an administrative breakdown, which was disastrous for the people of Bengal.
• Neither the Company nor the Nawab were concerned with administration or public welfare.
• In 1772, Warren Hastings abolished the dual system.
• Clive did not want to annex Awadh because it would have required the Company to protect a large land border from Afghan and Maratha invasions.
• The treaty turned the Nawab into a staunch ally of the Company and turned Awadh into a buffer state.
• Similarly, Clive's arrangement with Shah Alam II was motivated by pragmatic concerns. It turned the Emperor into a valuable 'rubber stamp' for the Company. Furthermore, the emperor's farman legalised the Company's political gains in Bengal.
• Mir Kasim, Bengal's dethroned Nawab, spent the rest of his life in abject poverty and died in June 1777.

Question: What was the reason for the Battle of Buxar?

The battle of Buxar resulted in the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, in which the Mughal emperor surrendered Bengal's sovereignty to the British. The main reason for this battle was the misuse of trade privileges granted by the Nawab of Bengal, as well as the British colonialist ambitions.

Question: Who was governor of Bengal during the Battle of Buxar?

Robert Clivewas Governor-General of Bengal during the Battle of Buxar.

Question: How did the Battle of Buxar prove to be a turning point in the history of India?

The battle of Buxar was fought in 1764. In this battle, the combined armies of Bengal, Awadh and the Army of Shah Alam were defeated by the British and this helped the company to acquire the Diwani for many parts in India. Sister Battle of Buxar was a turning point in History of Bengalas it marked the start of company rule in India.

Question: The British General who led his force in the Battle of Buxar was:

(a) Hector Munro

(b) Robert Clive

(c) Warren Hastings

(d) Lord Wellesley

Answer: (a) See the Explanation

The Battle of Buxar was fought on 22 October 1764 between the forces under the command of the British East India Company led by Hector Munro and the combined army of Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal; the Nawab of Awadh; and the Mughal King Shah Alam II. The battle fought at Buxar, a small fortified town within the territory of Bengal, located on the bank of the Ganges river about 130km west of Patna, was a decisive victory for the British East India Company.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Question: Which of the following combined forces fought against the British in the Battle of Buxar in 1764?

(a) Siraj-ud-Daulah, Shuja-ud-Daulah, Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II

(b) Shuja-ud-Daulah, Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, Mir Qasim

(c) Mir Qasim, Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, Mir Madan

(d) Mir Jafar, Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II, Shuja-ud-Daulah

Answer: (b) See the Explanation

The battle of Buxar was fought between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined army of an alliance of Shuja-ud-Daulah, Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and Mir Qasim in the year 1764. The British victory at Buxar resulted in the end of the attempt to rule Bengal through a puppet nawab. The war came to an end by the "Treaty of Allahabad" in 1765.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

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Battle of Buxar | Causes & Effects | Importance | PDF Download

December 2, 2017 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

The battle of buxar was fought between British East India Company led by Hector Munro and the combined join forces of three Mughal rulers- Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal; Mughal emperor Shah Alam II and the Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daulah. On 23 October 1764, the battle was fought at Buxar which is in Bengal and located at the bank of river Ganges River.

This battle was actually an outcome of the clash between British east India company and Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal.  

Table of Contents

Reasons of Buxar Battle 

Mir qasim was the most efficient Nawab of his time. He ran his administration quite effectively without getting influenced by Britishers. He suppressed the rebellions of Bengal and Bihar. He transferred his capital from Murshidabad to Monghyr.

He was becoming more and more powerful by strengthing his army. He wanted to stay away from Britishers that’s why he shifted his capital to avoid their interference. He also made proper arrangements for the manufacture of fire arms at his new capital. This attitude displeasured the Britishers most.

They saw it as a beginning of rebellion. Mir Qasim stopped the britishers from misusing the dastaks which was an important source of revenue for the Mir Qasim. This added fuel to the fire. And finally the last nail in the coffin was put when Mir Qasim put all end to the company’s trade of salt and bettel leaves.

The company was trading from his territory in salt and leaves without paying any taxes. This created fury among the Britishers. Few other measures were taken by him to stop trading of Britishers in his area. He actively promoted his own business. This provided enough reasons to Britishers to demolish his reign over that place.   

British company tried hard to keep a check on him but Mir Qasim wanted to rule independently. A quarrel started among them. But this was just a beginning of the war.   

Events of the battle of Buxar  

• Shuja-ud-daula, the Nawab of Awadh wanted to destroy british supremacy in Awadh or Outh at that time.  
• Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II had already taken refuge in the court of Nawab Shuja-ud-daula. He had promised to him that he would financially support him in case any war erupted between the Nawabs and English.     
• Mir Qasim already revolted against British. He did not like the use of him as a puppet. As a result war broke at different places. He was defeated in three successive battles at Katwa, gheria and udaynal and fled to Awadh to take refuge.  
• The three conspired against Britishers and decided to take revenge and fought a war to take their lost territories back.   
• The combined army comprised 40,000 men where as Britishers were merely 10,000 yet the company won the battle. The Britishers won this battle in just a day.   
• Lack of co-ordination and communication was the main reason behind the defeat. Also the weapons used by Britishers were more technologically advanced and were capable of causing mass destruction.   
• Mirza Najaf Khan was leading the right flank of Mughal alliance forces and was the first to advance with his soldiers.   
• Britishers retreated their advances within an hour.  
• Under the command of Sir hector Munro, british army was divided into three parts. One left section was commanded by Major Stibbert; right section of Bengalese troops was headed by Major Champion; the center was the Bengal cavalry with four companies of sepoys.  
• British Major Champion advanced first and attacked the nearby small village. This forced the Indian alliance army to move back. They then occupied the village.  
• The Indian soldiers’ army retreated from the village and took a target of Major Stibbert section.  
• Despite being more in number than the Britishers, the alliance army troops were encircled by them and took heavy causalities which eventually ended up in the defeat.    
• Munro persuaded Shuja-ud-daula to betray his war companions. Shuja-ud-daula blowed up his boat-bridge after crossing the river abandoning his two alliance armies behind. Munro knew that shuja-ud-daula was the strongest of them all. But if Shuja-ud-daulaa turned up against his allies, the Britishers will stand in a win-win situation.   
• Mir Qasim also fled with gemstones worth of 3 million rupees and later he committed suicide.   
• Mirza Najaf Khan along with shah Alam II chose to negotiate with Britishers as they had no choice left but to surrender.  

 Importance and aftermath of Buxar battle      

• British East India Company emerged as the supreme military without any opposition.  
• With the defeat of Mir Qasim, the era of independents Nawabs finally came to an end.  
• British east India company were given the diwani rights of Bengal by Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. This meant that they would collect revenue without any hassles of paying someone else.   
• Battle of buxar confirmed the decisions of Plassey.   
• Robert Clive signed two treaties at Allahabad known as Treaty of Allahabad with Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II in 1765. He became the first governor of Bengal.  
• According to the treaty- Britishers East India Company would legally control the administration and economy of Bengal. Diwani of Bihar and Orissa wee also given to Britishers since they had won the war.  
•  The victory at Buxar resulted in the stripping of the control of Indian subcontinent from the hands of Indian Nawabs and Rulers to the Britishers.  
• According to diwani’s rights, british would administer the Bengal and manage revenue of this large area also.   
• In return of this right, Britishers would give Rs.26 lakh to the Mughal emperor shah Alam II.   
• Shuja-ud-daula had to pay Rs. 50 lakh at the spot as the war-fare expenses to the company and Rs. 25 lakh later in installments.

The battle to rule over the Bengal which started at the success of Battle of Plassey  in 1757 had come to an end. This battle also ends the puppet Nawab era which was started after battle of Plassey.   

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Essay on the Battle of Buxar – 1764

Mir Kasim assigned the Jagir of Burdwan, Mindapur and Chittagaon to the Company. Mir Kasim was the ablest Nawab among to successors of Ali Vardi Khan.

Already he possessed rich administrative experience as the Faujdar of Rangpur and Purnea. In order to remain aloof from the English atmosphere and intrigues, he transferred his capital from Murishidabad to Monghyr.

Mir Kasim also sought to introduce new vigour in the administration. He modernised his army on the European model. Efforts were made for manufacture of fire locks and guns at Monghyr. The Nawab had to take step to protect against Shahzada Ali Gauhar who was in Bihar and was a source of insecurity to the position of Mir Kasim.

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Mir Kasim also turned his attention for the economic development of the state. Old and corrupting officials were either heavily fined or replaced. Some new tax of 1-1/2 or 3/32 part of the original crown rent was originally imposed.

He also took step to suppress the refractory Zamindars of the Bengal and Bihar who had earlier unfurled the flag of allegiance to the state. The notorious, Ramnarayan, the Deputy Subedar of Bihar was conspiring with English for defiance of the Nawab’s authority.

He never tolerated the Mir Jafars ascending to power. It was due to Clive’s intervention that momentarily silenced Ramnarayan. He was most irregular in the payment of Revenue of Bihar.

Mir Kasim could not tolerate the indiscipline behaviour of Ramnarayan and fortified by the support of Governor Vansittart. Mir Kasim suspended Ramnarayan and later dismissed him and put him to death. Mir Kasim also asserted his legal rights as the Nawab and refused to remain a puppet in the hands of the company.

The company could not tolerate and that it resulted in its conflict with the Nawab. Besides many other factors were also responsible for the conflict between company and the Nawab which ultimately resulted in the Battle of Buxar.

(i) Causes:

The primary cause of the conflict between Mir Kasim and the English was the question as to who was the real power in the Bengal. The English expected that Mir should govern will but should remain a puppet in their hands.

Moreover Mir Kasim was proposed to accept the right of the company as a trading corporation but was not willing to share with in the power of the state while the English desired that the Nawab should rule as they desired.

The matter was that when Mir Kasim was conspiring with English to overthrow Mir Jafar, the Englishmen failed to recognised the inner picture of Mir Kasim.

(ii) Trade:

By a Firman of 1717, the English Company had been given the privilege of Free trade. However, the servants of the company had taken advantage of the chaotic condition in the country and started abusing the privilege by extending the same to the private trade of kinds.

The Nawab did not like it. But he did not tolerate the misuse of this right by the officers of the company. The English used to sell the dustakes (free passes) to the Indian merchants who therefore were able to evade tax is on their goods as well.

The Nawab, therefore desired to some sort of settlements with the Company regarding its right to trade free of tax. But no settlement was made. The Nawab, in desperation, completely abolished the trade tax. It adversely affected the trade interest of the Company.

The Company enjoyed advantage only when it enjoyed the privilege of paying no tax while its Indian counterparts had to pay trade-tax. Therefore, the Company asked the Nawab to reimpose trade-tax on Indian merchants.

The Nawab refused to do so. It resulted in an’open conflict between the Company and Nawab. The cause of quarrel between the Nawab and the Company was because of the fact that the Company in no case was prepared to loss its privilege of free trade and faces the Indian traders on equal terms.

(iii) The Case of Shah Alam II:

The Mughal emperor Alamgir II was murdered in 1760. At that time, his son and successor prince Shahzada was immediately declared himself as the Emperor and assumed the title of Shah Alam II. The English were clandestinely planning to draw certain advantage for him.

They asked Mir Kasim to recognise Shah Alam as the Mughal emperor. Mir Kasim did not accept the proposal of the English because he feared that the English might fetch the Nawabship of Bengal.

From the Emperor and once he accepted Shah Alam as the emperor he would not be able to oppose English legally. He agreed that he would accept Shah Alam as the Emperor as soon as he left the territories of his kingdom. This created political difference and ill-will between the conflicting parties. Though Shah Alam left for Delhi and problem was solved.

(iv) Ram Narain:

Ram Narain was dismissed from the post of Naib Diwan by Mir Kasim and took shelter with the English. The Nawab asked the Company to hand him over to him. So far the English had always refused to return the fugitives. But when Vanisttart was the Governor of the Company, he handedover Ram Narain to the Nawab.

The English had reversed their policy which they had pursued so far concerning the fugitives. The Nawab, therefore, felt himself strengthened and mustered courage to oppose the English.

Mir Kasim was defeated in a series of battles between Junes to September 1763. He was finally fled to Oudh, where he sought military assistance for the Sujudaulla, the Nawab of Oudh and Wajir of Mughal emperor on the payment of rupees 11 lakh, per day.

The fate of Bengal or rather that of entire north. India now depended on the wisdom of Sujudaullah. Not only Mir Kasim was in his camp but even emperor Shah Alam was there living under his protection in Avadh, whose name he could fruitfully, utilise to gain support of other native rulers against the British. But he failed miserably.

He tried to gain advantage only for himself from these crises in Bengal and entered in the adventure right handed. He gave offence to Mir Kasim by his behaviour that left his camp before the final battle.

He offended Emperor Shah Alam who entered into secret negotiations with the English and he foolishly alienated Mir Zafar. The new Nawab of Bengal by informing him that the Mughal emperor had assigned the Nawabship of Bengal to his son Asafuddaulah.

On the other hand the English succeeded in winning over many officials and feudatory chiefs of Sujauddaulah to their side. In 1764, Sujaudaullah entered the territory of Bihar. He suffered a reverse against an English army near Patna and retreated to Buxar where he wasted nearly five months in fruitless negotiation.

The final battle at Buxar took place on October 23, 1764, where the English Commander, Hector Munro completely defeated him. Sujaudaullah then sought the support of Malhan Rao Holkar but the joint forces of the two were defeated at Kara on May 3, 1765.

That settled the fate of Wazir, who now surrendered themselves to English. The Mughal emperor, Shah Alam had already surrendered himself to the British at Banaras while Mir Kasim had fled to Delhi prior to the Battle of Buxar where he died in 1777 under extreme poverty. Thus, the English were one more the victors.

1. The Battle of Buxar was one of the decisive battles in the Indian history for it demonstrated the superiority of English army over the combined army of two of the major Indian powers. The Battle of Plassey was won over by the English more by their diplomatic skill than by their strength of arms.

But the Battle of Buxar was won by them by their strength and skill in arms. The English with army of eight thousand defeated the army of the Avadh and the Mughal emperor which consisted of only forty to six thousand soldiers. Thus, the battle was the result of the superiority of the English military skill and the arms.

2. The battle of Buxar confirmed the decisions of Plassey. Mr. M. Broom wrote “Thus ended the famous battle of Buxar, on which depended the fate of India and which was gallantly disputed as was important in results.”

The English now became the undisputed masters of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. It opened the way to extend the British frontiers towards the North East of Bengal. The prestige of English also stood very high now.

Of course, Mughal emperor was emperor in name only and weilded no power, yet he enjoyed prestige all over India. Now the English utilise his name for extension of imperial territory.

The Nawab of Avadh was not important ruler, yet he was master of an extensive and rich kingdom and enjoyed the rank of the Wazir of the Mughal emperor. His defeat was certainly creditable to the English and it enabled the British to bring Avadh under their enway though gradually.

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 in Northern India and contenders for the supremacy of the whole country.

The English now faced the Afgans and the Marathas as serious rivals in the final struggle for the empire of Hindustan. If Plassey had imposed the European yoke on Bengal the victory of Buxar riveted the shakels of bondage.

In addition to this, the Company and its servants got intoxicated by their new found powers and’in the prospect of wealth and in their pursuit of riches, began to oppress and ill-treat the officials of the Nawab and, the poor people of Bengal.

They compelled the Indian officials and Zamindars to give them present and bribes. They forced the merchants, artisans and peasant to sell their goods cheap and to buy dear from them. These years have been described by British Historian as the period of open and unashamed plunder.

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Battle of Buxar (1764) – UPSC GS1

• The seeds of the Battle of Buxar were sown after the Battle of Plassey, when Mir Qasim became the Nawab of Bengal. The primary cause was the conflict between the English and Mir Qasim.
• Mir Qasim was an able Nawab. The English wanted Mir to remain as a puppet in their hands. But, he always wanted to keep himself away from the British influence. He undertook some reformation, under which there was a reduction in expenditure on administration and palaces; fire locks and guns were manufactured, there was regular payment of salaries, new taxes were imposed and the capital was shifted from Monghyar to Murshidabad, which annoyed the British nobles and officers. He abolished taxes altogether to curb abuse of dastak by British which infuriated British.
• These situation led to a number of conflicts between him and the English. He was defeated in three successive battles (between June to September 1763) before the Battle of Buxar, which eventually compelled him to flee to Allahabad where he met Shuja-ud-Daulah.
• In the meantime, after the acquisition of power as the Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II also wanted to combine several states as one physically stronger empire, which included Bengal (present Bengal+Bihar+Orissa). But, he also could not overpower the British and was under the shelter of Oudh Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah who always wanted to destroy the English supremacy in Bengal.
• Thus, one of the main causes of hostility between the English and the three rulers was the share of Bengal. Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah and Shah Alam II joined hands to fight against the English to establish their sovereignty over the whole of Bengal and reduce the power of the British.
• The Battle of Buxar was fought on 23 October 1764 at the battleground Katkauli, 6 kilometres from Buxar, then within the territory of Bengal, between the forces of the British East India Company led by Hector Munro and the combined army of Mir Qasim (the Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daulah (the Nawab of Awadh) and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
• The Mughal camp was internally broken due to a quarrel between the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and Shuja-ud-Daula; Mir Qasim was reluctant to engage the British. The lack of basic co-ordination among the three desperate allies was responsible for their decisive debacle.
• After the war, Mir Kasim fled to the North-West and died. Shah Alam II left Shuja-ud-Daulah and sought shelter in the British camp. Shuja-ud-Daulah tried to defeat the British till 1765 but was not successful. He later fled to Rohilkhand.
• Clive was in England when Battle of Buxar was fought and won by the British. In 1765, Clive returned as Governor General of Bengal for the second time. By this time, the British had shown their military supremacy in India for, the Battle of Buxar was tough contested battle, than the Battle of Plassey which was won by deceit.
• Battle of Buxar ended with Treaty of Allahabad.
• The seeds of British imperialism sown at Plassey flowered after the Battle of Buxar, a fact that makes the later battle historically more important. It finally consolidated British rule in Bengal, the Nawab was reduced to a mere figure-head, the Company started an unchecked plundering of the wealth of Bengal, the Nawab of Oudh turned to a submissive ally and the Mughal emperor was reduced to thriving on an allowance from the Company.
• The Battle of Buxar proved to be decisive resulting in the establishment of British sovereignty in Bengal. This battle brought out the political weaknesses and military shortcomings of the Indians and the hollowness of the Mughal Empire. Battle of Buxar proved the military superiority of the English and exposed the inherent weakness of the native force. It was more important than Battle of Plassey as Battle of Plassey was not won by military might but deceit. Also If Plassey saw defeat of the Nawab of bengal, Buxar saw defeat of Mughal Emperor and powerful Oudh.
• The Treaty of Allahabad heralded the establishment of the rule of the East India Company in one-eighth of India with a single stroke.
• While the Battle of Plassey secured a foothold for the British East India Company in India, the Battle of Buxar made them the dominant force in India.  Buxar war completed the work of Plassey.
• The East India Company, after the battle of Buxar, gained dominance over entire Bengal. The Mughal emperor came fully under the control of British. All duties and revenues from the most prosperous Indian province (Bengal, Bihar and Orissa) went to the company. It also gained administrative power by controlling the army, finances, and revenues.
• With the wealth of Bengal, the British could conquer other regions of India. The supremacy of the British was established in the Eastern parts of India. Buxar finally riveted the shackles of company’s rule upon Bengal .
• The verdict of Plassey was confirmed by the English victory at Buxar .

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Of all the battles fought by British, the Battle of Buxar cemented  the way for expansion and consolidation of British Empire in India. Elucidate.

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

1. Of all the battles fought by British, the Battle of Buxar cemented  the way for expansion and consolidation of British Empire in India. Elucidate. (250 words)

Reference:  Modern Indian history by Spectrum Publications

Why the question: The question is from the static portions of GS paper I , part Modern history. Key Demand of the question: One is expected to bring out the importance of Battle of Buxar and in what way it paved way to expansion and consolidation of British Empire in India. Directive: Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Brief about the battle of Buxar. Body: The Battle of Buxar was fought on 22 October 1764 between the forces under the command of the British East India Company, led by Hector Munro, and the combined armies of Mir Qasim, Nawab of Bengal till 1763; the Nawab of Awadh; and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. British East India Company emerged victorious defeating the Mughal forces. The war ended by the signing of the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765. Elaborate the consequences of the battle to show how it paved way for expansion and consolidation of the British Empire in India. Explain that the Battle of Buxar had far-reaching implications in the consolidation of the British Empire in India. It influenced the politico-economic conditions of Bengal in particular and of India in general. Conclusion: Conclude with importance.

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Q. Of all the battles fought by British in India, the Battle of Buxar paved the way for expansion and consolidation of British Empire in India. Examine. (250 words)

• Write a brief about the battle of Buxar as the introduction.
• Elaborate the consequences of the battle to show how it paved way for expansion and consolidation of the British Empire in India.

Introduction

• The Battle of Buxar was fought on 22 October 1764 between the forces under the command of the British East India Company, led by Hector Munro, and the combined armies of Mir Qasim, Nawab of Bengal till 1763; the Nawab of Awadh; and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
• British East India Company emerged victorious defeating the Mughal forces.
• The war ended by the signing of the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765.

The Battle of Buxar had far-reaching implications in the consolidation of the British Empire in India. It influenced the politico-economic conditions of Bengal in particular and of India in general.

Symbolic Victory

• Unlike the battle of Plassey which was more of British conspiracy, the battle of buxar was a full-fledged war which established the British prowess in warfare.
• The defeat of the Great Mughal House was very significant and it stamped the British troops as one of the potent forces of the Indian subcontinent.

Economic Avenues

• The Treaty of Allahabad formally gave the British East India Company the right to exact revenue from the eastern province of Bengal which turned the economic fortune of the company.
• It provided the company of huge resources which it could divert for strengthening its army which was a vital cog in furthering British goal of territorial conquest.
• The balance of payment which until now was in favor of India shifted in favor of Britishers, they could now finance their own trade from the revenue generated from their territories of Bengal Orissa and Bihar.

Expansionist Motives

• The British victory at buxar ensured that there were no significant forces left to challenge its position in the eastern part of the subcontinent.
• The defeat of the Nawab of Awadh created a buffer state which effectively created a wall between the Britishers and the notorious Marathas.

Political Stronghold

• Following the Treaty of Allahabad (1765), Robert Clive set up the infamous dual system of administration in Bengal wherein the Company acquired the real power, while the responsibility of administration rested on the Nawab of Bengal.
• Under the 'dual' or double government system, the Company got both the Diwani (revenue) and nizamat (civil administration) functions of Bengal.
• Thus virtual power went into the hands of Britishers without any responsibility which created confusions, anarchy and economic loot of India began.

Residents in the Indian States

• After the Battle of Buxar (1764), the Company appointed Residents in Indian states. They were political or commercial agents and their job was to serve and further the interests of the Company.
• Through the Residents, the Company officials began interfering in the internal affairs of Indian states.
• This policy was made more effective and further developed into Subsidiary Alliance by Lord Wellesley.
• The Battle of Buxar enhanced the power of the East India Company. It managed to extend its jurisdiction beyond the boundary of Bengal.
• It got an opportunity to enter successfully into the politics of India. It helped the British to carve out their empire in India.
• In the words of Sir James Stephen, “the Battle of Buxar deserves far more credit than the battle of Plassey as the origin of the British power in India.”

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Write a short note on the Battle of Buxar.

The battle of buxar was fought in 1764. this war was won by east india company. this war came to an end with the signing of the treaty of allahabad in 1765. the battle of buxar was fought between the east india company and the combined forces of mir qasim (nawab of bengal), shuja-ud-daula (nawab of awadh) and mughal emperor shah alam ii..

When did the Battle of Buxar take place?