essay on battle of buxar

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

Table of Contents

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): causes, events & significance.

The Battle of Buxar , fought on October 22, 1764, was a decisive engagement between the British East India Company and a coalition of Indian rulers, including Mir Qasim of Bengal, Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh, and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. This victory solidified the Company’s political dominance in Bengal and laid the foundation for British expansion across India. This article aims to study in detail the causes, events, aftermath, and significance of the Battle of Buxar, exploring how this conflict shaped the trajectory of colonial rule in India.

About Battle of Buxar

• The Battle of Buxar, fought on October 22, 1764, was a decisive conflict between the forces of the British East India Company and a combined alliance of Indian rulers led by Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal; Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh; and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
• Following the growing tensions and confrontations stemming from British interference and Mir Qasim’s attempts to reclaim authority over Bengal, a series of skirmishes escalated into full-scale war.
• Despite the English’s initial victories in battles at Katwa, Murshidabad, Giria, Sooty, and Monghyr, Mir Qasim sought to strengthen his position through alliances, culminating in the pivotal Battle of Buxar.
• This battle ultimately marked a turning point, as the English emerged victorious, solidifying their power in Bengal and laying the foundation for British dominance in India.

Causes of Battle of Buxar

• The Company wanted Mir Qasim to be its puppet and meet its financial demands, but Mir Qasim failed to fulfil the Company’s expectations.
• The Nawab-Company tussle over transit and trade duty led to wars between the English and Mir Qasim in 1763, eventually leading to the battle of Buxar in 1764.

Events of Battle of Buxar

• After being defeated in successive wars against the English, Mir Qasim escaped to Oudh and organised the confederacy with the Nawab of Oudh Shuja-ud-daula and Emperor Shah Alam II in a final bid to oust the British from the Bengal.
• The combined armies of three powers, between 40,000 and 60,000, met an English army of 7072 troops commanded by Major Munro at the battlefield of Buxar on 22 October 1764 in a closely contested battle. The superior English military won the battle for them.

Aftermath of Battle of Buxar

• Mir Jafar was once again reinstated as the Nawab of Bengal.
• A treaty of Allahabad was signed between Lord Clive and Shah Alam, the Mughal Emperor.
• The English established a dual system of governance in Bengal after receiving the Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.

The Treaty of Allahabad

Robert Clive concluded two important treaties at Allahabad in August 1765: one with the Nawab of Oudh and the other with the Mughal Emperor.

Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula

• Agreed to surrender Allahabad and Kora to Emperor Shah Alam II;
• Pay Rs 50 lakhs to the Company as war compensation.
• Give Basant Singh, Zamindar of Banaras, full possession of his estate.

Shah Alam II

• Issued a Farman granting the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha to the East India Company for an annual payment of Rs. 26 lakhs.
• The Company is provided Rs. 53 lakhs in return for Nizamat functions (military, defence, police, and administration of justice) of the said provinces.
• The treaty made the Nawab a friend of the Company and turned Oudh into a buffer state. It made the Emperor a useful ‘rubber stamp’ of the Company. Besides, the Emperor’s farman legalised the political gains of the Company in Bengal.

Significance of Battle of Buxar

• It was one of the most decisive battles of Indian history as it demonstrated the superiority of the English Army over the combined army of three major Indian powers.
• The Company ceased to be a trading company and became a ruling power.
• The importance of this battle lay in the fact that the British defeated not only the Nawab but also the Emperor.
• The victory made the English a power to reckon with in Northern India and contenders for the supremacy of the whole country.
• The battle of Buxar confirmed battle of Plassey’s decision.

The Battle of Buxar holds a crucial place in the annals of Indian history as a turning point that elevated the British East India Company from a mercantile entity to a sovereign power. The subsequent Treaty of Allahabad, which formalised British authority over Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, marked the beginning of British dominance in Indian governance. Ultimately, the battle confirmed the Company’s position as a political power in India, setting the stage for the colonial system that would rule India for nearly two centuries. This conflict underscored the Company’s intent to control Indian territories beyond trade, shaping the subcontinent’s future in ways that would have lasting repercussions for India and its people.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who won the battle of buxar.

The British East India Company won the Battle of Buxar.

When was the Battle of Buxar fought?

The Battle of Buxar was fought on 22nd October 1764.

What is the Battle of Buxar?

The Battle of Buxar was a significant conflict between the British East India Company and the combined forces of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, the Nawab of Awadh (Shuja-ud-Daula), and the Nawab of Bengal (Mir Qasim). It solidified British control over Bengal and paved the way for further expansion in India.

What were the results of the Battle of Buxar?

The British victory at Buxar led to the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, which granted the East India Company the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This treaty marked a major shift in power, establishing British political and economic dominance in India.

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Battle of Buxar 1764 - UPSC Mains History

With the advent of Europeans in India, the British East India Company gradually conquered Indian territories. The Battle of Buxar is one such confrontation between the British army and their Indian counterparts which paved the way for the British to rule over India for the next 183 years. The Battle of Buxar took place in 1764 and is an important chapter in Indian Modern History for the  IAS Exam .

This article will talk about the Battle of Buxar in detail to help UPSC aspirants understand it for the mains examination. You can also download the Battle of Buxar notes PDF from the link provided.

What was the Battle of Buxar?

It was a battle fought between the English Forces, and a joint army of the Nawab of Oudh, Nawab of Bengal, and the Mughal Emperor. The battle was the result of misuse of trade privileges granted by the Nawab of Bengal and also the colonialist ambitions of East India Company

To get an idea about India under the Mughals , read the linked article.

Background of the Battle of Buxar

Before the battle of Buxar, one more battle was fought. It was the  Battle of Plassey , that gave the British a firm foothold over the region of Bengal. As a result of the Battle of Plassey, Siraj-Ud-Daulah was dethroned as the Nawab of Bengal and was replaced by Mir Jafar (Commander of Siraj’s Army.) After Mir Jafar became the new Bengal nawab, the British made him their puppet but Mir Jafar got involved with Dutch East India Company.  Mir Qasim (son-in-law of Mir Jafar) was supported by the British to become the new Nawab and under the pressure of the Company, Mir Jafar decided to resign in favour of Mir Kasim. A pension of Rs 1,500 per annum was fixed for Mir Jafar.

Get the list of Mughal Emperors in the linked article.

A few reasons which were the key to the Battle of Buxar are given below:

• Mir Qasim wanted to be independent and shifted his capital to Munger Fort from Calcutta.
• He also hired foreign experts to train his army, some of whom were in direct conflict with the British.
• He treated Indian merchants and English as same, without granting any special privileges for the latter.
• These factors fuelled the English to overthrow him and war broke out between Mir Kasim and the Company in 1763.

Who were the combatants of the Battle of Buxar?

The table below will inform the IAS aspirants to know the participants of the battle of Buxar and their significance on the battle:

The Course of Battle of Buxar

When the battle broke out in 1763, English gained successive victories at Katwah, Murshidabad, Giria, Sooty and Munger . Mir Kasim fled to Awadh (or Oudh) and formed a confederacy with the Shuja-Ud-Daulah (Nawab of Awadh) and Shah Alam II (Mughal Emperor). Mir Qasim wanted to recover Bengal from the English. Read the course of battle in the points below:

• Mir Qasim fled to Oudh
• He planned a confederacy with Shuja-Ud-Daula and Shah Alam II in a final bid to overthrow the English from Bengal
• Mir Qasim’s soldiers met the English army troops directed by Major Munro in 1764.
• The joint armies of Mir Qasim were defeated by the British.
• Mir Qasim absconded from the battle and the other two surrendered to the English army.
• The battle of Buxar ended with the  Treaty of Allahabad  in 1765.

Result of Battle of Buxar

• Mir Qasim, Shuja-Ud-Daula and Shah Alam-II lost the battle on October 22, 1764.
• Major Hector Munro won a decisive battle and Robert Clive had a major role in that.
• English became a great power in northern India.
• Mir Jafar (Nawab of Bengal) handed over districts of Midnapore, Burdwan and Chittagong to the English for the maintenance of their army.
• The English were also permitted duty-free trade in Bengal, except for a duty of two per cent on salt.
• After the death of Mir Jafar, his minor son, Najimud-Daula, was appointed nawab, but the real power of administration lay in the hands of the naib-subahdar, who could be appointed or dismissed by the English.
• Clive made political settlements with Emperor Shah Alam II and Shuja-Ud-Daula of Awadh in the Treaty of Allahabad.

What is the Treaty of Allahabad (1765)?

Two important treaties were concluded in Allahabad between Robert Clive, Shuja-Ud-Daulah & Shah Aam-II. The key-points of the treaty of Allahabad are given below:

Treaty of Allahabad between Robert Clive & Shuja-Ud-Daulah:

• Shuja had to surrender Allahabad and Kara to Shah Alam II
• He was made to pay Rs 50 lakh to the Company as war indemnity; and
• He was made to give Balwant Singh (Zamindar of Banaras) full possession of his estate.

Treaty of Allahabad between Robert Clive & Shah Alam-II:

• Shah Alam was commanded to reside at Allahabad which was ceded to him by Shuja-Ud-Daulah under the Company’s protection
• The emperor had to issue a Farman granting the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa to the East India Company in lieu of an annual payment of Rs 26 lakh;
• Shah Alam had to abide by a provision of Rs 53 lakh to the Company in return for the Nizamat functions (military defence, police, and administration of justice) of the said provinces.

Battle of Buxar – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here

Key-Facts about Battle of Buxar for UPSC Mains

There are a few facts a UPSC 2024 aspirant should know to get a hold of questions that may be asked in mains:

• After the Battle of Buxar, English did not annex Awadh even after Shuja-Ud-Daulah was defeated because it would have placed the Company under an obligation to protect an extensive land frontier from the Afghan and the Maratha invasions.
• Shuja-Ud-Daulah became a firm friend of British and made Awadh a buffer state between English and foreign invasions.
• The treaty of Allahabad with Mughal Emperor Shah Alam-II made emperor a useful ‘rubber stamp’ of the Company. Besides, the emperor’s Farman legalised the political gains of the Company in Bengal.

Read about some important battles and wars in Indian history from the links below:

• Third Battle of Panipat
• First Anglo-Maratha War
• First Battle of Panipat
• Battle of Chengam
• Battle of Pollilur
• Battle of Porto Novo

History-Related Links:

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Failure of the Dual Government

The dual system led to an administrative breakdown and had disastrous consequences for the people of Bengal. Neither the Company nor the Nawab prioritised administration and public welfare. Warren Hastings eventually abolished the dual system in 1772.

• The dastaks privilege was so abused that Indian merchants were utterly ruined and unable to compete with the English. 
• Indian industries suffered the same fate. 
• The Bengali silk industry was destroyed by the Company's use of political influence. 
• The most developed industry in Bengal, cotton cloth, was also destroyed. 
• Much against the interests of the artisans, the Company's representatives arbitrarily decided the cloth's quality, production volume, and price. 
• Any craftsman or worker who objected would face harsh punishment or torture.
• Thus, many of them changed their line of work, and many also left Bengal. 
• Every year, the land was offered to the highest bidder to raise money. 
• These tax bidders or farmers made the most profit for themselves in a year by collecting the most money possible from the farmers.
• Every year, the company's demands on contractors grew. 
• In response, the contractors raised their demands on the farmers even though they had no interest in raising production. 
• Peasants suffered the most as a result, and many of them abandoned their lands to become bandits and robbers. It resulted in famine in 1767-69.
• In the end, the Company's revenue also suffered as it was unable to generate good revenue or experience better trade. 
• The supervisors were chosen exclusively to ensure that the company received the highest possible revenue . 
• They were not required to ensure the welfare of the peasantry, uphold their rights, assist them in increasing their output, or even oversee the activities of Indian tax collectors. 
• Additionally, the supervisors were allowed to conduct private business , which became their main focus. As a result, the experiment of choosing supervisors was a complete failure . 

Abolition of the Dual Government

As the Company's Governor-General, Warren Hastings arrived in India in 1772 with clear directives from the Directors to abolish the Dual Government. 

• Company as Diwan: He arrived in India having received clear instructions from the Court of Directors that the Company would now serve as the Diwan and that the naib (deputy) Diwans, Muhammad Reza Khand and Raja Shitab Ray, would be removed from their positions and put on trial. 
• Responsibility of administration: Along with the direct responsibility of Diwani (the right to collect the revenues), Hastings also assumed responsibility for civil justice in the Company's hands.
• So, he deprived the Nawab of his right to Nizamat. An annual pension of sixteen lac rupees was given to the Nawab of Bengal for personal expenses. 
• As a result, the Dual Government in Bengal was eliminated , and the Company assumed de facto control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa .

Battle of Buxar FAQs

Q1. What is the Battle of Buxar?

Ans. The Battle of Buxar was a pivotal conflict fought on October 22, 1764, where the British East India Company defeated the combined forces of Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Awadh, and Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor of India, solidifying British dominance in northern India.

Q2. Who won the Battle of Buxar?

Ans.  The Battle of Buxar was a pivotal conflict fought on October 22, 1764, where the British East India Company defeated the combined forces of Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Awadh, and Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor of India, solidifying British dominance in northern India.

Q3. What led to the Battle of Buxar?

Ans.  The Battle of Buxar was led by tensions between the British East India Company and Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Bengal, due to disputes over trade permits and the Company's attempts to exert control, resulting in a significant conflict in 1764.

Q4. What was the impact of the Battle of Buxar?

Ans.  The Battle of Buxar solidified British dominance in northern India, establishing the British East India Company as a major power and leading to the implementation of the dual system of governance, with significant consequences for the region's administration and economy under British colonial rule.

Q5. When did the Battle of Buxar fought?

Ans.  The Battle of Buxar was fought on October 22, 1764.

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• 4.1 Distribution of Megalithic Cultures
• 4.2 Community Life & Settlements of Megalithic Cultures
• 4.3 Agriculture, Craft, Pottery & Iron Industry of Megalithic Cultures
• 5.1 Expansion of Aryans
• 5.2 Transformation from Rig Vedic to Later Vedic: Polity
• 5.3 Transformation from Rig Vedic to Later Vedic: Economy
• 5.4 Transformation from Rig Vedic to Later Vedic: Society (Rig Vedic)
• 5.5 Transformation from Rig Vedic to Later Vedic: Society (Later Vedic)
• 5.6 Transformation from Rig Vedic to Later Vedic: Religion
• 5.7 Vedic Period: Religious and Philosophical Literature
• 5.8 Significance of the Vedic Age
• 6.1 Period of Mahajanapadas: Formation of States - Republics and Monarchies
• 6.2 Period of Mahajanapadas: Rise of Urban Centres
• 6.3 Period of Mahajanapadas: Trade routes; Economic growth; Introduction of coinage
• 6.4 Emergence of Heterodox Sects - Introduction and Causes
• 6.5 Emergence of Heterodox Sects - Buddhism
• 6.6 Emergence of Heterodox Sects - Jainism
• 6.7 Buddhism Vs Jainism and Brahmanism - Similarities and differences
• 6.8 Non-Buddhist Ascetic Orders
• 6.9 Period of Mahajanapadas - Social Changes
• 6.10 Iranian and Macedonian Invasions and their Impact
• 7.1 Mauryan Empire - Foundation
• 7.2 Megasthenes' Indika & Kautilya's Arthashastra
• 7.3 Mauryan Empire - Administration and Economy
• 7.4 Ashoka and his concept of Dhamma
• 7.5 Mauryan Empire - Art & Architecture
• 7.6 Disintegration of Mauryan Empire
• 7.7 Sungas and Kanvas
• 8.1 Contact with outside world (Polity)
• 8.2 Growth of Urban Centres
• 8.3 Economic and Social Conditions
• 8.4 Coinage
• 8.5 Development of Religions, Mahayana Buddhism
• 8.6 Art, Architecture, Science, Literature (Post-Mauryan Period)
• 8.7 Gandhara and Madhura School of Art
• 9.1 Kharavela
• 9.2 The Satavahanas
• 9.3 Tamil States of Sangam Age
• 9.4 Sangam Age-Economic Development
• 9.5 Sangam Age-Social Development
• 9.6 Sangam Literature and Culture
• 9.7 Early State in Deccan and South India - Economy, land grants, trade guilds, urban centres
• 9.8 Amaravati School of Art
• 9.9 Buddhist Centres
• 10.1 Guptas: Polity
• 10.2 Guptas: Administration
• 10.3 Guptas: Coinage
• 10.4 Guptas: Agriculture, Land grants, Village Economy
• 10.5 Guptas: Trade & Urban Centres
• 10.6 Guptas: Indian Feudalism
• 10.7 Guptas: Society - Caste System, Position of Women
• 10.8 Guptas: Education and Educational Institutions
• 10.9 Guptas: Literature
• 10.10 Guptas: Art
• 10.10.1 Ajanta Art
• 10.11 Guptas: Architecture
• 10.12 Vakatakas
• 10.13 Vardhanas
• 11.1 Kadambas
• 11.2 Pallavas
• 11.3 Chalukyas of Badami
• 11.4 Chalukyas of Kalyana
• 11.8 Rashtrakutas
• 11.9 Hoysalas
• 11.10 Cholas
• 11.11 Pandyas
• 11.12 Senas
• 11.13 Paramaras
• 11.14 Arab Conquest of Sind
• 11.15 Alberuni's India
• 11.16 Polity and Administration (Regional States during Gupta Era)
• 11.17 Tamil Bhakti Movement
• 11.18 Shankaracharya and Vedanta; Ramanuja and Vishishtadvaita
• 11.19 Religious Sects
• 11.20 Trade Guilds
• 12.1 Languages and texts
• 12.2 Ideas in Science and Mathematics
• 12.3 Slavery in Ancient India
• 12.4 Money Lending in Ancient India
• 12.5 Major philosophical thinkers and schools: Systems of Indian Philosophy
• 12.6 Major philosophical thinkers and schools: Six Schools of Indian Philosophy
• 12.7 Major philosophical thinkers and schools: Ajivika and Charvaka School
• 12.8 Major philosophical thinkers and schools: Tantricism
• 12.9 Major philosophical thinkers and schools: Shaktism
• 13.1 Major political developments in Northern India and the Peninsula
• 13.2 Origin and the rise of Rajputs
• 13.3 The Cholas: administration, village economy and society
• 13.4 Indian Feudalism
• 13.5 Agrarian Economy
• 13.6 Urban Settlements
• 13.7 Trade and Commerce
• 13.8 Condition of Women
• 13.9 Science and Technology
• 14.1 Philosophy during 750-1200 CE (Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, Madhva, Nimbarka)
• 14.2 Tamil Devotional Cult and Growth of Bhakti
• 14.3 Islam and its Arrival in India
• 14.4 Sufism
• 14.5 Sanskrit Literature
• 14.6 Tamil Literature
• 14.7 Literature in New Languages
• 14.8 Kalhan’s Rajtarangini
• 14.9 Albiruni's India
• 14.10 Temple Architecture
• 14.11 Painting (750-1200 CE)
• 15.1 Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate: The Ghurian invasions – factors behind Ghurian success – Economic, social and cultural consequences
• 15.2 Foundation of Delhi Sultanate and early Turkish Sultans – Consolidation: The rule of Iltutmish and Balban
• 16.1 The Khalji Revolution and Alauddin Khalji: Conquests and territorial expansion, agrarian and economic measures
• 16.2 Muhammad Tughluq: Major projects, agrarian measures, the bureaucracy of Muhammad Tughluq
• 16.3 Firuz Tughluq: Agrarian measures, achievements in civil engineering and public works, a decline of the Sultanate
• 16.4 Shams Siraj Afif Account: Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi
• 16.5 Foreign contacts and Ibn Battuta’s account
• 16.6 The Mongol Menace during the Sultanate Period
• 17.1 Administration under Delhi Sultanate
• 17.2 Delhi Sultanate: Agricultural Production
• 17.3 Delhi Sultanate: Rise of urban economy and non-agricultural production
• 17.4 Delhi Sultanate: Trade and Commerce
• 17.5 Delhi Sultanate: Rural Society Composition
• 17.6 Delhi Sultanate: Ruling Classes
• 17.7 Delhi Sultanate: Town dwellers, Women, Religious Classes, Caste and Slavery
• 17.8 Lekhapaddhati as a source of History
• 17.9 Sultanate Architecture and New Structural Forms
• 17.10 Delhi Sultanate: Persian literature, literature in the regional languages of North India, literature in the languages of South India
• 17.11 Delhi Sultanate: Painting, Music and the evolution of a composite culture
• 17.12 Amir Khusrau's Contributions in Poetry, Literature, Music, & History
• 17.13 Educational development during Sultanate period
• 18.1 Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Bengal
• 18.2 Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Gujarat
• 18.3 Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Malwa
• 18.4 Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Lodis
• 18.5 Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Kashmir (Zainul Abedin)
• 18.6 Vijayanagar Empire - Polity
• 18.7 Vijayanagar Empire - Administration
• 18.8 Vijayanagar Empire - Economy
• 18.9 Vijayanagar Empire - Society
• 18.10 Bahmani Kingdom
• 18.11 Portuguese Colonial Enterprise
• 18.12 Mughal Empire, First phase: Babur
• 18.13 Mughal Empire, First phase: Humayun
• 18.14 Sur Empire and Sher Shah Administration
• 19.1 Regional cultural specificities – Literary traditions
• 19.2 Provincial architecture: Bengal, Gujarat, Deccan
• 19.3 Vijayanagar Empire: Architecture, Culture, literature and arts
• 20.1 Conquest and Consolidation of Mughal Empire (Akbar)
• 20.2 Rajput Policy of Akbar
• 20.3 Mansabdari System
• 20.4 Jagirdari System
• 20.5 Akbar's Land Revenue System
• 20.6 Akbar's Evolution of religious and social outlook, the theory of Sulh-i-kul and religious policy
• 20.7 Akbar: Court patronage of art and technology
• 20.8 Foreign Policy of Akbar
• 21.1 Major administrative & economic policies of Jahangir, Shahjahan and Aurangzeb
• 21.2 The Mughal Empire and the Zamindars
• 21.3 Religious policies of Jahangir, Shahjahan and Aurangzeb
• 21.4 Nature of the Mughal State
• 21.5 Late Seventeenth-century crisis and the revolts
• 21.6 The Ahom Kingdom
• 21.7 Shivaji and the early Maratha Kingdom
• 22.1 Population in Mughal India
• 22.2 Agricultural Production in Mughal India
• 22.3 Craft Production in Mughal India
• 22.4 Towns in Mughal India
• 22.5 Mughal Commerce with Europe through Dutch, English and French companies: A trade revolution
• 22.6 Indian Mercantile Classes, Banking, Insurance, and Credit Systems in Mughal India
• 22.7 Capitalism in Mughal India
• 22.8 Condition of peasants in Mughal India
• 22.9 Condition of Women in Mughal India
• 22.10 Evolution of the Sikh community and the Khalsa Panth
• 22.11 Bernier’s account of India
• 23.1 Persian histories and other literature in Mughal India
• 23.2 Hindi and other religious literature in Mughal India
• 23.3 Mughal Architecture
• 23.4 Mughal Painting
• 23.5 Rajput Painting
• 23.6 Provincial Paintings: Deccan & Patna Kalam
• 23.7 Classical music in Mughal India
• 23.8 Science and Technology in Mughal India
• 24.1 Factors for the decline of the Mughal Empire
• 24.2 Nizam’s Deccan (regional principalities)
• 24.3 Bengal (regional principalities)
• 24.4 Awadh (regional principalities)
• 24.5 Maratha ascendancy under the Peshwas
• 24.6 The Maratha fiscal and financial system
• 24.7 Emergence of Afghan Power & Battle of Panipat:1761
• 1.1 Introduction and Background to European Penetration in India
• 1.2 The Early European Settlements in India
• 1.3 The Portuguese and the Dutch
• 1.4 The English and the French East India Companies
• 1.5 Carnatic Wars (1744-1763): Causes, Events & Consequences
• 1.6 Battle of Plassey: Causes, Events & Consequences

2.1 Battle of Buxar: 1764 Causes, Events, Consequences

• 2.2 Anglo-Mysore Wars (1798 – 1799): Causes, Events, Consequences
• 2.3 Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775-1818): Causes, Events, Consequences
• 2.4 Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845-1849): Causes, Events, Aftermath
• 3.1 The early administrative structure of British - Dual System (Diarchy) of Government (1765-1772)
• 3.2 From diarchy to direct control
• 3.3 The Regulating Act (1773): Background, Provisions, Legacy
• 3.4 The Pitt’s India Act (1784): Background, Provisions, Legacy
• 3.5 The Charter Act (1813): Provisions, Significance, Drawbacks
• 3.6 The Charter Act (1833): Provisions, Significance, Drawbacks
• 3.7 Charter Act of 1853 - Background, Provisions, Drawbacks
• 3.7 The voice of free trade and the changing character of British colonial rule
• 3.8 The English utilitarian and India
• 4.1 Land revenue settlements in British India
• 4.2 The Permanent Settlement: Features, Advantages & Disadvantages
• 4.3 Ryotwari Settlement: Features, Advantages & Disadvantages
• 4.4 Mahalwari Settlement: Features, Advantages & Disadvantages
• 4.5 Dislocation of traditional trade and commerce in British India
• 4.6 Deindustrialisation in British India
• 4.7 Decline of traditional crafts under British Rule
• 4.8 Drain of wealth
• 4.9 Economic transformation of India
• 4.10 Railroad and communication network including telegraph and postal services
• 4.11 Famine and poverty in the rural interior during British Rule
• 4.12 European business enterprise and its limitations
• 5.1 The state of indigenous education, its dislocation
• 5.2 Orientalist-Anglicist controversy
• 5.3 The introduction of western education in India
• 5.4 The rise of press, literature and public opinion
• 5.5 The rise of modern vernacular literature
• 5.6 Progress of science
• 5.7 Christian missionary activities in British India
• 6.1 Ram Mohan Roy and The Brahmo Movement
• 6.2 Debendranath Tagore
• 6.3 Iswarchandra Vidyasagar
• 6.4 The Young Bengal Movement
• 6.5 Dayananda Saraswati
• 6.6 The social reform movements in India including Sati, widow remarriage, child marriage, etc
• 6.7 The contribution of Indian renaissance to the growth of modern India
• 6.8 Islamic revivalism – the Feraizi and Wahabi Movements
• 7.1 Rangpur Dhing (1783)
• 7.2 Kol Rebellion (1832)
• 7.3 Mopla Rebellion in Malabar
• 7.4 The Santal Hul (1855)
• 7.5 Indigo Rebellion (1859-60)
• 7.6 Deccan Riots (1875)
• 7.7 The shift in the character of peasant uprisings in the post-1857 period
• 7.8 Peasant movements of the 1920s and 1930s
• 8.1 Factors leading to the birth of Indian Nationalism
• 8.2 Politics of Association
• 8.3 The Foundation of the Indian National Congress
• 8.4 The Safety-valve thesis relating to the birth of the Congress
• 8.5 Programme and objectives of Early Congress
• 8.6 The social composition of early Congress leadership
• 8.7 The Moderates and Extremists
• 8.8 The Partition of Bengal (1905)
• 8.9 The Swadeshi Movement in Bengal
• 8.10 The economic and political aspects of Swadeshi Movement
• 8.11 The beginning of revolutionary extremism in India
• 9.1 M.K.Gandhi - Biography (taken from Important Personalities in GS)
• 9.2 Rise of Gandhi & Early Activism
• 9.3 Gandhi’s popular appeal
• 9.4 Rowlatt Satyagraha
• 9.5 Khilafat Movement: Genesis, Events, Decline
• 9.6 The Non-cooperation Movement
• 9.10 National politics from the end of the Non-cooperation movement to the beginning of the Civil Disobedience movement
• 9.11 The two phases of the Civil Disobedience Movement
• 9.12 Simon Commission
• 9.13 The Nehru Report
• 9.14 The Round Table Conferences
• 9.15 Women and Indian youth and students in Indian politics (1885-1947)
• 9.16 The election of 1937 and the formation of ministries
• 9.17 Cripps Mission
• 9.18 The Quit India Movement
• 9.19 The Wavell Plan
• 9.20 The Cabinet Mission
• 10. Constitutional Developments in Colonial India between 1858 and 1935
• 11.1 The Revolutionaries: Bengal
• 11.2 The Revolutionaries: the Punjab
• 11.3 The Revolutionaries: Maharashtra
• 11.4 The Revolutionaries: Uttar Pradesh
• 11.5 The Revolutionaries: the Madras Presidency
• 11.6 The Revolutionaries: Outside India
• 11.7 The Left
• 11.8 The Left within the Congress: Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, the Congress Socialist Party
• 11.9 The Communist Party of India
• 11.10 Other left parties
• 12.1 The Muslim League
• 12.2 The Hindu Mahasabha
• 12.3 Communalism and the politics of partition
• 12.4 Transfer of Power
• 12.5 Independence
• 13.1 Post-Independence Consolidation and Integration
• 13.2 Nehru’s Foreign Policy
• 13.3 India and her neighbours (1947-1964)
• 13.4 The linguistic reorganization of States (1935-1947)
• 13.5 Regionalism and regional inequality
• 13.6 Integration of Princely States
• 13.7 Princes in Electoral Politics
• 13.8 The Question of National Language
• 14.1 Backward castes and tribes in postcolonial electoral politics
• 14.2 Dalit movements
• 15. Economic development and political change
• PAPER-II: WORLD HISTORY 16. Enlightenment and Modern ideas
• 17. Origins of Modern Politics
• 18. Industrialization
• 19. Nation-State System
• 20. Imperialism and Colonialism
• 21. Revolution and Counter-Revolution
• 22. World Wars
• 23. The World after World War II
• 24. Liberation from Colonial Rule
• 25. Decolonization and Underdevelopment
• 26. Unification of Europe
• 27. Disintegration of the Soviet Union and the Rise of the Unipolar World

I. Introduction – Historical Context of Bengal during the Mid-18th Century

Historical background of bengal.

• Bengal, during the mid-18th century, was known as the  Bengal Subah  and was the largest subdivision of Mughal India. This region encompassed modern-day Bangladesh, the Indian state of West Bengal, and parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
• The Bengal Subah was established after the dissolution of the  Bengal Sultanate , a significant trading nation. It was absorbed into the Mughal Empire, making Bengal one of the wealthiest regions in the Indian subcontinent.
• The state was known for its prosperity and was described as the  “Paradise of Nations”  and the  “Golden Age of Bengal” . It was globally recognized for industries like textile manufacturing and shipbuilding.

Rise of British Influence in India

• By the 18th century, Bengal began to emerge as an independent state under the  Nawabs of Bengal . This period saw significant contributions to proto-industrialization, especially in textile manufacturing.
• However, the region underwent deindustrialization after the British East India Company’s conquest at the  Battle of Plassey  in 1757. This battle marked a turning point, leading to the establishment of the  Bengal Presidency  and the beginning of British colonization in India.
• The British East India Company gradually rivaled the authority of the Nawabs. The  Battle of Plassey  in 1757 saw the defeat of the last independent Nawab, Siraj-ud-Daulah, with the help of the betrayal by Mir Jafar, a trusted general of the Nawab. This event led to the installation of Mir Jafar as a puppet Nawab under British influence.
• The subsequent defeat of Nawab Mir Qasim and other regional powers at the  Battle of Buxar  in 1764 further paved the way for British expansion across India.

Brief Mention of the Battle of Plassey and its Implications

• The  Battle of Plassey , fought in 1757, was a pivotal event that marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India. The battle was fought between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah.
• The battle saw the betrayal of Siraj-ud-Daulah by his trusted general,  Mir Jafar , which played a significant role in the British victory. Following the battle, Mir Jafar was installed as the Nawab, but he was essentially a puppet ruler under British control.
• The implications of this battle were profound. It marked the start of a series of events that eventually led to the entire Indian subcontinent coming under British colonial rule. The political and economic landscape of Bengal, and by extension India, was forever changed.
• The British, after consolidating their power in Bengal, began to exert their influence over other parts of India, leading to the establishment of the British Raj.

II. Mir Jafar: The Puppet Nawab

Early life and rise to power.

• Mir Syed Jafar Ali Khan Bahadur  was born in 1691 in Delhi. He was the second son among seven sons and eight daughters of  Syed Ahmad Najafi (Mir Mirak) .
• The family claimed descent from  Hasan ibn Hasan .
• Jafar’s paternal grandfather,  Syed Husayn Tabatabaei , migrated from Najaf in Iraq to Delhi in 1675 after being invited by the Mughal emperor  Aurangzeb .
• Tabatabaei married the emperor’s niece and served as a  Qadi  in the Mughal court.
• Jafar’s paternal aunt,  Begum Sharfunnisa , was the wife of  Nawab Alivardi Khan of Bengal .

Relationship with the British East India Company

• Mir Jafar’s relationship with the British East India Company began when he felt sidelined by  Siraj ud-Daulah , the Nawab of Bengal.
• Jafar, along with other discontented nobles, sought the company’s military support to overthrow Siraj.
• The company, under  Robert Clive  and  Watson , had regained and strengthened their position in Bengal.
• William Watts , a company official, became aware of the conspiracy against Siraj and learned that Jafar, being the paymaster of the Bengal army, was willing to offer significant amounts for the Nawab’s removal.

Role in the Battle of Plassey

• Mir Jafar served as the commander of the Bengali army under  Siraj ud-Daulah .
• He played a pivotal role in the  Battle of Plassey  in 1757 by betraying Siraj, leading to the Nawab’s defeat against the British.
• This betrayal marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India.

Ascension as the Nawab of Bengal

• After the defeat and subsequent execution of Siraj Ud Daulah, Mir Jafar was installed as the Nawab of Bengal with the support of the British East India Company.
• He compensated the company and the traders of Calcutta with Rs. 17,700,000 for the attack on the city.
• Jafar also gave bribes to company officials, with Robert Clive receiving over two million rupees.
• However, his relationship with the company soured when he tried to collaborate with the Dutch. This led to the  Battle of Chinsurah , after which he was forced to abdicate in favor of his son-in-law,  Mir Qasim  in 1760.
• Jafar was restored as Nawab in 1763 with the company’s support but ruled only until his death in 1765.

Policies and Administration under British Influence

• Mir Jafar’s reign was marked by his subservience to the British East India Company.
• His policies and administration were heavily influenced by the company’s interests, leading to the further colonization of Bengal.
• Due to his role in aiding the British colonization of India and the downfall of the Mughal Empire, Mir Jafar is viewed as a traitor in the Indian subcontinent, especially among Bengalis in India and Bangladesh. His name has become synonymous with treason in the region.

III. Mir Kasim: The Rebel Nawab

Early life and family.

• Mir Syed Qasim  was born as the son of  Mir Muhammad Razi Khan  and claimed descent from  Ali al-Ridha .
• His paternal grandfather,  Sayyid Husayn Ridhwi , migrated to the Mughal Empire during  Aurangzeb’s  reign. He married the daughter of  Mir Hadi (Sheikh Sulayman Fazail)  and was honored with the title of  Imtiaz Khan . Ridhwi also served as the  Waqia-navis (Interior Minister)  and subsequently the  Dewan of Bihar .
• Qasim’s grandfather, known by the pen name  Khalis , wrote Persian poetry, and a lengthy diwan is attributed to him.
• Qasim married  Fatima Begum , the daughter of  Mir Jafar  and  Shah Khanum , and a granddaughter of  Nawab Alivardi Khan of Bengal .
• Before becoming the Nawab of Bengal, Qasim served as the  Faujdar of Rangpur  for approximately two decades.

Ascension to Power after Mir Jafar

• Mir Qasim was installed as the  Nawab of Bengal  in 1760 with the support of the  British East India Company , succeeding his father-in-law,  Mir Jafar .
• Mir Jafar had previously been backed by the East India Company due to his role in the  Battle of Plassey  but later had disputes with them and tried to form an alliance with the  Dutch East India Company .
• After the British defeated the Dutch at  Chinsurah , they overthrew Mir Jafar and replaced him with Mir Qasim.

Efforts to Reduce British Influence

• Mir Qasim began his reign by rewarding the East India Company with lavish gifts and granted them the right to collect revenue from the districts of  Burdwan, Midnapore,  and  Chittagong .
• However, disputes arose over trade issues, especially when Qasim tried to impose import and export tariffs on the company’s goods. The British particularly objected to a 9% duty imposed on all foreign traders.
• The deteriorating relationship led Qasim to shift his capital from  Murshidabad  to  Munger  in Bihar, where he raised an army and financed it by streamlining tax collection.
• Qasim strongly opposed the East India Company’s stance that their  Mughal license (a dastak)  exempted them from paying taxes, a privilege other local merchants did not enjoy. In response, he abolished taxes on local traders, leveling the playing field and escalating tensions.

Administrative and Military Reforms

• Mir Qasim moved against the British by attacking the Company offices in  Patna  in 1763, resulting in the deaths of several Europeans, including the Resident.
• He formed alliances with  Shuja-ud-Daula of Avadh  and  Shah Alam II , the reigning Mughal emperor, to counter the British.
• Despite these efforts, their combined forces were defeated in the  Battle of Buxar  in 1764.
• Qasim also briefly invaded the  Hindu Kingdom of Nepal  in 1763 during  Maharajadhiraja Prithvi Narayan Shah’s  reign but was repelled.

Economic Policies and Trade Regulations

• Mir Qasim’s economic policies were marked by his efforts to reduce the British East India Company’s influence in Bengal.
• He attempted to levy import and export tariffs on the company’s goods, leading to disputes.
• In a significant move, he abolished taxes on local traders, challenging the preferential treatment the British traders had been enjoying.

IV. The Strained Relationship

Growing tensions between mir kasim and the british.

• Mir Qasim , the Nawab of Bengal and Bihar, grew increasingly discontented with the British East India Company’s influence in the region.
• The primary cause of his dissatisfaction was the  imperial Farman  that allowed the Company to trade in Bengal without paying inland duties.
• However, the Company’s servants demanded the same privilege for their private trade, leading to disputes.

Disputes Over Revenue Collection and Trade Privileges

• Governor Henry Vansittart  tried to mediate by administering an agreement between Mir Qasim and the East India Company. This agreement made the Company’s servants liable to pay nine percent duties on their private trade.
• The Company Council in Calcutta rejected this agreement, citing a violation of a previous treaty between  Governor Robert Clive  and  Nawab Mir Jafar .
• In response to the rejection and ongoing disagreements, Mir Qasim took a bold step by abolishing the duties altogether.

Shift of Capital to Munger

• To avoid political interference from the British, Mir Qasim shifted his capital from  Murshidabad  to  Munger . Munger is located in the present-day Bhagalpur district of Bihar.
• This strategic move was aimed at consolidating his power and resources away from the direct influence of the British.

Formation of Alliances Against the British

• The growing hostilities between Mir Qasim and the British resulted in several military clashes. One of the chief opponents from the British side was  William Ellis , head of Company factories in Bihar.
• Despite being numerically weaker, the English forces prevailed in every engagement against Mir Qasim’s troops.
• After facing defeats, Mir Qasim fled to  Awadh . There, he formed a significant alliance with  Nawab Shuja-ud-daulah  and the Mughal Emperor  Shah Alam II .
• Together, they attempted to regain power through a military campaign. However, their combined forces were defeated at the  Battle of Buxar .
• The failure of Mir Qasim’s revolt marked a pivotal moment in the history of British colonization of India.

V. Prelude to the Battle of Buxar

Political scenario in northern india.

• During the mid-18th century, Northern India was a mosaic of competing powers.
• The  Mughal Empire , once a dominant force, was in decline, losing its grip over vast territories.
• Regional powers, including the  Marathas  and  Rohillas , were on the rise, seeking to carve out their own spheres of influence.
• The  British East India Company  was steadily gaining ground, leveraging its military and economic might.

Role of the Mughal Empire and the Nawab of Awadh

• The  Mughal Empire , under Emperor  Shah Alam II , had become largely ceremonial. The real power lay in the hands of regional leaders and foreign entities like the British.
• Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula  of Awadh was a significant regional power. He maintained a delicate balance of power, often aligning with the Mughals while also being wary of the British.
• The Nawab’s territory was rich and strategically located, making it a coveted prize for both the British and other Indian powers.

Initial Skirmishes and Confrontations Leading Up to the Battle

• Tensions between the British and regional powers, including  Mir Qasim  of Bengal and Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh, had been escalating.
• The disputes over trade privileges and revenue collection were frequent flashpoints.
• Mir Qasim’s efforts to reduce British influence, including his military reforms and alliances with other regional leaders, set the stage for larger confrontations.
• The  Battle of Katwa  and the  Battle of Giria , both in 1763, were significant preludes, with Mir Qasim facing off against British forces.
• These battles, although not decisive, indicated the growing military capabilities of the regional powers and their willingness to challenge the British.

VI. The Battle of Buxar: A Detailed Analysis

Date and location of the battle.

• Fought between 22 and 23 October 1764.
• Location: Buxar, a fortified town in Bihar.
• Situated on the banks of the Ganges river.
• Approximately 130 kilometres west of Patna.

Key commanders and leaders

• British East India Company : Led by Sir Hector Munro.
• Mir Qasim: Former Nawab of Bengal till 1764.
• Shuja-ud-Daula: Nawab of Awadh.
• Shah Alam II: Mughal Emperor.
• Najaf Khan: Commanded the right flank of the Mughal imperial army.

Strength and strategies of both sides

• Total strength: 17,072.
• Comprised of 1,859 British regulars.
• 5,297 Indian sepoys.
• 9,189 Indian cavalry.
• Estimated strength: Over 40,000.
• Some sources suggest the combined army of Mughals, Awadh, and Mir Qasim was around 10,000.
• British army strength was around 7,000.
• Lack of coordination among the allies led to their defeat.
• Mirza Najaf Khan was the first to advance against Major Hector Munro.
• British lines formed within twenty minutes, reversing the Mughal advance.
• Durrani and Rohilla cavalry also participated in various skirmishes.

Course of the battle and key moments

• Battle began at daybreak.
• By midday, the battle was over.
• Shuja-ud-Daula blew up large tumbrils and three massive magazines of gunpowder.
• Munro divided his army into various columns.
• Pursued Shuja-ud-Daula, who blew up his boat-bridge after crossing the river.
• Abandoned Shah Alam II and members of his own regiment.
• Mir Qasim fled with gemstones worth 3 million rupees.
• Died in poverty in 1777.
• Mirza Najaf Khan reorganized formations around Shah Alam II.
• Shah Alam II retreated and later negotiated with the victorious British.

VII. Aftermath of the Battle of Buxar

Immediate consequences of the british victory.

• The  Battle of Buxar  mark a significant victory for the  British East India Company  against the combined forces of  Mir Qasim , the  Nawab of Bengal ;  Shuja-ud-Daula , the  Nawab of Awadh ; and the  Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II .
• Following the battle, the  Treaty of Allahabad  in 1765 was signed, marking the end of the war.
• The defeated Indian rulers were compelled to sign this treaty, which granted the East India Company  diwani rights . This allowed the company to collect revenue and administer the territories of  Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa .
• The acquisition of these rights provided the company with immense economic and administrative control, enabling them to exploit the resources of the region for their benefit.

Treaty negotiations and settlements

• The  Treaty of Allahabad  was a significant outcome of the Battle of Buxar.
• As a result of this treaty, the East India Company was granted the right to collect taxes from  Bengal-Bihar .
• By 1772, the East India Company abolished local rule and assumed complete control over the province of  Bengal-Bihar .

Implications for the Mughal Empire, Nawabs of Bengal, and Awadh

• The battle marked the decline of the  Mughal Empire’s  political influence as the British East India Company began consolidating its control over vast territories.
• Mir Qasim  vanished into obscurity, living in poverty until his death in 1777.
• Shah Alam II  surrendered to the British, while  Shuja-ud-Daula  fled but was eventually pursued and captured by the British forces.
• The entire  Ganges valley  came under the mercy of the company after the battle.

Establishment of British paramountcy in Northern India

• The Battle of Buxar reshaped the political landscape of colonial India, setting the stage for British dominance in the region.
• The British East India Company emerged as the dominant power in northern India, marking the decline of the Mughal Empire’s influence.
• The lack of unity and coordination among the Indian rulers, including the Nawabs and the Mughal Emperor, made it easier for the British to establish their dominance.
• The battle and its aftermath led to resentment and resistance among the Indian population. The oppressive policies and economic exploitation by the East India Company resulted in numerous uprisings, with the  Sepoy Mutiny of 1857  being the most notable.
• The Battle of Buxar and its consequences solidified British dominance in the region, eroding the authority of Indian rulers and setting the stage for nearly two centuries of British rule in India.

VIII. The Legacy of Mir Jafar and Mir Kasim

Historical evaluations and perspectives.

• Mir Jafar’s Ascendancy : Mir Jafar, originally named Mir Syed Jafar Ali Khan Bahadur, was a commander-in-chief who became the first dependent Nawab of Bengal under the British East India Company. His reign marked the beginning of British expansion in the Indian subcontinent.
• Betrayal at Plassey : Mir Jafar played a pivotal role in the Battle of Plassey where he betrayed Siraj ud-Daulah, leading to the Nawab’s defeat. This act of treachery allowed the British to establish a stronghold in Bengal.
• Reputation as a Traitor : Due to his role in aiding the British colonization of India and contributing to the decline of the Mughal Empire, Mir Jafar is widely regarded as a traitor, especially among Bengalis in India and Bangladesh. His name has become synonymous with betrayal in the region.

Contributions and failures

• Role in British Expansion : Mir Jafar’s alliance with the British East India Company facilitated their control over Bengal. His reign is seen by many as a crucial step in the British domination of vast areas of pre-partition India.
• Financial Transactions with the British : After ascending to the throne, Mir Jafar compensated the British East India Company and the traders of Calcutta with Rs. 17,700,000 for the attack on the city. Additionally, he provided significant bribes to company officials.
• Diplomatic Endeavors : Mir Jafar tried to balance his relations with other European powers. In 1758, he made a treaty with the Dutch East India Company, which eventually led to the Battle of Chinsurah against the British.
• Restoration and Final Reign : After a series of political maneuvers and battles, Mir Jafar was restored as the Nawab in 1763 with the support of the British East India Company. He ruled until his death in 1765.

Their roles in the larger narrative of British expansion in India

• Strategic Alliance with the British : Both Mir Jafar and Mir Kasim played significant roles in the larger scheme of British expansion. While Mir Jafar’s betrayal at Plassey paved the way for British control, Mir Kasim’s resistance highlighted the challenges faced by local rulers.
• Mir Kasim’s Resistance : Mir Kasim, Mir Jafar’s son-in-law, showed resistance against the British, especially regarding trade policies. This led to conflicts and eventually the Battle of Buxar, further consolidating British power in the region.
• End of Mughal Suzerainty : The actions and decisions of Mir Jafar and Mir Kasim, combined with British military and political maneuvers, eventually led to the end of Mughal suzerainty in Bengal by 1793.

VIII. Comparative Analysis – Differences and similarities between Mir Jafar and Mir Kasim’s rule

Mir jafar’s rule and relationship with the british.

• Background : Mir Jafar was a military general who became the first dependent Nawab of Bengal under the British East India Company.
• Ascension to Power : He betrayed Siraj ud-Daulah during the Battle of Plassey, leading to British victory in 1757.
• British Support : Initially received military support from the East India Company.
• Failed to meet British demands by 1760.
• Made a treaty with the Dutch East India Company, leading to the Battle of Chinsurah.
• Forced to abdicate in favor of Mir Qasim in 1760 but was restored in 1763 with British support.
• Death : Ruled until his death in 1765.
• Seen as a traitor in the Indian subcontinent for aiding British colonization.
• His name synonymous with treason in the region.

Mir Kasim’s Rule and Relationship with the British

• Background : Mir Qasim was Mir Jafar’s son-in-law.
• Ascension to Power : Became Nawab after the company forced Mir Jafar to abdicate in 1760.
• Disputed with the company over tax policies.
• Formed an alliance to oust the East India Company from East India.
• Faced the company in the Battle of Buxar in 1764 and was overthrown.
• Mir Qasim’s resistance against the company is notable.
• His efforts to challenge British dominance marked a significant chapter in Bengal’s history.

Impact on Bengal’s Economy, Society, and Politics

• British Influence : Both Mir Jafar and Mir Kasim’s rules saw increasing British influence in Bengal.
• Mir Jafar paid a significant amount as compensation to the company after the Battle of Plassey.
• The British East India Company’s dominance led to economic changes, with the company benefiting from trade and tax policies.
• The betrayal of Siraj ud-Daulah and the subsequent British victories led to a shift in power dynamics.
• The British East India Company’s increasing control affected the political landscape, leading to the decline of the Mughal Empire’s influence in the region.

Differences and Similarities

• Mir Jafar sought British support to gain power, while Mir Kasim later resisted British dominance.
• Mir Jafar is primarily remembered as a traitor, whereas Mir Kasim is remembered for his resistance against the British.
• Both had conflicts with the British, leading to significant battles.
• Their rules marked significant chapters in the history of Bengal, with the British East India Company playing a pivotal role.

X. Conclusion

The significance of the battle of buxar in indian history.

• The Battle of Buxar, fought between 22 and 23 October 1764, was a pivotal event in Indian history.
• It marked the end of the Mughal Empire’s political influence.
• The British East India Company emerged as the dominant power in northern India.
• The battle reshaped the political landscape, leading to British dominance in the region.

The changing dynamics of power in Bengal and Northern India

• The battle was fought between the British East India Company and the combined forces of Mir Qasim, Nawab of Bengal; the Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daula; and the Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II.
• The British victory led to the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765.
• The defeated Indian rulers were forced to sign the treaty, granting the East India Company diwani rights.
• This allowed the company to collect revenue and administer Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, giving them immense economic and administrative control.

Reflection on the broader theme of British expansion in India

• The Battle of Buxar and its aftermath played a crucial role in shaping the course of Indian history.
• It set the stage for nearly two centuries of British rule in India.
• The oppressive policies and economic exploitation by the East India Company led to numerous uprisings.
• The most notable revolt was the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, fueled by growing discontent over British rule.
• The battle solidified British dominance, eroded the authority of Indian rulers, and sowed the seeds of future rebellions.

The Battle of Buxar had profound consequences for colonial India. It not only marked the decline of the Mughal Empire’s influence but also paved the way for the British East India Company to exploit the resources of the region for their benefit. The aftermath of the battle exposed the inherent weaknesses among Indian rulers, and their lack of unity made it easier for the British to establish dominance. This chapter reflects on the broader theme of British expansion in India, highlighting the significant shifts in power dynamics and the eventual establishment of British rule.

Table Charts

Comparison between mir jafar and mir kasim’s policies and administration, key commanders and their roles in the battle of buxar, treaty terms and their implications post-battle of buxar.

• Discuss the factors leading to the strained relationship between Mir Kasim and the British, highlighting the significance of revenue collection disputes and trade privileges. (250 words)
• Analyze the political scenario in Northern India prior to the Battle of Buxar, emphasizing the roles of the Mughal Empire and the Nawab of Awadh. How did these dynamics influence the battle’s outcome? (250 words)
• Compare and contrast the policies and administration of Mir Jafar and Mir Kasim. How did their respective approaches impact Bengal’s socio-economic landscape and relations with the British? (250 words)

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