Battle of Plassey
The Battle of Plassey was a pivotal military engagement between the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, and the forces of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal. It took place near the village of Plassey (Palashi) on the banks of the Bhagirathi River in present-day West Bengal, India. This battle is considered the starting point of British colonial dominance in India.[1]
Background
By the mid-18th century, Bengal was one of the wealthiest provinces in India. The British East India Company had established major trading posts in Calcutta and other towns. However, tensions rose due to the fortification of Calcutta without permission, abuse of trade privileges, and the growing influence of the Company.
In 1756, Siraj-ud-Daulah attacked and captured Fort William, leading to the infamous Black Hole of Calcutta incident. In retaliation, Robert Clive marched from Madras and recaptured Calcutta in early 1757, setting the stage for open conflict.[2]
The Battle
The battle took place on 23 June 1757. Siraj-ud-Daulah’s army was nearly 50,000 strong, while Clive commanded about 3,000 troops, including European soldiers and Indian sepoys. However, Clive had entered into secret negotiations with Mir Jafar, who aspired to be Nawab.
During the battle, Mir Jafar and several key commanders betrayed Siraj-ud-Daulah by not joining the fight. This betrayal ensured a swift British victory. Siraj fled, was later captured, and executed.[3]
Consequences
The victory in the Battle of Plassey gave the East India Company effective political and military control over Bengal. With Mir Jafar installed as a puppet Nawab, the Company gained rights to collect revenues (Diwani) from Bengal.
This victory enabled the British to:
- Finance further military campaigns
- Expand territorial control
- Undermine Mughal Empire authority
It marked the beginning of the Company Raj and paved the way for full-scale colonial rule.[4]
Legacy
The Battle of Plassey is often described as a major betrayal in Indian history. It highlights the vulnerability of Indian regional powers to internal dissent. The massive plunder after the battle enriched the Company and its officers.
The event is remembered as:
- The foundation of British Empire in India
- A lesson in military strategy and diplomacy
- A case of colonial exploitation through divide-and-rule
Key Figures
- Robert Clive – Commander of the British forces
- Siraj-ud-Daulah – Nawab of Bengal
- Mir Jafar – Betrayer, installed as Nawab
- Jagat Seth – Banker who financed the British
- Omichund – Merchant and political intermediary