Who fought against whom in the famous battle of Plassey? Explain the developments after the battle.

Sirajuddaulah became the Nawab of Bengal after the death of the Alivardi Khan in 1756. Due to the growing power of the Sirajuddaulah, the company was worried whether he will give trade concessions and other related privileges. So they decided to help his rivals to become the Nawab. When Sirajuddaulah came to know about this, he ordered Company to not to involve in the political affairs of his kingdom and to stop fortification and pay the revenues.

When the company didn’t agree to all these terms, he marched against them with 30,000 soldiers to the English factory located at Kassimbazar. He then imprisoned the Company officials, locked the warehouse, disarmed all Englishmen, and deny access to English ships. After this, he marched towards Calcutta to capture the company’s fort.

Hearing all this, the company officials in Madras sent forces strengthened by naval fleets under the command of the Robert Clive. Even after lots of discussion with Nawab, the army under Robert Clive marched against the Sirajuddaulah at Plassey. The Nawab was defeated by the company as they corrupted one of Sirajuddaulah’s commanders, Mir Jafar who never fought the battle. They promised him to make Nawab if they help him to defeat Sirajuddaulah. This battle is known as the Battle of Plassey.

After the battle of Plassey, Mir Jafar was made the Nawab of Bengal by the East India Company. Soon the company realised that even the puppet rulers whom they decided to control will not help them get what they want. When Mir Jafar opposed against the company, they placed Mir Qasim at his place. Mir Qasim also protested against the company and the battle was fought in 1764 at Buxar. Mir Qasim was thrown out from Bengal and Mir Jafar was placed again. This battle was known as the Battle of Buxar.

After the Battle of Buxar, in 1765 Mir Jafar died. Robert Clive decided to become the Nawabs themselves rather than depending on Puppet rulers. The company was appointed as the Diwan of the provinces of Bengal by the Mughal Emperor in 1765. It gave them the authority to use the vast revenue resources of Bengal which the company founded difficult to use. The trade was increased in the early 18th century but company has to buy gold and silver which they imported from Britain. The import of gold from Britain was slowed down. This is because revenue acquired from India was used to meet the company’s expenses. The revenue acquired was also used to purchase cotton and silk textiles in India, to maintain the company’s army, to build Company fort and offices at Calcutta.