The British conquest of Bengal stands as a seminal event in the annals of colonial history, marking a crucial turning point that reshaped the socio-economic and political landscape of the Indian subcontinent. Emerging from the early skirmishes of the 18th century, this conquest culminated in the establishment of British hegemony over one of the wealthiest and most populous regions of the Indian subcontinent.
The story of Bengal’s conquest is a complex tapestry woven with intrigue, diplomacy, military might, and economic interests. It not only illustrates the expansionist ambitions of the British East India Company but also underscores the inherent vulnerabilities of the Mughal Empire and the internal conflicts among regional powers.
Why Bengal?
- During the Mughal era, Bengal was the wealthiest and most fertile province, covering modern-day Bangladesh, Bihar, and Odisha.
- The Nawab of Bengal held significant authority over the province.
- Bengal was economically crucial due to its renowned textiles, silk, and saltpetre.
- Bengal’s exports to Europe included saltpetre, rice, indigo, pepper, sugar, silk, cotton textiles, and handicrafts.
- Bengal was strategically important for the British, being the first Indian kingdom they occupied. The East India Company profited from trade with Bengal.
- Bengal’s vast resources helped finance British expansion, with about 60% of British imports from Asia originating from Bengal.
- The British East India Company established Calcutta and a commercial settlement in the 1690s.
- The Company paid the Mughal emperor Rs 3,000 per annum for trading rights in Bengal, while their exports from Bengal exceeded £50,000 annually.
Conflict
- Conflicts between the Nawabs of Bengal and the British arose because the special rights granted to the British meant significant financial losses for the Bengal government.
- This led to ongoing tension between British trade interests and the local Bengal authorities, becoming the main reason for their conflicts.
- Consequently, the British sought a compliant Nawab to rule Bengal, who would grant them trade benefits and other advantages, ultimately establishing British influence in the province indirectly.
Battle of Plassey
The Battle of Plassey occurred in 1757 in the Plassey region of West Bengal, where British East India Company troops, led by Robert Clive, faced off against the forces of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, and his French allies.
Background:
- Siraj-ud-Daulah became Nawab after his grandfather, Alavardi Khan’s death. Alavardi Khan took the throne after defeating Sarfaraz Khan, who was incapable of ruling.
- Siraj-ud-Daulah faced opposition from rivals within his court who sided with the British.
- The British victory in Carnatic had already made Siraj wary of the Company’s growing power.
- The misuse of trade privileges by British officials worsened Siraj’s financial situation.
- The British fortification of Calcutta without Siraj’s consent challenged his authority.
- In retaliation, Siraj seized Fort William in June 1756 and imprisoned British captives in a small dungeon, resulting in the infamous “Black Hole of Calcutta” incident.
The Battle:
- Robert Clive was sent with reinforcements from Madras to challenge Siraj’s rule.
- Clive bribed discontented nobles like Mir Jafar to join forces against Siraj.
- Mir Jafar, promised the throne by the British, betrayed Siraj during the battle.
- Despite being outnumbered, Clive’s forces won due to the betrayal of Mir Jafar and others.
- Siraj attempted to flee but was killed by Mir Jafar’s son, Miran.
Significance:
- The Battle of Plassey marked a pivotal moment for British dominance in Bengal.
- Clive installed Mir Jafar as the new Nawab, granting him certain concessions.
- However, Mir Jafar’s rule failed to satisfy British expectations, leading to his replacement by Mir Kasim.
Post War:
- Mir Jafar was made Nawab but later replaced by Mir Kasim due to dissatisfaction with his rule.
- Mir Kasim granted the Zamindari of 24 Parganas to the Company but was eventually removed from power.
The Battle of Plassey laid the foundation of British Empire in India.
Battle of Buxar
Background:
- Mir Qasim, a capable ruler, shifted his capital to Munger in 1762 and aimed to strengthen his state.
- He clashed with the British over trade duties and regarded himself as independent, which conflicted with British interests.
- The British victories in conflicts with Mir Qasim led to his alliance with the Nawab of Awadh and the Mughal Emperor to challenge British rule.
The Battle:
- In October 1764, the combined forces of Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Awadh, and Shah Alam II confronted the British led by Major Hector Munro at Buxar.
- Despite the numerical advantage of the Indian forces, the British emerged victorious, solidifying their control over Bengal.
Result:
- The Battle of Buxar confirmed British dominance in Bengal and marked the end of attempts to control Bengal through puppet Nawabs.
- The Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, following the battle, saw the Mughal Emperor surrender sovereignty of Bengal to the British.
Significance:
- Unlike the Battle of Plassey, the Battle of Buxar was a full-fledged war, showcasing British military prowess.
- This victory over not only the Nawab of Bengal but also the Mughal Emperor established the British as a significant power in northern India.
Post War:
- Mir Jafar was reinstated as Nawab of Bengal but had to cede districts and grant trade privileges to the British.
- The British gradually took direct control of Bengal’s administration, ending pensions and assuming full charge by 1772.
Treaty of Allahabad, 1765:
- Two treaties were signed, one with the Nawab of Awadh and the other with the Mughal Emperor.
- The Diwani of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa was granted to the East India Company in exchange for an annual payment to the Emperor.
The Battle of Buxar established the British as masters of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa and made Britishers significant power of Northern India and contenders for the supremacy of the whole country.
Impact of the conquest of Bengal
Administrative and Political Impacts:
- Dual Government: It caused chaos in Bengal’s administration, harming its people.
- Political Subjugation: Bengal’s conquest set the stage for British rule in India, influencing their future expansion.
- Administrative Centralization: British officials and laws replaced traditional governance systems, centralizing administration.
- Rebellion and Resistance: The Sanyasi revolt and Fakir uprising were notable examples of opposition to British rule.
- Demographic Shifts: British presence led to the growth of British-dominated areas.
Economic Impact:
- Plunder of Bengal: The British exploited Bengal’s resources for their gain.
- Deindustrialization: Local industries suffered due to heavy taxes, affecting textiles and agriculture.
- Drain of Wealth: Bengal’s wealth was drained through high taxes, cash crop cultivation, and raw material exports.
- Land Revenue System: The Permanent Settlement of 1793 concentrated land ownership among a few landlords.
The takeover of Bengal had big effects on British rule in India. It strengthened their economic power, made their control wider, centralized their political authority, made Indian rulers weaker, and changed India’s history.
Also read about Condition of Indian Economy on the Eve of British Conquest.