Eduqo
Modern Indian History›Ch 1: Advent of Europeans & British Expansion›Plassey and Buxar (1757–1765)
The decisive military milestones that established British colonial hegemony in India.
The Battle of Plassey was won through conspiracy with Mir Jafar, while the Battle of Buxar decisively established British supremacy. Subsequently, the Treaty of Allahabad secured legal Diwani rights over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
Mnemonics & Quick Hooks
| Battle & Year | British Commander | Indian Counterpart | Historical Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plassey (23 June 1757) | Robert Clive | Siraj-ud-Daulah | Mir Jafar installed as puppet Nawab |
| Buxar (22 Oct 1764) | Hector Munro | Mir Qasim + Shuja + Shah Alam II | Decisive military triumph for Company |
| Treaty of Allahabad (1765) | Robert Clive | Shah Alam II & Shuja-ud-Daula | Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, Orissa |
Plassey 1757
(Treachery Trap)
Treachery Trap
Mir Jafar held back the Nawab's main army.
Buxar 1764
(Combined Front)
Combined Front
Munro crushed the triple alliance in open combat.
Diwani 1765
(Revenue Control)
Revenue Control
British acquired direct civil tax collection rights.
Dual System
(Power Without Duty)
Power Without Duty
Company kept revenue, leaving administration to Nawab.
Clive led British troops at BuxarHector Munro led British at Buxar
Clive was in England during Buxar (1764); he returned to sign the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765.
Mir Qasim betrayed Siraj-ud-DaulahMir Jafar betrayed Siraj-ud-Daulah
Mir Jafar was the traitor at Plassey; Mir Qasim was his son-in-law who later fought the British.
Plassey gave Diwani rights to CompanyTreaty of Allahabad (1765) gave it
Plassey granted only 24 Parganas zamindari; formal provincial Diwani came after Buxar in 1765.
Q1.Who commanded the English East India Company forces in the Battle of Buxar (1764)?
Q2.Through which treaty were the Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa granted to the British?