Battle of Plassey
Robert Clive defeated the Nawab of Bengal at Plassey on 23 June 1757, in an engagement that decided the future of India and lasted a few hours. The East India Company had about 3,000 men, two-thirds of them Indian sepoys, and eight small guns. Siraj ud-Daulah had perhaps 50,000 with fifty-three heavy pieces served by French artillerymen. The battle had been settled before it was fought. Clive, William Watts and the banking house of the Jagat Seths had conspired with Mir Jafar, the Nawab's own commander-in-chief, who was promised the throne in exchange for standing still. Two other senior commanders were in the plot. Clive had also signed a second, forged treaty to deceive the merchant Omichund, who was demanding a share. The fighting opened with an artillery exchange in which the Company lost ground. A rainstorm at noon soaked the Bengali powder, which was uncovered, while the British had tarpaulins over theirs. The Nawab's one loyal and capable general, Mir Madan, was killed by a cannonball, and Siraj panicked and ordered a withdrawal on Mir Jafar's advice. Mir Jafar's divisions — two-thirds of the army — never moved. Company losses were about twenty-two killed. Mir Jafar became Nawab and paid an enormous indemnity; Clive personally received something over £200,000. The Company acquired the revenue rights to Bengal in 1765, and with them the means to fund its own armies. Bengal's famine of 1770 killed perhaps ten million people. Clive was later investigated by Parliament over his fortune and told it that he stood astonished at his own moderation.
- Year: 1757 CE
- Category: Battle
