The Battle of Buxar, fought on October 22, 1764, was a significant event in Indian history. It solidified British supremacy in India, particularly in Bengal, Bihar, and Awadh, and paved the way for British political and economic dominance.
1. Background of the Battle
✔ Expansion of British Power
- After the Battle of Plassey (1757), the British controlled Bengal by making Mir Jafar the puppet Nawab.
- However, the British demanded excessive payments from Mir Jafar, leading to dissatisfaction.
✔ Mir Qasim’s Rise and Conflict with the British
- In 1760, the British replaced Mir Jafar with Mir Qasim as the Nawab of Bengal.
- Mir Qasim tried to be independent, removed trade privileges given to the British, and strengthened his army.
- This led to conflict, and Mir Qasim allied with the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh.
✔ British Interests
- The British wanted full control over Bengal’s administration and revenue.
- They defeated Mir Qasim’s forces in multiple battles, leading to the final confrontation at Buxar.
2. Causes of the Battle
✔ Mir Qasim’s Growing Independence
- Mir Qasim shifted the Bengal capital to Munger (Bihar) to escape British control.
- He introduced reforms to strengthen his army and administration.
✔ Abolition of Trade Privileges
- Mir Qasim ended tax-free trade privileges for the British, bringing them on par with Indian traders.
- This angered the British as it affected their economic profits.
✔ Formation of the Anti-British Alliance
- Mir Qasim joined forces with:
- Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh).
- Shah Alam II (Mughal Emperor).
- Their combined army posed a significant threat to British expansion.
✔ British Response
- The British, led by Major Hector Munro, marched towards Buxar to confront the allied forces.
3. Key Players in the Battle
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Major Hector Munro | Led the British forces |
| Mir Qasim | Ex-Nawab of Bengal, led the anti-British alliance |
| Shuja-ud-Daula | Nawab of Awadh, opposed British expansion |
| Shah Alam II | Mughal Emperor, sought to regain lost power |
| Mir Jafar | Reinstalled as Nawab after the battle, under British control |
4. The Battle of Buxar (22 October 1764)
✔ Date: October 22, 1764
✔ Location: Buxar (now in Bihar), on the banks of the Ganges River
✔ Forces Involved:
- British East India Company: 7,000 troops (European and Indian sepoys).
- Allied Forces (Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, Shah Alam II): 40,000 troops.
✔ Outcome:
- The British defeated the combined forces due to their superior military tactics.
- Mir Qasim fled after his forces collapsed.
- Shuja-ud-Daula and Shah Alam II surrendered to the British.
5. Consequences of the Battle
✔ British Control Over Bengal, Bihar, and Awadh
- The British became the real rulers of Bengal.
- Mir Jafar was reinstalled as a puppet Nawab, under full British control.
✔ Treaty of Allahabad (1765)
- Shah Alam II accepted British authority and granted Diwani rights (right to collect revenue) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
- Shuja-ud-Daula had to pay a heavy fine and ceded territory to the British.
✔ Beginning of British Administrative Rule
- The British now had direct control over revenue, making them the real rulers of Bengal.
- This led to economic exploitation and a financial drain from India to Britain.
✔ Weakening of the Mughal Empire
- The Mughal Emperor became dependent on the British for survival.
- The Mughal Empire continued to exist only in name.
✔ Foundation of British Political Rule in India
- The Battle of Buxar confirmed British supremacy.
- It paved the way for the establishment of the British Raj in India.
6. Comparison: Battle of Plassey (1757) vs. Battle of Buxar (1764)
| Feature | Battle of Plassey (1757) | Battle of Buxar (1764) |
|---|---|---|
| Opponents | Siraj-ud-Daulah vs. British | Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, Shah Alam II vs. British |
| British Leader | Robert Clive | Major Hector Munro |
| Reason | British wanted control over Bengal | British wanted full control over Bengal, Bihar, and Awadh |
| Result | British victory, Mir Jafar made Nawab | British victory, gained Diwani rights |
| Significance | Start of British control in Bengal | British control over Bengal, Bihar, and Awadh |
7. Timeline of Events
✔ 1760 – Mir Jafar removed, Mir Qasim made Nawab.
✔ 1763 – British and Mir Qasim clash, leading to his removal.
✔ 1764 – Battle of Buxar, British victory.
✔ 1765 – Treaty of Allahabad, granting British revenue rights.
✔ 1765 onwards – British expand control in India.
8. MCQs on Battle of Buxar
1. When was the Battle of Buxar fought?
- (a) 1757
- (b) 1764
- (c) 1775
- (d) 1780
- Answer: (b) 1764
2. Who was the British commander in the Battle of Buxar?
- (a) Robert Clive
- (b) Lord Cornwallis
- (c) Major Hector Munro
- (d) Warren Hastings
- Answer: (c) Major Hector Munro
3. Which Mughal emperor participated in the Battle of Buxar?
4. What was the main result of the Battle of Buxar?
- (a) British conquest of Delhi
- (b) British gained Diwani rights in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa
- (c) End of Mughal rule
- (d) French control over India
- Answer: (b) British gained Diwani rights in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa
5. Which treaty followed the Battle of Buxar?
- (a) Treaty of Allahabad
- (b) Treaty of Surat
- (c) Treaty of Purandar
- (d) Treaty of Seringapatam
- Answer: (a) Treaty of Allahabad
9. Conclusion
The Battle of Buxar (1764) was more significant than the Battle of Plassey (1757) as it established direct British control over Bengal, Bihar, and Awadh. It led to the Treaty of Allahabad (1765), marking the beginning of British administrative rule in India.
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