Question

Robert Clive was a British commander, who helped establish British power in India.
Clive’s victory in the Battle of Plassey of 1757 enabled the East India Company to
establish its rule over a large area of India. But he was recalled to Britain and faced
trial on corruption charges. This is an extract from Robert Clive’s speech in the
British House of Commons (1772), defending himself against the charges of
corruption.
“: . . Indostan was always an absolute despotic government. The inhabitants,
especially of Bengal, in inferior stations, are servile, mean, submissive, and humble.
In superior stations, they are luxurious, effeminate, tyrannical, treacherous, venal,
and cruel. The country of Bengal is called, by way of distinction, the paradise of the
earth. It not only abounds with the necessaries of life to such a degree, as to furnish
a great part of India with its superfluity, but it abounds in very curious and valuable
manufactures, sufficient not only for its own use but for the use of the whole globe.
The silver of the west and the gold of the east have for many years been pouring into
that country, and goods only have been sent out in return. This has added to the
luxury and extravagance of Bengal.
From time immemorial it has been the custom of that country, for an inferior never to
come into the presence of a superior without a present.
a. Do you agree with Clive’s description of Indians? Does the custom of giving gifts
still continue in India? Explain with examples

Answer 1

Answer:

Robert Clive bribed Mir Jafar, the commander-in-chief of the Nawab's army, and also promised to make him Nawab of Bengal. Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah at Plassey in 1757 and captured Calcutta. The battle was preceded by an attack on British-controlled Calcutta by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah and the Black Hole massacre.