what was the causes of battle of plassey
for class 8 ,axel public school
Answers
Taking advantages of the confusion and disorder that prevailed in the Mughal Empire after the death of Aurangzeb, Murshid-Quli Khan, the Mughal governor of Bengal in 1717, declared his independence and ruled over it with uncommon ability. Upon his death in 1727 he was succeeded by his son-in-law, Shuja-ud-din Muhammad Khan. Suja-ud-din was succeeded by his son Sarfaraz Khan but due to his inability he was killed and was succeeded by Alivardi Khan. Alivardi Khan died on 21st April, 1756 and was succeeded by his grandson, Siraj-ud-daula.
Various causes leading to the Battle of Plassey: By the time when Siraj-ud-Daulah became the new Nawab of Bengal , both French and English were strengthening their respective fortifications in an expectation of war that may likely occur between them due to the seven years war(1756-1763) that broke out between them in Europe. When Siraj-ud-Daulah forbade them to fortify their settlements, the French readily obeyed while the English flatly refused.
Secondly, The servants of the East India Company misused their Commercial privileges acquired from the Mughal Emperor through 'Royal Farman(Firman) of 1717', according to which the English Company could carry on trade in Bengal duty-free. This privileges was misused by the Company's Servants for their private trade and not only that, they sometimes even sold these Passes or Dastaks to their friendly native traders which cost the Nawab's treasury so dear.
Thirdly, The English fully exploited the discontentment of the Hindus against the tyrannical rule of the Muslim and instigated them against the Nawab and had even given shelter to them. Once, Siraj demanded the surrender of one of his bitterest enemy, Krishna Das to him, the latter flatly refused. Thus, being provoked Siraj marched to Calcutta and seized the English Factory at Kasimbazaar and then occupied Fort William on 20th June,1756. Siraj then returned back to Murshidabad, leaving Calcutta under the charge of one of his Officer, Manikchand.
When the news of the fall of Calcutta reached Madras, a large Naval and Military Expedition was sent under Admiral Watson and Colonel Robert Clive who reached Calcutta in December,1756 and recovered back Calcutta on January, 1757 without any serious fighting. Finding himself in a difficult condition, Siraj then concluded a treaty with the English on 9th February, 1757, known as "The treaty of Alinagar" which conceded all the demands of the English. But the Treaty of Alinagar failed to restore the friendly relation between the two.
Fourthly, To further weaken the position of the Nawab, (for the English were bent upon replacing the Nawab, Siraj by a man who would be more amendable to their control) they contact Mir Jafar, the Commander-in-Chief the Nawab's army through Amin Chand and entered into conspiracy for overthrowing Siraj-ud-Daulah with a promise of the Nawabship of Bengal. Though the conspiracy got leaked out, but unfortunately Siraj showed lamentable lack of decision and energy, so failed to act accordingly. Had he acted with promptness and arrested Mir Jafar, the bid for 'Coup' would have been failed. Instead, he foolishly rely on the assurances of the traitor, Mir Jafar by making a hastly decision for war against the English, with Mir Jafar as the Commander of his forces.
Finally, When all conspiracy got ready, Clive charged Siraj-ud-Daulah of violating the Treaty of Alinagar (9th Feb,1756) by entering into conspiracy with the French and without waiting reply, marched towards Murhidabad with a troops of 3000 strong (800 European and 2200 Indian Sepoys). The Nawab was then forced to come out of his Capital to give battle to the English with his motley and disaffected army of 50,000. Thus, both armies confronted each other at Plassey, on the bank of Bhagirathi River.
Answer: