Consider the following statements with reference to the Battle of Plassey fought in 1757:

1. It was fought during the rule of Mughal emperor Shah Alam II.

2. The troops of East India Company led by Robert Clive fought against Siraj-ud-daulah who was the last independent nawab of Bengal.  

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Solution

● Statement 1 is incorrect: Alamgir II was the fifteenth Mughal Emperor of India. During his tenure, the Battle of Plassey was fought in 1757. The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) and the Battle of Buxar(1764) was fought during the rule of Shah Alam II (1759-1806). ● Statement 2 is correct: The Battle of Plassey was fought between the East India Company force headed by Robert Clive and Siraj-UdDaulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal. ● Causes of the War: 1. The rampant misuse of the trade privileges given to the British by the Nawab of Benal and Non-payment of tax and duty by the workers of the British East India Company annoyed Siraj. 2. The continuing misconduct by EIC. E.g. Clive forged a secret alliance with the traitors of the nawab. Under the deal, Mir Jafar was to be made the nawab, who in turn would reward the Company for its services. 3. The secret alliance of the Company with the conspirators further strengthened the English position. So, the English victory in the Battle of Plassey (June 23, 1757) was decided before the battle was even fought. 4. The Battle of Plassey placed vast resources of Bengal at the disposal of the English. After Plassey, the English virtually monopolized the trade and commerce of Bengal.