British conquest of India (part - 1) Bengal conquest

British conquest of India

British, East India Co started conquering India after 1757. Bengal was first to declare independence from Mughals and first to be conquered by British. Avadh was the last state to be annexed by British in 1856. After this, they didn't conquer or annex any territories. Almost 500+ kingdoms were conquered by British in 100 years. Even after this, there were almost 563 odd states unconquered and independent till 1947. Statistically, British conquered amounts only to 50% of the territory of India which is called 'British India' and rest of the territories are called 'Princely India'. While leaving India in 1947 British has portioned British India as Pakistan and India, the choice was given to princely states to join either country. Most of the princely states joined Indian union.

Bengal conquest

• Conquest of Bengal didn't happen overnight or due to a single reason. There were many reasons like free trade, fortifications, supporting rivals, the capture of fort William etc.
• AS per 1717, farmana British were allowed customs-free trade in 3 subhas, so in those subhas to carry on trade British governor of Fort William issued Dastak permitting transit and trade by merchants. Interlopers are personal traders Working in EEIC. This trade was bigger than company trade. Interlopers started enjoying Dastak and even this was being sold to local merchants who are close to English merchants. This caused irritation to other merchants and they revolted against this.
• Siraj-ud-Daula, GrandsOn of Ali Vardi Khan ruled Bengal territory for the year 1756 to 1757. He ordered to halt the fortification in Bengal. French and Dutch obeyed the order but British not. So (this causes a dispute between Siraj and British).
• Revolting parties and persons against Siraj Were given refugee in Fort William by British which deepened the fissure between Nawab and British. So Siraj finally invaded Fort William and captured its governor William Drake. In this Fort William, an event occurred which is named as 'Black Hole Tragedy' which immediately resulted in war between Nawab and British.

Black hole Tragedy

• When the governor was captured along with him Siraj also captured 146 English officers of Fort William and Imprisoned them in a small dark chamber. When it was opened only 16 were live remaining 130 died of suffocation. This hurt British a lot and then retaliated. Robert Clive who has scored a tremendous victory over French in Carnatic war was called back to Bengal and the task of Siraj was given to him.

Battle of Plassey

• 23 June 1757 a battle took place in Plassey, Bengal in which Siraj was defeated out rightly. British were capable of defeating Siraj because of the sedition, treason, betrayal of his Senapati 'Mir Jafar' who had the secret alliance with Robert Clive. This is not a battle but a betrayal. After the victory, British didn't assume the power of Bengal. During 1757 to 1772 many developments took place in Bengal before British assumed power. Many Nawabs were appointed just a figureheads and when they revolted they were either dethroned or killed.
• After defeating Siraj, as per the truce Robert Clive gave back power to Mirjafar thus he became Nawab of Bengal. He ruled till 1760. For supporting in gaining thrown he showered favors on British. He allowed them to carry free trade throughout Bengal. 1.7 Crore rupees was paid as war indemnity to British. Robert Clive was given 2 million and another office Watson was given 1 million rupees for the favour. He also gave 24 Paraganas to East India Company. After doing all this Mirjafar considered that he paid well in return and tried to rule on his own but this was not the strategy of British. They want him only as a puppet in their hands. Moreover, Mirjafar was developing cordial relations with Dutch. He is revamping his army with the help of Dutch. So British smelled some threat and in 1759 'Battle of Badera' Dutch were expelled from India and in 1760 Mirjafar was dethroned.
• In 1760, Mirjafar's nephew and son-in-law 'Mir Qasim' was ascended to the throne. He ruled till 1763. In return of favour, he gave 3 districts to EEIC. They were Chittagong, Midnapur, and Burdwan. Of late British were also involving in administrative affairs of King which irritated 'Mir Qasim' who wants to be independent. To maintain independence he shifted his capital from Murshidabad to Malgir in Bihar. Murshidabad was most forward region and highly economical whereas Malgir was completely rural area and trade was minimal. He thought this step would decrease the impedance of British in administration. British got annoyed and so Mir Qasim was dismissed and dethroned. So British have no other alternative but to appointed Mirjafar has Nawab who was already suffering from leprosy.
• Mir Qasim a very young and dynamic personality who wants to rule independently went to Avadh Sultan 'Shuja-ud-din' to seek assistance in getting the power and territory back. To his surprise there he found Mughal Sultan 'Shah Alam 2' taking shelter. He convinced both the sultans and promised huge amount so these three kings formed a tripartite alliance and prepared for battle with British.

Battle of Buxar

• In 1764, at Buxar, a battle was fought between combined forces of Nawabs and British in which British scored a tremendous victory. British forces were led by its commander 'Henry Munro' as Robert Clive was in England.
• In 1765, his war concluded with a Treaty of Allahabad. Robert Clive who was in England during the battle was called back to India and he was the mastermind behind this treaty. According to this treaty, Bengal administration should be divided into two parts known as Dual government. As per this truce Diwani administration shall be given to East India Co and whereas Nizamat administration to Nawab. For maintenance of army annually 52 crore rupees shall be given.
• Diwani administration — Revenue collections
• Nizamat administration — Law and Order & Defence maintenance
• The system was in operation for 7 years that is till 1772. This act draining Indian wealth. Demarcation was done only at the top level whereas at the bottom level both functions were given to the same person. Though truce says bureaucrats shall be Maintained by British this didn't happen. The duality of command led to mismanagement and breakdown of administration. Of late this caused a huge famine in Bengal in which 1/3rd of the population died of starvation etc.
• In 1772, a new governor 'Warren Hasting' was appointed in Bengal who immediately discontinued this dual government system. He also abolished Nawab system and all sovereign powers were taken away. Hereafter Nawabs were made as pensioners. This is how British were successful in conquering Bengal slowly and strategically.