Battle of Buxar, History, Causes, Impact, Consequences
Battle of Buxar was fought between the East India Company, and a joint army of the Nawab of Oudh, Nawab of Bengal, and the Mughal Emperor in 1764. Check out history, causes, impact, consequences below.
Parul Rishi18 Mar, 2024
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Battle of Buxar: The Battle of Buxar happened on October 22, 1764. It was between the British East India Company, led by Hector Munro, and a combined force of Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh; Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal; and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The British East India Company won this battle, which helped them gain control over Bengal and establish the Bengal Presidency.
At that time, the British East India Company was growing its territories in India. They had previously won the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which allowed them to rule over Bengal. However, they faced challenges after that victory. They were constantly attacked by the French, their allies, and local forces. In 1764, Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Shah Alam II joined forces to try to push the British out of Bengal.Battle of Buxar
The Battle of Buxar, which occurred on October 22, 1764, marked a significant clash between the British East India Company and a combined force comprising the Nawabs of Bengal and Awadh, along with the Mughal Emperor. This confrontation arose due to disputes over trade privileges granted by the Nawab of Bengal and the East India Company's expanding control. Despite being outnumbered, the British forces, led by Major Hector Munro, secured victory through superior military tactics and weaponry. Their strategies allowed them to overcome the numerical advantage of the Indian forces led by Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, and his allies. The battle persisted for several hours, showcasing the resilience and determination of both sides. While the British forces suffered a relatively small number of casualties, estimated at a few hundred soldiers, the toll on the Indian side was much higher, with around 2,000 soldiers losing their lives. This clash not only highlighted the military prowess of the British East India Company but also had far-reaching consequences, consolidating their control over large parts of India and significantly altering the political landscape of the region.Battle of Buxar History
The story of the Battle of Buxar goes back to when the Mughal Empire began to weaken in the middle of the 18th century. As the Mughal Empire lost its strength, different groups in India started to take control of various parts of the country. The East India Company became powerful in Indian politics and took over important areas like Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. One important leader at that time was the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah, who wanted to expand his territory and influence. In 1756, Siraj ud-Daulah captured the British Fort William in Calcutta, leading to a tragic event known as the Black Hole of Calcutta, where many British prisoners died because of lack of air. In response, the British sent soldiers led by Robert Clive. They defeated Siraj ud-Daulah in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, and this victory gave the British control over Bengal. However, the British faced opposition from other powerful leaders like the Nawab of Awadh and the Mughal Emperor. This tension eventually led to the Battle of Buxar in 1764. The Battle of Buxar had some key reasons:- Mir Qasim wanted independence and moved his capital from Calcutta to Munger Fort.
- He hired foreign experts to train his army, some of whom clashed with the British.
- He treated Indian merchants and the English equally, without giving special privileges to the English.
- These actions led to conflict between Mir Qasim and the British in 1763, resulting in war.
Battle of Buxar 1764 Causes
The Battle of Buxar in 1764 was a big fight between the British East India Company and Indian rulers, led by the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. Here are the reasons behind it:- The British were taking over more land in India. This worried local leaders like the Nawab of Bengal, who had already lost some of his land to the British. The Nawab of Awadh was also concerned about the British being powerful in India.
- The British were interested in making money in India, especially from farming and trade. This caused problems because local rulers also wanted to benefit from their own resources.
- The Mughal Empire was weakening, and the British and other powers saw a chance to control India. The Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II, asked for help from local powers to take back control.
- There were arguments about money between the British and local rulers. The British put taxes on the local people, making them unhappy. The Nawab of Bengal, Mir Qasim, was upset with the British for getting involved in his money matters.
- There had been fights between the British and local powers before, like the Battle of Plassey in 1757. The British won, gaining control over Bengal. The Nawab of Awadh had also lost to the British before the Battle of Buxar.
Battle of Buxar Participants
The following table offers information about the key figures involved in the Battle of Buxar and their roles during the battle:|
Battle of Buxar Participants |
|
| Participants of Battle of Buxar | Role in the Battle of Buxar |
| Mir Qasim – (Administering Bengal in place of Mir Jafar – Nawab of Bengal) | He disliked misuse of dastak, farmans by the English, hence tried to conspire against them by forming an alliance with Nawab of Awadh and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II |
| Shuja-Ud-Daulah – Nawab of Awadh (Oudh) | Was a part of a confederacy with Mir Qasim and Shah Alam-II |
| Shah Alam II – Mughal Emperor | He wanted to overthrow English from Bengal |
| Hector Munro – British Army Major | He led the battle from the English side |
| Robert Clive | Signed the treaties with Shuja-Ud-Daulah and Shah Alam-II after winning the battle |
Battle of Buxar Timeline
In 1757, the British East India Company won a crucial battle against the Nawab of Bengal, gaining control over Bengal. Later, in 1760, the Mughal Emperor faced opposition and sought support from Indian rulers to reclaim his throne. Tensions escalated in 1762 when the Nawab of Bengal, initially supported by the British East India Company, turned against them due to disagreements over trade and taxes. By 1764, a powerful coalition led by the Mughal Emperor and other Indian rulers aimed to challenge the British East India Company. On October 22, the Battle of Buxar unfolded, where the Company's advanced weaponry and tactics secured their resounding victory against the Indian coalition. Following this defeat, in November of the same year, the Mughal Emperor surrendered to the British East India Company and signed the Treaty of Allahabad in November 1764. This treaty granted the Company rights to collect revenue from Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, cementing their dominance in these regions.Battle of Buxar Significance
The Battle of Buxar marked a crucial moment in history when the British firmly took control of Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, and Bangladesh. Before this battle, the Nawab of Bengal had lost his power to the British after the Battle of Plassey in 1757. But at Buxar, the British defeated not just the Nawab but also gained influence over Awadh and the declining Mughal Empire. This victory laid a strong foundation for the British in India, leading to their eventual dominance over the entire country.Battle of Buxar Impact
On October 22, 1764, the British won a big battle against Shah Alam II, Shuja-Ud-Daula, and Mir Qasim, thanks to Robert Clive and Major Hector Munro leading the British troops. This victory gave the British power over the Mughal area and Awadh after the Buxar conflict, making them very important in the North. Mir Qasim agreed to let the English control certain districts like Midnapore, Burdwan, and Chittagong to help the English army. After the Battle of Buxar, English traders got special trade rights, except for a small tax on salt. When Mir Jafar died, his son Najimud-Daula became the ruler, but the English basically controlled everything. The Treaty of Allahabad sorted out issues between Shuja-Ud-Daula and Shah Alam II, and it was led by Robert Clive.Battle of Buxar War Result
In 1764, a significant battle took place where Mir Qasim, Shuja-Ud-Daula, and Shah Alam-II were defeated on October 22nd. Major Hector Munro led the winning side, with Robert Clive playing a major role. This victory established English dominance in northern India. Mir Jafar, the Nawab of Bengal, granted the English control over districts like Midnapore, Burdwan, and Chittagong to support their army. The English were allowed tax-free trade in Bengal, except for a two percent duty on salt. Following Mir Jafar's death, his minor son, Najimud-Daula, became the Nawab, but the real administrative power rested with the naib-subahdar, appointed or dismissed by the English. Clive negotiated political agreements with Emperor Shah Alam II and Shuja-Ud-Daula of Awadh in the Treaty of Allahabad.Treaty of Allahabad
After the Battle of Buxar in 1764, a significant agreement called the Treaty of Allahabad was signed on August 16, 1765. Here are the main points of the treaty:- The treaty gave the East India Company the right to collect taxes (revenue rights) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
- Previously, the responsibility of collecting taxes in these regions belonged to the Mughal Empire and the local rulers, but now the Company could do it directly from the people.
- The Company gained control of managing taxes after paying an annual amount of Rs 26 lakh as per Shah Alam II's decree.
- In return for certain administrative functions like defense, police, and justice, Shah Alam II paid Rs 53 lakhs to the Company.
- The treaty also acknowledged the Nawab of Awadh as an independent ruler, though he had to pay a significant amount to the East India Company for their support in the Battle of Buxar.
- This treaty marked the start of British dominance in India and contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire, which was already weakened due to various conflicts.
- By obtaining tax control (Diwani rights), the East India Company took charge of Bengal's economy, a region known for its wealth. This control helped the Company amass financial strength and expand its influence across other parts of India.
Battle of Buxar Important Facts
After the Battle of Buxar, the British didn't take control of Awadh even though they defeated Shuja-Ud-Daulah. This decision was because if they annexed Awadh, it would mean they had to protect a large border from invasions by the Afghan and Maratha forces. Instead, Shuja-Ud-Daulah, after his defeat, became a close friend of the British. He arranged Awadh to act as a protective barrier between the British and potential invasions from foreign powers. Additionally, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed between the British and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam-II. This treaty made the emperor essentially a figurehead for the British Company's decisions. The emperor's official decree, the Farman, gave legal approval to the British Company's political control in Bengal. To succeed in upcoming exams, candidates should consider exploring PW SSC Books We provide high-quality content at an affordable price, including sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more to ensure aspirants secure their selection. Also, enroll today on SSC Online Coaching to turn your dreams into reality.| Other Related Links | |
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Battle of Buxar FAQs
Q1. Who won the Battle of Buxar?
Ans. The British were victorious over the combined army of Mir Qasim. The other two submitted to the English forces while Mir Qasim fled the conflict.
Q2. When was the battle of Buxar fought?
Ans. The Battle of Buxar was fought between 22 and 23 October 1764
Q3. What was the reason for the Battle of Buxar?
Ans. The British overcame the combined army of Mir Qasim. While Mir Qasim fled the conflict, the other two were captured by the English forces.
Q4. What is the difference between Battle of Plassey and Buxar?
Ans. The East India Company and the Mughal army engaged in combat at the Battle of Plassey. The East India Company’s troops and the Nawab Mir Kasim engaged in combat at the Battle of Buxar.
Q5. Why is the Battle of Buxar more important than the Battle of Plassey?
Ans. The significance of this fight rested in the British defeat of both the Mughal Emperor of India and the Nawab of Bengal.
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