Battle of Buxar, History, Causes, Impact, Consequences

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.

Battle of Buxar

Battle of Buxar History

• 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 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

Battle of Buxar Timeline

Battle of Buxar Significance

Battle of Buxar Impact

Battle of Buxar War Result

Treaty of Allahabad

• 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