Battle of Buxar: The Battle of Buxar was a critical event in the history of British colonial rule in India. It not only solidified British control over significant territories but also paved the way for their gradual expansion and influence throughout the Indian subcontinent.

Battle of Buxar

The Battle of Buxar was a significant military engagement that took place on October 22, 1764, near the town of Buxar in present-day Bihar, India. The battle was a pivotal moment in Indian history and marked the beginning of British dominance in India. Here are the key events and outcomes of the Battle of Buxar:

Background:

1. Mughal Decline: By the mid-18th century, the once-mighty Mughal Empire had declined significantly, and various regional powers and European colonial forces were vying for control in India.
2. British and Nawab of Bengal: The British East India Company, led by Major Hector Munro, had established a strong presence in Bengal. At the time of the battle, the Nawab of Bengal, Mir Qasim, was in conflict with the British over issues like taxation and trade rights.
3. Shuja-ud-Daula and the Mughals: Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Oudh, had joined forces with the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, who was seeking to regain his throne with external support.

Key Events:

1. Alliance Formation: Shuja-ud-Daula, Mir Qasim, and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II formed an alliance to challenge British authority in India.
2. Battle Formation: The British forces, led by Major Munro, faced the combined forces of Shuja-ud-Daula, Mir Qasim, and the Mughals.
3. Battle Commencement: The Battle of Buxar began on the morning of October 22, 1764. The fighting was fierce and intense, with both sides using artillery and infantry.
4. British Victory: Despite being outnumbered, the disciplined British troops, along with their skilled use of artillery, proved to be superior. They successfully defeated the allied forces.

Outcome:

1. British Dominance: The British victory at the Battle of Buxar was a turning point in their consolidation of power in India. It marked the beginning of British dominance over Indian affairs.
2. Treaty of Allahabad (1765): Following the battle, the defeated alliance leaders, including Shuja-ud-Daula and Mir Qasim, entered into negotiations with the British. The resulting Treaty of Allahabad in 1765 had several significant provisions:
   • Shuja-ud-Daula was restored as the Nawab of Oudh but became a de facto subordinate of the British.
   • Mir Qasim was replaced as the Nawab of Bengal by a British puppet.
   • The Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II recognized the British as the dominant power in India and granted the Diwani rights, which allowed the British to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This marked the beginning of formal British control over these territories.
3. Expansion of British Influence: The Treaty of Allahabad allowed the British East India Company to collect revenue and administer vast territories in India, effectively becoming the rulers of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
4. Further British Conquests: The Battle of Buxar and the Treaty of Allahabad set the stage for further British expansion and acquisitions in India, ultimately leading to the establishment of British colonial rule over a substantial part of the subcontinent.

Download Battle of Buxar Notes PDF in Hindi

Download Battle of Buxar Notes PDF in English

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By Team Learning Mantras