The battle of Plassey was a major turning point in modern Indian history that led to the consolidation of British rule in India. This battle was fought between the East India Company headed by Robert Clive and the Nawab of Bengal (Siraj-Ud-Daulah) and his French Troop. This battle is often termed as the ‘decisive event’ which became the source of ultimate rule of the British in India. The battle occurred during the late reign of the Mughal empire (called later Mughal Period). Mughal emperor Alamgir-II was ruling the empire when the Battle of Plassey took place.

A few historians, while answering the question as to when did the British rule start in India, cite the Battle of Plassey as the source.

The Battle of Plassey took place when Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah did not like the uncontrolled use of privileges by the East India Company’s officials. Also, the workers of the company stopped paying the taxes that became one of the reasons for the Battle of Plassey.

The problem arose when the alliance was disrupted under the rule of Nawab of Bengal (Siraj-Ud-Daulah). The Nawab started seizing the fort of Calcutta and imprisoning many British Officials in June 1756. The prisoners were kept in a dungeon at Fort William. This incident is called the Black Hole of Calcutta since only a handful of the prisoners survived the captivity where over a hundred people were kept in a cell meant for about 6 people. The East India company planned an attack and Robert Clive bribed Mir Jafar, the commander-in-chief of the Nawab’s army, and also promised him to make him Nawab of Bengal.

One of the reasons for the defeat of Nawab was the lack of planning to protect their weapons during the heavy downpour which turned the table in favor of the British army apart from the major reason being the treachery of Mir Jafar.

Losses: Bengal and French East India Company, 1,500 casualties of 50,000; British East India Company, fewer than 100 casualties of 3,000.

Apart from the British getting political power of Northern India but only after Nawabs, there were several other effects in many forms that came out as a result of the Battle of Plassey. They can be categorized as:

 The Battle of Plassey resulted in the end of the French forces.
 Mir Jafar was crowned as the Nawab of Bengal.
 Mir Jafar was unhappy with the position and instigated the Dutch to attack the British in order to consolidate his foundation.
 The battle of Chinsura was fought between the Dutch and British forces on November 25, 1759.
 The British installed Mir Qasim as the Nawab of Bengal.
 The British became the paramount European power in Bengal.
 Robert Clive was titled “Lord Clive”, Baron of Plassey and also obtained a seat in the British House of Commons.