Difference Between Battle of Plassey and Battle of Buxar

Difference Between the Battle of Plassey and the Battle of Buxar: The 18th century witnessed two important battles in the history of British India, i.e., Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764). While the Battle of Plassey marked the establishment of British dominance, the Battle of Buxar strengthened their position as the most powerful force in northern India. Both battles were fought in the same century and were considered important in the British conquest. However, their causes, significance, and outcomes were different. Let’s discuss the key difference between the Battle of Plassey and the Battle of Buxar for better clarity.

What is the Battle of Plassey?

The Battle of Plassey occurred on June 23, 1757, between the forces of the British East India Company under Robert Clive and the Bengal Army of the Mughal Empire led by Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal. The battle was fought near Plassey, a village in West Bengal. This battle is a landmark in Indian military history, as it is believed to be among the first battles where firearms played an important role.

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Significance of the Battle of Plassey

The victory in the Battle of Plassey led to the commencement of British political dominance in India as the British gained control over Bengal’s resources and revenue. It is widely regarded as a turning point that marked the decline of Mughal rule and the rise of British dominance in India.

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Causes of the Battle of Plassey

Several parameters contributed to the outbreak of the Battle of Plassey. These included Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula's frequent military campaigns towards Delhi, leading to the financial burden of maintaining his Bengal army and adhering to the tax obligations. Here are the major causes for the Battle of Plassey shared below:

• Misuse of trade privileges by the British East India Company that was granted by the Mughal emperor led to revenue losses for Bengal.
• Siraj-ud-Daulah opposes the growing influence of the British and their interference in Bengal's politics.
• Black Hole Tragedy was also one of the main reasons behind the batter. The imprisonment of British soldiers by Siraj-ud-Daulah received strong outrage from the British.
• The company supported Krishna Das, the son of Raj Ballabh, who had stolen immense treasure and wealth from the Nawab.
• The alliance between Robert Clive and Mir Jafar, a commander in Siraj-ud-Daulah’s army, and other discontented nobles to replace the Nawab.

What is the Battle of Buxar?

The Battle of Buxar occurred on October 22, 1764, near the town of Buxar, presently in Bihar. This battle was fought between the British East India Company and Indian rulers, including Shah Alam II (the Mughal Emperor), Shuja-ud-Daula (the Nawab of Awadh), and Mir Qasim (the Nawab of Bengal). The victory in this battle strengthened the political dominance of the company in Bengal and established the base for British expansion all over India. 

Significance of the Battle of Buxar

The Battle of Buxar is witnessed as a crucial example in Indian history as it marked the beginning of the British Raj, which ruled India till 1947. As per the treaty, the East India Company ruled the Bengal region after this battle. They ruled till 1858 and then the British Crown took direct control. This battle also allowed more foreign interference, which led to Indians losing power to foreigners in politics and the economy.

Causes of the Battle of Buxar

Several factors contributed to the Battle of Buxar, including conflict with Mir Qasim, abolition of trade privileges, territorial disputes, French threat, etc. Check below the major causes of the Battle of Buxar in a detailed manner.

• Mir Qasim opposed British interference and wanted control over Bengal’s administration. The company wanted him to be their puppet and fulfil their financial demands, but Mir Qasim did not meet their demands.
• There was a disagreement between the Nawab and the East India Company about transit and trade duty. This caused a war between the English and Mir Qasim in 1763 and it finally ended with the Battle of Buxar in 1764. 
• The next cause of the Battle of Buxar was territorial disputes. Mir Qasim allied with Shah Alam II and Shuja-ud-Daula to fight back against British aggression.
• The British were scared that the French could take control of Bengal. So, they didn't want the Nawab to strengthen their powers with the help of the French or the Marathas in their wars against other Muslim rulers.

Key Difference Between Battle of Plassey and Battle of Buxar

The Battle of Plassey and the Battle of Buxar were milestones in Indian history. These battles opened the door to nearly two centuries of British colonial control over India. Here is the key difference between the Battle of Plassey and the Battle of Buxar shared below for reference purposes.