Battle of Buxar | Background - Participants - Outcome - Consequences - Treaty of Allahabad (1765) - Increased British Influence due to Battle of Buxar

Battle of Buxar

The Battle of Buxar was a significant conflict that took place on October 22, 1764, near the town of Buxar in present-day Bihar, India. It was a decisive battle fought between the British East India Company and a coalition of Indian rulers. The battle had far-reaching consequences for the control of India and marked a turning point in the British expansion on the Indian subcontinent.

Background:

In the mid-18th century, the British East India Company was gradually expanding its influence in India, often coming into conflict with local rulers. The Battle of Buxar was a culmination of a series of conflicts between the British and Indian powers, including the Mughals, Nawab of Oudh, and the Nawab of Bengal.

Battle of Buxar

Participants:

1. British East India Company: The British forces were led by Major Hector Munro, who commanded a well-trained and disciplined army of British and Indian sepoys.

2. Coalition Forces: The coalition of Indian rulers included Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Oudh; Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal; and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. They were supported by a large number of infantry, cavalry, and artillery.

Outcome:

The British forces, with their superior military tactics and discipline, decisively defeated the coalition forces at the Battle of Buxar. The battle resulted in a significant expansion of British control over northern India.

Consequences:

1. Treaty of Allahabad (1765): After the Battle of Buxar, the British signed the Treaty of Allahabad with Shuja-ud-Daula. According to the treaty, the British gained the Diwani rights, which allowed them to collect revenue on behalf of the Mughal Emperor in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This gave the British considerable financial and administrative control in these regions.

  

2. Increased British Influence: The victory at Buxar established the British East India Company as a dominant power in India. It paved the way for further expansion and laid the foundation for British colonial rule in the subcontinent.

3. Weakening of Mughal Authority: The defeat further weakened the authority of the Mughal Emperor, who became increasingly dependent on the British for support.

The Battle of Buxar played a crucial role in shaping the course of Indian history, leading to the establishment of British paramountcy in India and the eventual colonization of the entire subcontinent.