Battle of Buxar 1764

The Battle of Buxar, fought on October 22, 1764, was a decisive battle between the British East India Company and a coalition of Indian rulers, marking a significant turning point in Indian history. This battle laid the foundation for British colonial rule in India and changed the political landscape of the subcontinent forever. Let’s explore the causes, consequences, and the key players involved in this pivotal battle.

The British East India Company’s army, under the leadership of Robert Clive, emerged victorious, significantly altering the political history of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. The result of the Battle of Buxar was a decisive victory for the British, leading to the Treaty of Allahabad. This treaty formalized the Company’s control over these regions and laid the foundation for colonial expansion in India.

Background of the Battle of Buxar

This battle was a key moment in the 18th century that shaped the future of the Indian subcontinent. The battle of Buxar and Plassey were two critical conflicts that laid the foundation for British colonial rule in India.

The Battle of Buxar was fought in the year 1764 between the British East India Company and a coalition of Indian powers. This coalition included Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle took place on October 22, 1764.

The Buxar battlefield was located in present-day Bihar, near the town of Buxar. The EIC army was led by Robert Clive, who played a crucial role in the military strategy in Buxar. The battle of Buxar was fought between the British forces and the combined armies of the Indian rulers.

When Was the Battle of Buxar Fought?

The Battle of Buxar was fought on October 22, 1764, near the town of Buxar, situated on the banks of the Ganges River in Bihar. This battle is often referred to as the 1764 Battle of Buxar, as it took place in that year and is one of the most significant events in the history of India under British rule.

The Battle of Buxar Was Fought Between

The Battle of Buxar was fought between the British East India Company and a coalition of Indian rulers. The forces on each side were led by prominent figures, with the British being commanded by Major Hector Munro and the Indian coalition consisting of:

• Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal,
• Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Oudh (Awadh),
• Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor.

The British faced off against a united front of Indian powers in a battle that would reshape India’s political landscape and solidify British control over key territories.

Battle of Buxar 1764

The Battle of Buxar was a significant victory for the British East India Company over the combined forces of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (Mughal Emperor) on October 22-23, 1764. This crucial battle occurred in Buxar, a town located on the banks of the Ganges River in Bihar.

The British forces, commanded by Major Hector Munro, comprised approximately 7,000 regular British Army soldiers and 3,000 Indian sepoys. In contrast, the combined Mughal forces were estimated to exceed 40,000 troops.

Despite being heavily outnumbered, the British forces triumphed due to superior military tactics and effective coordination. The lack of unity and poor coordination among the Indian rulers played a significant role in their defeat. Their failure to effectively synchronize their attacks allowed the British to exploit their weaknesses and secure a decisive victory.

Causes of the Battle of Buxar

The Battle of Buxar took place on October 22, 1764. It was fought between the British East India Company and a group of Indian powers led by Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim, and Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daula. The main causes of Battle of Buxar were:

1. British Expansion: The British East India Company was quickly growing its territories and influence in India, which worried regional powers like the Nawab of Bengal and the Nawab of Awadh.
2. Abuse of Trade Rights: The British East India Company had special trade rights and royal orders from the Mughal Emperor. They began to misuse these, harming local rulers and merchants. This upset Nawab Mir Qasim of Bengal, who tried to end these privileges.
3. Revenue Disputes: There were arguments over taxes and revenue collection between the British and local rulers. The British imposed high taxes and tariffs, causing dissatisfaction among the people.
4. Mughal Empire Weakening: The Mughal Empire was weakening, and regional powers wanted to take advantage of this to gain more power. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II sought help from the Nawab of Bengal and Awadh to regain control of his empire.
5. Previous Military Conflicts: There had been earlier military conflicts between the British and regional powers, such as the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which gave the British control over Bengal. The Nawab of Awadh was also defeated by the British during the Battle of Buxar.

These factors led to the Battle of Buxar, where the British East India Company won decisively, strengthening their political and economic control over large parts of India.

Participants of Battle of Buxar

Course of Battle of Buxar

The Battle of Buxar, fought on October 22, 1764, was a major clash between the British East India Company and a group of Indian rulers. Here’s a simple summary:

Pre-Battle Positioning:

• The British East India Company, led by Major Hector Munro, set up their forces near the town of Buxar, by the Ganges River.
• The Indian coalition included Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim, and Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daula. They gathered their troops nearby.

Troop Strength:

• The British had around 7,072 soldiers, including European and Indian sepoys.
• The Indian coalition had about 40,000 soldiers, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery.

Initial Engagement:

• The battle started with the Indian coalition attacking the British. They were confident due to their larger numbers.
• However, the British soldiers were well-trained and disciplined, allowing them to hold their positions.

British Tactics:

• Major Hector Munro used disciplined musket volleys to push back the Indian troops.
• British artillery played a key role, targeting the coalition and causing heavy losses.

Turning Point:

• The Indian forces began to break under the continuous British firepower. Poor coordination among the Indian troops weakened their efforts.
• The British took this chance to advance, breaking through the coalition lines.

Collapse of Coalition Forces:

• As the battle went on, the Indian troops started to retreat chaotically. The British kept pushing them back.
• The coalition leaders, seeing the tide turning, decided to withdraw.

Victory for the British:

• The British East India Company won the Battle of Buxar, inflicting heavy casualties on the coalition.
• This victory gave the British control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, and weakened the Mughal Empire and other regional powers.

Aftermath:

• After the battle, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765. This treaty allowed the British to collect revenue from Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
• The Battle of Buxar was a crucial step in establishing British rule in India, leading to nearly two centuries of British colonial rule.

Result of Battle of Buxar

The key impact of the Battle of Buxar in 1764 were:

• British Victory: The British East India Company forces, led by Major Hector Munro, won against the combined armies of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh), and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. This decisive win determined who won the Battle of Buxar.
• Consolidation of British Power: This victory allowed the British East India Company to firmly establish control over the regions of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This laid the foundation for the eventual British colonial rule over the Indian subcontinent.
• Decline of the Mughal Empire: The defeat weakened the Mughal Empire and showed its lack of unity and coordination with regional powers, contributing to the Mughal Empire’s decline.
• Treaty of Allahabad: In 1765, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed between the British and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. This treaty granted the East India Company the right to collect revenue (Diwani) from Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa on behalf of the Mughal Emperor.
• Expansion of British Control: The Battle of Buxar and the Treaty of Allahabad allowed the British East India Company to expand its economic and political control over large parts of northern India, furthering the British colonial expansion in India.

Treaty Of Allahabad

• The Treaty of Allahabad was signed on August 16, 1765 between the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and the British East India Company, represented by Robert Clive.
• It was an outcome of the British victory in the Battle of Buxar in 1764, where the combined forces of the Mughal Emperor, Nawab of Awadh, and Nawab of Bengal were defeated by the British.

Terms of the Allahabad Treaty

1. Diwani Rights: The Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II granted the East India Company the Diwani (right to collect revenue) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This allowed the Company to directly collect taxes from these provinces on behalf of the Emperor.
2. Annual Tribute: In return, the Company agreed to pay an annual tribute of 26 lakh rupees to the Mughal Emperor.
3. Allahabad and Kara: The districts of Allahabad and Kara were ceded to the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
4. Nawab of Awadh: The Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daula, had to pay a war indemnity of 50 lakh rupees to the East India Company.

Important Facts about Battle of Buxar

Here are some important facts about the Battle of Buxar:

1. Battle of Buxar 1764: Fought on October 22, 1764.
2. Battle of Buxar was fought between: The British East India Company and a coalition of Indian rulers.
3. Indian rulers’ coalition: Included Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Oudh), and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
4. British leader: Robert Clive led the EIC army.
5. Location: Buxar, in present-day Bihar, India.
6. Result of the Battle of Buxar: The British East India Company won the battle.
7. Treaty of Allahabad: Signed after the battle, granting the British revenue collection rights in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
8. Economic impact of Battle of Buxar: Shifted financial control to the British, affecting local economies.
9. Military strategy in Buxar: British forces had superior tactics and artillery.
10. Colonial rule: Established the foundation for nearly two centuries of British rule in India.

The Battle of Buxar: Key Players

Several key figures played pivotal roles in the Battle of Buxar:

• Mir Qasim: The Nawab of Bengal, who was dissatisfied with British interference and sought to regain control of his territory. He allied with Shuja-ud-Daula and Shah Alam II to challenge the British.
• Shuja-ud-Daula: The Nawab of Oudh, who joined forces with Mir Qasim to fight against the British presence in India.
• Shah Alam II: The Mughal Emperor, who was a symbolic figurehead, whose presence in the battle represented the decline of Mughal power.
• Major Hector Munro: The British commander who led the forces of the British East India Company to victory.

The Aftermath and the Treaty of Allahabad

After the Battle of Buxar, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765, granting the British East India Company the Diwani (right to collect taxes) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This victory laid the foundation for the British to expand their influence across India.

The treaty also led to the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II becoming a puppet of the British, marking the decline of Mughal power in India. The defeat of Mir Qasim and Shuja-ud-Daula at Buxar marked a crucial moment in British colonial expansion.

The Battle of Buxar 1764: Its Significance

The Battle of Buxar 1764 was a defining moment for both India and the British East India Company. Its consequences were far-reaching:

• British Dominance: The victory ensured that the British East India Company secured its political and economic grip on Bengal and its surrounding regions.
• Decline of the Mughal Empire: The defeat at Buxar further weakened the Mughal Empire, which was already in decline. Shah Alam II, though the nominal ruler, became increasingly dependent on British support.
• Political Control: The British now had the Diwani rights in Bengal, which meant they could control the wealth and resources of the region, fueling their colonial ambitions throughout India.

Impact on India’s Political Landscape

1. British Expansion: The Battle of Buxar facilitated the British East India Company’s expansion across India. With its victory, the Company secured critical territories like Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, establishing a strong foundation for British rule in India.
2. Mughal and Indian Rulers’ Weakness: The battle exposed the weakening influence of the Mughal Empire and the diminishing power of local Indian rulers like Shuja-ud-Daula. Their inability to defeat the British was a blow to any remaining resistance to British colonization.
3. Economic Exploitation: Following the British victory in 1764 Battle of Buxar, Bengal became a major revenue source for the British. The tax revenues from Bengal allowed the British to fund their military and administrative operations, further consolidating their colonial empire.

Legacy of the Battle of Buxar

The Battle of Buxar 1764 was a pivotal moment that shaped the history of India. It was not just a military victory; it was a political and economic shift that led to the British East India Company’s increasing dominance in India. The Treaty of Allahabad, which followed the battle, marked the beginning of British colonial rule over large parts of India.

• The Battle of Buxar was fought between the British East India Company and Indian rulers like Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Shah Alam II.
• The battle of Buxar solidified British power and was a key event in the establishment of British rule in India.
• Understanding the Battle of Buxar and its aftermath gives valuable insight into the processes of colonization and resistance in India.

Conclusion: The Battle of Buxar

The Battle of Buxar was fought in 1764 and was a turning point in the struggle between British colonial forces and Indian rulers. The British victory established their control over important territories like Bengal, which became the backbone of their empire in India. The effects of this battle reverberated throughout India, leading to the eventual collapse of the Mughal Empire and the rise of British rule.

As one of the most significant military engagements in Indian history, the Battle of Buxar 1764 played a crucial role in shaping the future of India under British colonial rule. The battle’s outcomes laid the groundwork for subsequent British expansion and exploitation of India’s resources, changing the course of Indian history forever.

FAQs on Battle of Buxar 1764

When was the Battle of Buxar fought?

The Battle of Buxar was fought on 22 October 1764 between the British East India Company and the combined forces of the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor.

Who won the Battle of Buxar?

The British East India Company, led by Major Hector Munro, won a decisive victory over the combined Indian forces in the Battle of Buxar.

What were the results of the Battle of Buxar?

The British victory at Buxar allowed the East India Company to firmly establish its control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. It led to the signing of the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, which granted the Company the right to collect revenue (Diwani) from these regions.

What is the Battle of Buxar?

The Battle of Buxar was a major confrontation in 1764 between the British East India Company and a coalition of Indian rulers, including the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor. The British victory in this battle consolidated their power and paved the way for their eventual colonial rule over India.

Which Nawab was defeated in the Battle of Buxar?

The Nawab of Bengal, Mir Qasim, was one of the key Indian leaders who was defeated by the British East India Company in the Battle of Buxar. The defeat of Mir Qasim and his allies marked the beginning of the Company's political and economic dominance in the region.