Best History Notes on Beginning of British rule in India  for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025

Best History Notes on Beginning  of British rule in India  for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025

History-11

Here is a detailed explanation of the beginning of British rule in India focusing on the Battle of Plassey (1757) and Battle of Buxar (1764) — structured for BPSC/UPSC Mains with historical context, causes, consequences, and long-term impact.

Beginning of British Rule in India

The British rule in India began with the Battle of Plassey in 1757, when the British East India Company, under Robert Clive, defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal. This marked the start of colonial dominance in India.

Key Events Leading to British Rule:

1. 1600 – East India Company was formed in England to trade with the East.
2. 1608 – First British ship reached Surat; gradually got trading rights from Mughal emperors.
3. 1757 – Battle of Plassey – British defeated Nawab of Bengal with the help of traitors (like Mir Jafar); gained control over Bengal.
4. 1764 – Battle of Buxar – British defeated a coalition of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, Nawab of Oudh, and Nawab of Bengal; secured Diwani rights (right to collect revenue) for Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
5. 1773 – Regulating Act – British Parliament started controlling Company affairs in India.
6. 1857 – Revolt of 1857 – First major rebellion against British rule.
7. 1858 – Government of India Act – After suppressing the revolt, the British Crown took direct control from the Company, marking the official beginning of British Raj.

Thus, British rule began with trade, turned into political control, and eventually led to full colonial rule over India. Important Battles which led to

Key Battles: Plassey (1757) & Buxar (1764)

The establishment of British colonial rule in India began with the East India Company’s military victories in Bengal — India’s richest province at the time. These battles marked the transition from trading power to ruling power.

Background: East India Company’s Rise

• British East India Company (EIC) was formed in 1600 for trade with the East.
• By the mid-18th century, it had set up trading posts in Surat, Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.
• The weakening of the Mughal Empire and the rise of regional powers gave the Company an opportunity to intervene in Indian politics.

Battle of Plassey (1757)

Parties Involved

Causes

• Nawab’s opposition to Company’s fortification and misuse of trade privileges.
• The infamous “Black Hole of Calcutta” incident escalated tensions.
• British plotted with Mir Jafar (Nawab’s commander), Jagat Seths, and other discontented nobles.

Outcome

• Siraj-ud-Daulah was defeated and killed.
• Mir Jafar was installed as a puppet Nawab.
• British gained control over Bengal’s political and economic affairs.

Significance

• First major victory for the Company in India.
• Marked the beginning of Company’s territorial ambitions.
• Laid foundation for British imperialism.

Battle of Buxar (1764)

Parties Involved

Causes

• Mir Qasim, who succeeded Mir Jafar, attempted to assert independence by modernizing army, ending Company’s trade abuses.
• He allied with Shuja-ud-Daula and Shah Alam II against British dominance.

Outcome

• British decisively defeated the combined Indian forces.
• Mir Qasim fled, and the Mughal Emperor came under British influence.

Significance

• Confirmed Company’s military supremacy in North India.
• British gained political legitimacy through alliance with Mughal Emperor.
• Led to Treaty of Allahabad (1765).

Treaty of Allahabad (1765)

Signed between Robert Clive and Shah Alam II & Shuja-ud-Daula

Impact: EIC became de facto ruler of Bengal — administrative and financial powers without direct responsibility.

 Long-Term Consequences

 Key Terms for BPSC/UPSC Answer Writing

• Plassey 1757, Mir Jafar, Diwani rights, Treaty of Allahabad, Battle of Buxar, dual government, economic drain, Company Bahadur, Robert Clive

Sample Mains Answer

“The battles of Plassey and Buxar were turning points that transformed the East India Company from a commercial enterprise into a political sovereign in India. The strategic betrayal at Plassey and the decisive victory at Buxar enabled the British to establish firm control over Bengal’s vast resources. The Treaty of Allahabad formalized Company rule and laid the foundation for British expansion across India. These events ushered in a new phase of colonial dominance, economic exploitation, and administrative transformation.”