Battle of Buxar (1764): Causes, Events, Results and Dual Government System
Introduction
The Battle of Buxar was an important turning point in Indian history. This battle was fought near Buxar in Bihar between the British East India Company and the combined forces of Bengal, Awadh, and the Mughal Empire. The British won the battle, which strengthened the foundation of British rule in India. The battle was fought on 22 and 23 October 1764 at Buxar in Bihar.
On one side was the army of the British East India Company, and on the other side were the combined forces of Mir Qasim, the deposed Nawab of Bengal, Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. There were several reasons behind the battle. Mir Qasim was unhappy with British interference and trade policies. Therefore, he formed an alliance to fight against the British.
The combined army had around 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers from Bengal, Awadh, and the Mughal Empire. The British East India Company army was led by Major Hector Munro and had around 7,000 to 8,000 trained soldiers.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1764 BCE | Battle of Buxar |
| 1765 BCE | British victory at Buxar |
| 1772 BCE | Eliminate the alienation method |
Causes of the Battle of Buxar
One of the main reasons for the Battle of Buxar was that Mir Qasim was a strong and independent ruler. He reorganized and trained his army to resist the British. He also shifted his capital from Murshidabad to Munger, which was considered a safer place.
The British were misusing the trade privileges given to them, which caused heavy losses to Indian traders. To remove this inequality, Mir Qasim abolished taxes for all traders. This decision was not liked by the British. Company officials also interfered too much in the internal administration of Bengal. As a result, tensions between Mir Qasim and the British continued to increase.
The Battle of Buxar and the British Victory
The British won the Battle of Buxar. As a result, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765. This treaty was signed between Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and the British East India Company. It changed the direction of Indian politics. The Company received the rights to collect revenue from Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
The Nawab of Awadh was forced to pay fifty lakh rupees to the British as a war penalty. This battle not only strengthened British control in Bengal but also laid the foundation of British rule across India.
Results of the Battle of Buxar
After the battle, several British economic policies were introduced. The British turned India into a source of cheap raw materials for Britain's Industrial Revolution. At the same time, the sale of British manufactured goods increased in Indian markets, which badly affected India's traditional handicraft and textile industries.
Low duties were placed on British goods entering India, while higher taxes were imposed on Indian exports. Revenue systems such as the Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari were introduced, which placed a heavy burden on farmers. A large amount of India's wealth and revenue was transferred to Britain without any equal economic benefit to India.
These policies weakened the Indian economy and pushed many farmers and artisans into poverty.
Dual Government System (1765–1772)
The Dual Government System introduced in 1765 after the Battle of Buxar was an important event in Indian history. It helped establish British power in Bengal. These developments transformed the British East India Company from a trading company into a political power.
This system was introduced by Robert Clive, the Governor of Bengal. Under this system, administration was divided between two authorities. The British controlled the Diwani, which included revenue and financial matters, while the Nawab of Bengal controlled the Nizamat, which included administration, police, and justice.
The Nawab had administrative responsibilities but lacked financial power, while the British controlled revenue without direct responsibility. This led to corruption and the exploitation of the people.
The Dual Government System created disorder in Bengal. Finally, in 1772, Warren Hastings abolished the system and brought Bengal under direct British administration.
Conclusion
The Battle of Buxar and the Dual Government System of 1765 were important events in Indian history. These developments helped the British East India Company become a political power in Bengal and laid a strong foundation for British rule in India.
