What were the areas of conflict between the Bengal nawabs and the east...
The areas of conflict between the Bengal nawabs and the East India Company are mentioned below:
(i)The Bengal nawabs asserted their power and autonomy and refused to grant the company concessions.
(ii)They demanded large tributes for the Company’s right to trade.
(iii)They denied the Company any right to mint coins and stopped the Company from extending its fortifications.
(iv) Accusing the Company of deceit, they claimed that the Company was depriving the Bengal government of huge amounts of revenue and undermining the authority of the nawab. It was refusing to pay taxes, writing disrespectful letters, and trying to humiliate the nawab and his officials.
(v)The Company on its part declared that the unjust demands of the local officials were ruining the trade of the Company, and trade could flourish only if the duties were removed.
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What were the areas of conflict between the Bengal nawabs and the east...
Areas of Conflict between the Bengal Nawabs and the East India Company:
1. Economic Exploitation:
- The East India Company sought to maximize its profits by engaging in various economic activities in Bengal, which often clashed with the interests of the Bengal Nawabs.
- The company established a monopoly over the trade of Bengal, controlling the production and sale of goods, such as textiles and opium. This led to an economic downturn for the local merchants and artisans who were unable to compete with the company's vast resources and influence.
- The imposition of high taxes and levies by the company on the local population further exacerbated the economic exploitation.
2. Political Interference:
- The East India Company gradually extended its political influence in Bengal, undermining the authority of the Nawabs. The company officials interfered in local governance, exercising power and influence beyond their trading rights.
- The company manipulated the succession of the Nawabs, often supporting candidates who were favorable to their interests. This led to political instability and conflicts within the ruling elite.
3. Military Conflicts:
- The East India Company maintained a private army, known as the Company's Sepoys, which was used to protect its economic interests and extend its control in Bengal.
- The company's military presence and actions often clashed with the authority of the Bengal Nawabs, who saw it as a threat to their own military forces and sovereignty.
- The Battle of Plassey in 1757, where the British defeated the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, marked a significant turning point in the conflicts between the East India Company and the Bengal Nawabs.
4. Revenue Collection:
- The East India Company implemented its own revenue collection system in Bengal, replacing the existing system of the Nawabs. This caused discontent among the local zamindars (landowners) who felt oppressed by the company's policies.
- The company's revenue collection methods, such as the "dual system" and the "Permanent Settlement," often resulted in excessive taxation and exploitation of the landowners, leading to widespread agrarian distress.
5. Cultural and Religious Conflicts:
- The East India Company's policies and practices often clashed with the cultural and religious sentiments of the Bengali population.
- The imposition of Western education and the undermining of traditional institutions and practices created a sense of cultural alienation and resistance among the local population.
In conclusion, the conflicts between the Bengal Nawabs and the East India Company were primarily driven by economic exploitation, political interference, military clashes, revenue collection methods, and cultural/religious conflicts. These conflicts ultimately paved the way for the gradual establishment of British colonial rule in Bengal and the wider Indian subcontinent.
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