Nawabs lost their control over their territory... from 1757 (battle of plassey)... Indirectly britishers were controlling their territory.. Warren hastings as the governor general called them man of straw as after 1757...they were not independent....Sirajudaulah was the last independent nawab of bengal....

Background:
The reference to the Nawab of Bengal as a Phantom, a man of straw, was made by Warren Hastings in 1775. To understand the significance of this statement and why it was made by Warren Hastings, we need to delve into the historical context of the time.

1. Warren Hastings:
Warren Hastings was an English statesman and the first Governor-General of Bengal from 1772 to 1785. He played a crucial role in shaping British policy in India during the late 18th century.

2. Nawab of Bengal:
The Nawab of Bengal refers to the ruler of the Bengal province in India. At the time, the Nawab of Bengal was Mir Jafar, who had been appointed by the British East India Company after the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

3. The Battle of Plassey:
The Battle of Plassey was a significant event in Indian history. It took place in 1757 between the forces of the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah. The British emerged victorious, and this battle marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India.

4. Warren Hastings' Perspective:
Warren Hastings viewed the Nawab of Bengal, Mir Jafar, as a weak and ineffective ruler. He believed that Mir Jafar was merely a puppet in the hands of the British, and that the real power lay with the British East India Company. Hence, he referred to Mir Jafar as a Phantom, a man of straw.

5. The Term "Phantom, a man of straw":
The term "Phantom" suggests that Mir Jafar was a mere illusion of power, lacking any real authority or control. The term "man of straw" implies that Mir Jafar was weak and easily manipulated, like a straw figure that can be easily blown away by the wind.

6. Reasons for Warren Hastings' Statement:
Warren Hastings made this statement to assert British dominance and control over Bengal. By referring to the Nawab as a Phantom, he sought to undermine the legitimacy and authority of the native ruler, further reinforcing British control over the region.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Warren Hastings referred to the Nawab of Bengal as a Phantom, a man of straw, to emphasize the British East India Company's supremacy and control over Bengal. This statement reflected the power dynamics of the time, with the British viewing the native rulers as mere puppets under their influence.