The Battle of Plassey was fought between the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, and the British East India Company on 23rd June 1757. This battle marked a turning point in Indian history as it paved the way for British dominance in India. Let's delve into the details of this significant event.

Background:
- The British East India Company had established a strong presence in India and had acquired several trading posts and territories. However, they faced opposition from various Indian rulers, including the Nawab of Bengal.
- Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, was unhappy with the growing influence and encroachments of the British in his territory. He was determined to assert his authority and expel the British from Bengal.

Causes of the Battle:
- The British East India Company had established a fortified settlement in Calcutta (now Kolkata) known as Fort William. In June 1756, Siraj-ud-Daulah attacked the fort and captured it, leading to the infamous incident known as the Black Hole of Calcutta, where several British prisoners died in a small prison cell.
- This incident outraged the British and prompted them to seek revenge. They formed an alliance with Mir Jafar, a dissatisfied noble of the Nawab's court, and plotted to overthrow Siraj-ud-Daulah.

The Battle:
- The British, led by Robert Clive, gathered a force of around 3,000 European soldiers and Indian sepoys (soldiers) to confront the Nawab's army, which was much larger in number.
- The battle took place near the village of Plassey in Bengal. The Nawab's army consisted of approximately 50,000 soldiers, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
- However, Siraj-ud-Daulah made several strategic errors during the battle. He failed to effectively use his artillery and positioned his troops poorly, allowing the British to exploit the weaknesses in his formation.
- Mir Jafar, who had secretly allied with the British, also played a crucial role. He deliberately withheld troops from the Nawab's army and did not actively participate in the battle, ensuring the British victory.
- The battle lasted for a few hours, and despite being outnumbered, the British emerged victorious. Siraj-ud-Daulah fled the battlefield, and Mir Jafar was installed as the new Nawab of Bengal.

Consequences:
- The Battle of Plassey marked the beginning of British political control over India. The British East India Company gained significant power and influence in Bengal and gradually expanded their control to other parts of India.
- Mir Jafar was installed as a puppet ruler, and the British exercised their authority through him. This established the pattern of the British using Indian rulers as puppets to legitimize their rule.
- The battle also had far-reaching consequences for the economic and administrative systems of Bengal. The British imposed heavy taxes and exploited the resources of the region, leading to economic decline and impoverishment.
- Overall, the Battle of Plassey was a crucial event in Indian history, as it marked the beginning of British colonial rule and laid the foundation for their subsequent dominance in the subcontinent.