Battle of Plassey
a. In an attempt to consolidate its power and authority ,The Company was keen on installing a puppet ruler in Bengal that would give its trade concessions and other privileges.
b. Sirajuddaulah asked the Company to stop meddling in the political affairs of his dominion, stop fortification, and pay the revenues.
c. The Company was asked to accept the authority of the Nawab which it defied.
d. The English refused to agree with the demands of the Nawab and met at Finally, in 1757 at the battle of Plassey.,
Robert Clive led the Company’s army against Sirajuddaulah and defeated the Nawab.
e. Prior to the battle, Clive had managed to secure the support of Mir Jafar, one of Sirajuddaulah’s commanders.
f. After the defeat at Plassey, Sirajuddaulah was assassinated and Mir Jafar was made the Nawab.
g. The battle established British control in Bengal and boosted their prestige.
Battle of Buxar
The Battle of Buxar took place in 1764 A.D. This battle was fought between Mir Quasim, The Nawab of Bengal and the English. Mir Quasim was made the Nawab of Bengal by the English. He was an able ruler and wanted to improve the condition of Bengal. He tried to check tax free trade by the English.
The English got annoyed over this issue and a battle took place between the two. Mir Quasim could not face the English and ran for shelter to the Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daulah. The Mughal emperor Shah Alam was also staying in Awadh those days. Shah Alam and Shuja-ud-Daulah , the Nawab of Awadh, promised to help Mir Quasim. Their combined army marched against the English and a fierce battle took place on 22nd October 1764 A.D at Buxar. The Nawab of Awadh and Shah Alam were defeated after some fighting. Mir Quasim was also defeated and was dethroned.