The War of Plassey was significant incident in the Indian Modern History and for the British East India Company(EIC) as well. It somehow changed the fate of Indian rulers and EIC.
The Battle of Plassey ushered in notable changes, and let’s explore some key transformations it brought about:
Change in Position British and other European Powers
A great transformation did come about in the position of the British EIC in Bengal. Before Plassey, the company was just one of the European companies trading in Bengal and suffering various exactions at the hands of Bengal Nawabs.
After Plassey, the British EIC virtually monopolized the trade and commerce of Bengal. The French never recovered their lost position in Bengal. The Dutch attempted a final bid but faced a humbling experience.
Change in Power and Resource Holding
The control of the British EIC over Bengal trade and commerce placed at their disposal the vast resources of the most industrially and commercially advanced province of Asia.
These resources helped the British EIC to conquer wars in the Deccan and extend their influence over North India.
For example, one of the reasons behind the English victory over the French in the 3rd Carnatic war (1756-1761) was the presence at their disposal of vast Bengal resources.
Change in Character of the Company
Plassey brought about a gradual transfer in the character of the company It did not merely remain a trading company, but transformed into a military company, possessing a considerable landed property that could only be maintained by arms.
As for Bengal, what Plassey changed was that from now on, the company became kingmakers in Bengal. Mir Jafar, who was promised Nawab ship by Clive before Plassey, now got his reward for his support against Siraj. He paid about 1750000 in presents and compensation to the British.
When the British lost confidence in him, they appointed his son-in-law, Mir Qasim, as the nawab, and he also had to make substantial payments to the English.
Thus, in the words of P. Spear, Bengal became a ‘sponsored’ Indian state, controlled but not administered by the British.
Conclusion
Plassey triggered a process by which the real power in Bengal began passing from the hands of nawabs to the EIC. The nawab now became dependent on the British. Not only to maintain their position in Bengal, but also for protection against foreign invasions. The company began interfering in the appointment of the nawab’s officials. The main reason behind it there was no strong ruler in centre of Indian Politics and Decline of Mughals.
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