What was the final set of circumstances that led to the Battle of Buxar?
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Shivam tiwariLearner
Summarize the social reformers’ contributions to the elimination of societal ills that were common in India during the 19th century.(Answer in 200 words)
Prakher SinghBegginer
List the factors that contributed to the Permanent Settlement system’s creation. Talk about the repercussions as well. (Answer in 200 words)
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Answer: The Permanent Settlement was a land revenue system introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Under this system, the company's share in the revenue was fixed permanently with the Zamindars who were made hereditary owners of the lands under their possession. Reasons beRead more
Answer: The Permanent Settlement was a land revenue system introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Under this system, the company’s share in the revenue was fixed permanently with the Zamindars who were made hereditary owners of the lands under their possession. Reasons behind introduction of the Permanent Settlement System:
- To develop a class of landlords who were loyal to British interests.
- It was hoped that the system would end corruption as the officials would not be able to alter assessment at will.
- It was meant to ensure ease in administration on part of the Company as the burden of revenue collection was given to the intermediaries or Zamindars.
- To ensure a fixed and stable income for the company and save the government from the expenses on making periodical assessments and settlements.
- It was expected that property ownership would induce Zamindars to make larger capital investments in agriculture. Cornwallis thought that the company could increase its revenue by taxing trade and commerce.
However, the introduction of the permanent settlement system had far-reaching consequences:
- Exploitation of peasants: Peasants suffered from the double injustice of surrendering their property rights and being left entirely at the mercy of Zamindars who extracted exorbitant taxes, much higher than the official tax rate.
- Decline in agricultural productivity: Zamindars had their focus on collection of maximum revenue and took little interest in the development of agriculture.
- Rise in absentee landlordism: Under it, new moneyed men from Calcutta with no local connections bought lands when Zamindars struggled to meet revenue obligations. The new landlords were often absentees from their lands, and generated resentment among the farmers.
- Increase in social inequality: This system strengthened feudalism in upper sections and slavery in lower sections of society. Absentee landlordism drained out the wealth produced in the countryside to the urban centres, leaving the peasants in miserable condition.
- Commercialization of agriculture: It led to commercialisation of land that previously did not exist in Bengal coercing the local agriculturalists to cultivate cash crops such as cotton, indigo, and jute.
Permanent settlement did more harm than good to Indian agriculture. It led to impoverishment of the peasantry and rural indebtedness and eventually became one of the contributing factors of agricultural crises including famines in and around Bengal.
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Nandani NainaBegginer
The several uprisings that occurred before to 1857 were a sign of the growing discontent with British rule and their policies in India. Talk about it. (Answer in 250 words)
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The colonial law and judiciary safeguarded the interest of the government and its collaborators- landlords, merchants, and moneylenders. Thus, the people left with no options, chose to take up arms and defend themselves. Similarly, the conditions of the tribal people were not different, the encroachRead more
The colonial law and judiciary safeguarded the interest of the government and its collaborators- landlords, merchants, and moneylenders. Thus, the people left with no options, chose to take up arms and defend themselves. Similarly, the conditions of the tribal people were not different, the encroachment by outsiders into their independent tribal polity made them more aggrieved and violent.
Major civil uprisings before 1857 include:
- Sanyasi Revolt (1763-1800): The disastrous famine of 1770 due to the harsh economic order of the British compelled a group of Sanyasis in Eastern India to fight the British.
- Midnapore and Dhalbhum revolt (1766-74): The English took hold of Midnapore in 1760 and at that time there were about 3,000 zamindars and talukdars having cordial relations with their ryots. However, this harmonious scenario changed after the introduction of a new land revenue system by the English in 1772 and fuelled the discontent against the British.
- Poligars’ revolt (1795-1805): The problem started in 1781, when the Nawab of Arcot gave the management and control of Tinneveli and the Carnatic Provinces to the East India Company. This arrangement caused resentment among the poligars who had, for long, considered themselves as independent sovereign authorities within their respective territories.
- Paika rebellion (1817): The Paiks of Odisha were the traditional landed militia and enjoyed rent-free land tenures for their military service and policing functions on a hereditary basis. The English Company’s conquest of Odisha in 1803, and the dethronement of the Raja of Khurda had greatly reduced the power and prestige of the Paiks.
Major tribal and religious uprisings before 1857 include:
- Narkelberia uprising: Mir Nithar Ali (1782-1831) or Titu Mir inspired the Muslim tenants in West Bengal to rise against landlords, mainly Hindu, who imposed a beard-tax on the Faraizis and British indigo planters. The revolt later merged into the Wahabi Movement.
- Faraizi revolt: The Faraizis were the followers of a Muslim sect founded by Haji Shariatullah of Faridpur in Eastern Bengal. They advocated radical religious, social, and political changes. Shariatullah and his son Muhsinuddin Ahmad, popularly known as Dudu Miyan (1819-62) organised their followers with an aim to expel the English intruders from Bengal.
- Kol mutiny (1831): The trouble in 1831 started with large-scale transfers of land from Kol headmen to outsiders like Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim farmers and moneylenders who were oppressive and demanded heavy taxes. Besides, the British judicial and revenue policies badly affected the traditional social conditions of the Kols.
- Ho and Munda uprisings: The Raja of Parahat organised his Ho tribals to revolt against the occupation of Singhbhum (now in Jharkhand). The revolt continued till 1827 when the Ho tribals were forced to submit. However, later in 1831, they again organised a rebellion, joined by the Mundas of Chotanagpur, to protest against the newly introduced farming revenue policy and the entry of Bengalis into their region.
The above-mentioned uprisings alongside growing discontent amongst sepoys finally culminated into the revolt of 1857. Hence, it was not an instantaneous event, rather an amalgamation of various factors that resented the ruthless colonial rule. All these mutinies remained local and were brutally crushed by the East India Company, often inflicting terrible violence. But the legacy of these revolts proved to be of immense significance later.
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Bhavesh singhBegginer
Describe how the East India Company’s ties to the British government changed between 1765 and 1833.(Answer in 200 words)
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Answer: In the period of dual government i.e., 1765-1772, the Indian officials under the overall control of the British governor and British officials had 'responsibility but no power' while the company officials had 'power but no responsibility'. This presented problems of exploitation of powersRead more
Answer: In the period of dual government i.e., 1765-1772, the Indian officials under the overall control of the British governor and British officials had ‘responsibility but no power’ while the company officials had ‘power but no responsibility’. This presented problems of exploitation of powers & rampant corruption and also attracted the jealousy of other sections of British society, especially politicians and merchants who wanted to be a part of the huge profit being generated in India. The question of the nature of relations between the East India Company (EIC) and its possessions with the government in Britain was therefore subsequently settled through incremental acts & regulations, such as: Regulating Act, 1773:
- It recognised, for the first time, the political and administrative functions of the Company.
- It strengthened the control of the British Government over the Company by requiring the Court of Directors (governing body of the Company) to report on its revenue, civil, and military affairs in India.
- The Governor of Bengal was made the Governor-General of Bengal and the governors of Madras and Bombay were made subordinate to him.
- It prohibited the servants of the Company from engaging in any private trade or accepting presents or bribes from the natives.
Pitt’s India Act, 1784:
- It distinguished between the commercial and political functions of the Company and for the first time the company’s territories in India were identified as British possessions.
- It allowed the Court of Directors (EIC representative) to manage the commercial affairs but created a new body called Board of Control (represented by the British government) to manage the political affairs. Thus, it established a system of double government or Dual Control.
- It empowered the Board of Control to supervise and direct all operations of the civil and military government or revenues of the British possessions in India.
Charter Act, 1793:
- It was aimed at reviewing the Charter granted to EIC by the Regulating Act of 1773.
- It continued the trade monopoly of EIC for another 20 years, however, the Company was asked to pay 5 lakh pounds annually from the Indian revenues to the British government (after paying its necessary expenses).
- It separated revenue administration and judicial functions of the Company and hence led to the disappearance of Maal Adalats (revenue courts).
- Senior officials of the Company were debarred from leaving India without permission.
- It laid down that the members of the Board of Control and their staff were to be paid out of the Indian revenues. This practice continued till 1919 and was one of the major reasons behind the drain of wealth.
Charter Act, 1813: The company’s rule was extended to another 20 years. However, their trade monopoly was ended except for the trade in tea, opium, and with China. Charter Act, 1813:
- This Act was the final step towards centralization of India’s administration.
- It ended all commercial activities of the EIC including monopoly over trade with China and in tea.
- The post of the Governor-General of India was created and he was entrusted with legislative power over the entire British India. All revenues were raised under his authority and he had complete control over the expenditure too. Now, the power to superintend, control and direct all civil and military affairs of the Company was under him.
Thus, various acts of the Parliament completely subordinated the company and its Indian administration to the British Government. This allowed the British to create a new system of administration to serve their purposes.
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Vinni BihariBegginer
Give a brief synopsis of the three Carnatic Wars and talk about the elements that helped the British defeat the French in their conflict for India. (250 words)
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The Carnatic Wars were a series of military conflicts in the middle of the 18th century (1746- 1763) between the French East India Company and the British East India Company. The British conquest in these wars ultimately established their dominance over other European nations in India. The First CarRead more
The Carnatic Wars were a series of military conflicts in the middle of the 18th century (1746- 1763) between the French East India Company and the British East India Company. The British conquest in these wars ultimately established their dominance over other European nations in India.
- The First Carnatic War (1746-1748): It was an extension of the Anglo-French war in Europe. It started when the English captured some French ships in India. Dupleix, the French Governor-General of Pondicherry, took offense and sieged Madras. However, Madras was returned to the English by the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.
- The Second Carnatic War (1749-1754): After the death of Nizam-ul-Mulk in 1748, a civil war broke out for succession in Hyderabad. In this war, Chanda Sahib and Muzaffar Jung were supported by the French, while Nasir Jung and Muhammad Ali were supported by the British. Ultimately, the British troops under Robert Clive were able to capture Arcot. The war ended with the Treaty of Pondicherry (1954), which recognized Muhammad Ali as the Nawab of the Carnatic. Dupleix had to resign and return to France.
- The Third Carnatic War (1757-1763): The outbreak of the Seven Years’ War in Europe resulted in this war. The British captured the French settlement of Chandranagore in Bengal in 1757 and Madras was successfully defended by Sir Eyre Coote in the Battle of Wandiwash (1760). The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which forbade the French traders from administering their trading posts in India.
The reasons behind the success of the British and the failure of the French in India include:
- French continental preoccupation: The French, at that time, were fighting for the ‘natural frontiers’ for their own country and were simultaneously trying for continental expansion and colonial acquisition. It brought them into conflict with other European nations and strained their resources. British ambition was mainly colonial expansion and hence, they were able to succeed by focussing on this objective only.
- Systems of government: The French government was despotic and depended on the personality of the Monarch. England, on the other hand, was dominated by an enlightened oligarchy.
- Organization of the companies: The French company was a department of the State with guaranteed dividends to its shareholders. Strengthening of its financial position was neglected and was not adequate to support the expansionist policies of Dupleix. On the other hand, the English company was an independent commercial corporation and the King and the Parliament took great interest in strengthening the company. Therefore, its trade was much more extensive and it was rich enough to fight its own wars in India.
- Role of the navy: During the Austrian War of Succession, French maritime strength was greatly reduced and at a point, it was left with no warships. However, the English had a superior naval force enabling them to have communications with Europe and supply land enforcements to its forces, as well as cut France from the rest of the world in the Carnatic wars.
- Financial resources of Bengal: While the Deccan was too poor to support the political ambitions of Dupleix, Bengal was not only sending troops but also supplies to the Carnatic to support the English.
- Lack of continuity in leadership: Because of State control, the Governor-General of the French company could be recalled at any time, as was done in the case of Dupleix. The British company, on the other hand, had the continued leadership of skilled leaders like Sir Eyre Coote and Robert Clive.
Thus, the French spent resources in India for about 40 years but were not able to realize a French empire in India while the British succeeded in doing so.
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Aastha KapoorBegginer
Analyze how the Revolt of 1857 affected the political and administrative restructuring of Indian British colonial rule.
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The Impact of the Revolt of 1857: A Turning Point in British Colonial Rule Introduction: The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, was a significant event in Indian history that had far-reaching consequences for the administrative and political reorganization of British colonial rule in InRead more
The Impact of the Revolt of 1857: A Turning Point in British Colonial Rule
Introduction: The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, was a significant event in Indian history that had far-reaching consequences for the administrative and political reorganization of British colonial rule in India.
Administrative Reorganization:
- The Government of India Act, 1858: The revolt led to the establishment of the Government of India Act, 1858, which replaced the East India Company’s rule with the British Crown’s direct rule over India.
- The Viceroy’s Council: The Act also established the Viceroy’s Council, which consisted of British officials and was responsible for making decisions on behalf of the British government.
- Provincial Administration: The provinces of India were reorganized into smaller units, with each province having a governor and a council to assist him.
Political Reorganization:
- The British Raj: The revolt marked the beginning of the British Raj, which lasted until India gained independence in 1947.
- The Queen’s Proclamation: The British Queen issued a proclamation in 1858, which promised to respect Indian culture, traditions, and institutions, while also introducing British laws and institutions.
- The Indian Councils Acts: The Indian Councils Acts of 1861 and 1892 introduced elected representatives from India to the councils, which further increased British control over Indian affairs.
Recent Examples:
- The 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): The CAA, which was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2019, has been seen as a response to the growing concerns about the impact of colonialism on India’s identity and sovereignty.
- The 2020 National Education Policy (NEP): The NEP, which was announced in 2020, aims to promote Indian knowledge systems and cultural heritage, while also integrating Indian values with modern education.
Key Points:
- The Revolt of 1857 was a turning point in British colonial rule: The revolt marked a significant shift in the nature of British colonial rule in India, from a company-led administration to a Crown-controlled government.
- Administrative and political reorganization: The revolt led to significant changes in the administrative and political structures of British colonial rule in India.
- Impact on Indian society: The revolt had a profound impact on Indian society, leading to changes in social dynamics, cultural identity, and economic relationships.
Adheesh RamanLearner
Roadmap for Answer Writing To effectively answer this question, follow this structured roadmap that provides a detailed evaluation of the Charter Acts of 1833 and 1853, while highlighting their importance in shaping colonial India’s history. 1. Introduction Purpose: Introduce the Charter Acts of ...
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Model Answer Introduction The Charter Acts of 1833 and 1853 were pivotal legislative reforms that played a crucial role in shaping the governance and administration of colonial India. These acts marked a transition from the East India Company's commercial activities to more direct British control, iRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Charter Acts of 1833 and 1853 were pivotal legislative reforms that played a crucial role in shaping the governance and administration of colonial India. These acts marked a transition from the East India Company’s commercial activities to more direct British control, influencing India’s political, social, and economic structure.
Charter Act of 1833
- End of the East India Company’s Commercial Activities:
- The Act ended the East India Company’s role as a commercial entity, making it solely an administrative body.
- Fact: The company’s territories in India were held “in trust” for the British crown.
- Centralization of Power:
- The Act centralized power by making the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of India, with authority over the entire British territories in India.
- Fact: Lord William Bentick became the first Governor-General of India.
- It also stripped the Governors of Bombay and Madras of their legislative powers.
- Civil Services Reform:
- The Act introduced a system of open competition for the selection of civil servants.
- Fact: Though it allowed Indians to hold civil service positions, the open competition system was not effectively implemented.
- Creation of the Indian Law Commission:
- The Law Commission, headed by Lord Macaulay, was tasked with codifying Indian laws.
- Fact: This laid the foundation for modern Indian legal codes.
Charter Act of 1853
- Separation of Legislative and Executive Functions:
- This Act separated the executive and legislative functions of the Governor-General’s council.
- Fact: It created the Indian (Central) Legislative Council, a mini-parliament modeled after the British Parliament.
- Reform in Civil Service Recruitment:
- The Act expanded open competition for civil services, allowing Indians to participate in the selection process.
- Fact: The Macaulay Committee (1854) was formed to implement this system.
- Local Representation:
- For the first time, the Act introduced local representation in the Legislative Council by appointing members from provincial governments.
- Fact: Four out of the six new members in the council were appointed by local governments.
Significance and Conclusion
Both Acts contributed to the centralization of British power in India. The 1833 Act solidified direct British rule, while the 1853 Act introduced reforms that laid the groundwork for India’s future legislative and administrative structures. However, despite some reforms, these Acts reinforced British control and furthered the colonial agenda, marking a significant shift in the governance of colonial India.
See less - End of the East India Company’s Commercial Activities:
Aastha KapoorBegginer
Evaluate the legacy of Tipu Sultan’s resistance to the British and its impact on the Indian independence movement.
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Tipu Sultan's Resistance Against the British: Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore (now Karnataka) from 1782 to 1799, was a key figure in the Indian independence struggle against British colonial rule. He is considered one of the most important leaders in Indian history, and his resistance against the BRead more
Tipu Sultan’s Resistance Against the British:
Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore (now Karnataka) from 1782 to 1799, was a key figure in the Indian independence struggle against British colonial rule. He is considered one of the most important leaders in Indian history, and his resistance against the British had a significant impact on the Indian independence movement.
Contribution to the Indian Independence Struggle:
- Resistance Against British Expansion: Tipu Sultan’s resistance against the British helped to slow down their expansion into India, giving other Indian kingdoms and princely states time to prepare for their own struggles against British colonial rule.
- Inspiring Other Indian Kings: Tipu Sultan’s bravery and military prowess inspired other Indian kings, such as Hyder Ali and Bhagvat Singh, to resist British colonial rule.
- Development of Modern Indian Army: Tipu Sultan’s military innovations, such as the use of rockets, cannons, and modern artillery, helped to develop the modern Indian army.
- Nationalist Movement: Tipu Sultan’s resistance against the British helped to create a sense of national identity and unity among Indians, which contributed to the growth of the nationalist movement.
Legacy in the Indian Independence Struggle:
- Inspiration for Freedom Fighters: Tipu Sultan’s resistance against the British inspired many freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Nationalist Symbol: Tipu Sultan became a symbol of national pride and a unifying figure for Indians, who saw him as a champion of Indian independence and self-governance.
- Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, was inspired by Tipu Sultan’s resistance against the British and sought to continue his struggle for Indian independence.
- Anti-Colonial Movement: Tipu Sultan’s resistance against the British helped to galvanize the anti-colonial movement in India, which eventually led to India’s independence in 1947.
Key Points:
- Tipu Sultan’s Resistance was a Significant Event: Tipu Sultan’s resistance against the British was a significant event in Indian history that had a lasting impact on the Indian independence struggle.
- Legacy of Nationalism: Tipu Sultan’s legacy is one of nationalism and resistance against colonial rule, which continues to inspire Indians to this day.
- Influence on Indian Nationalism: Tipu Sultan’s resistance had a profound impact on Indian nationalism, shaping the course of Indian history and inspiring future generations of freedom fighters.
TeamSupreme
Analyze the connections between the “Indian Renaissance” of the nineteenth century and the formation of national identity. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
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The 19th century 'Indian Renaissance' and the emergence of national identity in India had strong linkages: Intellectual awakening: The Renaissance was marked by an intellectual and cultural awakening among the educated Indians. Thinkers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and othersRead more
The 19th century ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity in India had strong linkages:
- Intellectual awakening: The Renaissance was marked by an intellectual and cultural awakening among the educated Indians. Thinkers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and others rediscovered India’s rich cultural heritage and promoted ideas of social and religious reforms. This laid the foundation for a sense of shared Indian identity.
- Critiquing colonial rule: The Renaissance thinkers were critical of colonial rule and the exploitation of India by the British. Their writings and public discourse highlighted the need for self-governance and liberation from colonial subjugation. This anti-colonial sentiment fostered a common nationalist sentiment.
- Reviving Indian languages: The Renaissance witnessed a renewed emphasis on Indian languages like Bengali, Hindi, and others. Writers and poets used these languages to express Indian cultural ethos and nationalist ideas, connecting the masses to the emerging national movement.
- Social and religious reforms: Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Jyotiba Phule worked towards eradicating social evils like sati, caste discrimination, and women’s oppression. These efforts strengthened social cohesion and a shared sense of Indian identity.
- Emergence of press and public discourse: The 19th century saw the rise of an Indian press that became a platform for nationalist ideas and discourse. Newspapers, journals, and periodicals played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for the national movement.
- Growth of modern education: The establishment of modern educational institutions, like universities and schools, exposed Indians to Western ideas of nationalism, democracy, and liberalism. This influenced the Indian intelligentsia and catalyzed the emergence of national consciousness.
In essence, the 19th century Renaissance catalyzed the evolution of a distinct Indian identity by reviving cultural pride, fostering social reforms, and cultivating nationalist sentiments. This paved the way for the emergence of a cohesive national movement in the 20th century, which ultimately led to India’s independence from colonial rule.
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The battle of Buxar was one of the most important war happened in the history of India. The battle of Buxar was fought between 22nd and 23rd October, 1764. this war fought between the East Indian company forces under the command of Major HECTOR MUNRO against the combined army of Banaras, Awadh and BRead more
The battle of Buxar was one of the most important war happened in the history of India. The battle of Buxar was fought between 22nd and 23rd October, 1764. this war fought between the East Indian company forces under the command of Major HECTOR MUNRO against the combined army of Banaras, Awadh and Bengal. At the time of the war the Maharaja of BANARAS was Balwanat Singh, The Nawab of Bengal was Mir Qasim, The Nawab of Awadh was Shuja- ud- Daula and Shah Alam II, Emperor of Mughal Empire.. They combine d their army against the army of East India company.
There were many reason behind the battle of Buxar. In this answer we will only talk about the political aspects of the Battle of Buxar:-
Political Power Struggles: The Mughal Empire was in decline, and regional powers like the Nawabs of Bengal and Awadh were trying to assert their independence and power in their respective regions. The British East India Company, on the other hand, was expanding its influence and control over various parts of India, including Bengal.
Conflict over AuthorityanThe British and the Indian rulers clashed over issues of authority and sovereignty. The Nawab of Bengal, Mir Qasim, had grievances against the British for interfering in his administration and for their economic policies that harmed local interests. There were so many conflicts among the states and the British for the power and trade. After sometime the British company also interfere in the administration of the states. Which the Battle of Buxar.
Immediate Triggers: The immediate cause of the Battle of Buxar was the refusal of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, the Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daula, and the Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim to accept the Treaty of Allahabad (1765), which granted the East India Company the diwani rights (the right to collect revenue) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This refusal led to the outbreak of hostilities. The misuse of Diwani rights by the British during trade also cause this battle.
After the battle of Buxar The British east India got the right to collect the taxes from Bengal and Bihar. After the battle the East India company abolished the local rule and took control all over the Bengal and Bihar province. The lack of unity within the states was made easier for British to rule over the states.
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