The Battle of Buxar was a pivotal conflict that took place on October 22, 1764, near the town of Buxar in present-day Bihar, India. It was fought between the forces of the British East India Company, led by Hector Munro, and a combined alliance of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, the Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daulah, and the Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim.
Background: During the mid-18th century, the British East India Company established a strong presence in Bengal and other parts of eastern India. The Company’s growing influence and its policies had led to rising tensions with the local rulers, including the Nawab of Bengal. Mir Qasim, who ascended the throne of Bengal in 1760, was particularly discontented with the Company’s interference in local affairs and its control over trade.
The alliance against the British: Mir Qasim formed an alliance with Shah Alam II, the titular Mughal Emperor, and Shuja-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Awadh, to counter British influence and regain control over Bengal. The combined forces of the alliance were estimated to be around 40,000 soldiers, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
The British preparations: On the other side, the British East India Company had deployed a well-trained and disciplined force consisting of approximately 7,000 soldiers, comprising British and Indian troops. They were led by Major Hector Munro, a seasoned British officer.
The Battle: The Battle of Buxar commenced on October 22, 1764, with the alliance forces launching a fierce attack on the British positions. The British initially faced significant resistance and suffered heavy casualties. However, they managed to hold their ground and eventually turned the tide of the battle.
One of the key turning points occurred when Munro successfully outflanked and attacked the right flank of the alliance forces. The British forces displayed superior firepower and tactical maneuvering, which caused considerable damage to the enemy ranks.
The alliance forces, despite their numerical advantage, were unable to withstand the British assault. They faced coordination issues and lacked the discipline and training of the British troops. The battle turned into a rout, and the alliance forces were decisively defeated.
Aftermath and Significance: The Battle of Buxar had far-reaching consequences for the British East India Company’s control over India and the political landscape of the subcontinent. The defeat of the alliance weakened the Mughal Emperor’s authority and solidified the Company’s position as the de facto ruling power in Bengal.
As a result of the battle, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765 between the British and the defeated alliance. According to the treaty, Shah Alam II granted the Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the British East India Company. This meant that the Company gained the right to collect revenue and administer these territories.
The Battle of Buxar marked a significant shift in the balance of power in India. It further entrenched British control over vast territories and increased their influence over the Mughal Empire. The battle also exposed the weaknesses of the Mughal Empire and demonstrated the superior military tactics and discipline of the British forces.
In conclusion, the Battle of Buxar was a decisive conflict that resulted in the defeat of the alliance forces and the consolidation of British power in Bengal. It played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of British rule in India and had a profound impact on the political and territorial landscape of the subcontinent.