Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 378

Who was made puppet ruler of Bengal after the Battle of Plassey?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the outcome of the Battle of Plassey and the British strategy to control Bengal.

Correct Answer: B) Mir Jafar.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, NDA, CDS

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Battle of Plassey, fought on June 23, 1757, was a pivotal event in the history of British colonialism in India. It marked the beginning of British control over the region of Bengal, which was a significant step in the establishment of British rule in India. The battle was fought between the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, and the Nawab of Bengal, Sirajuddulah.

Before the battle, the British East India Company had been expanding its influence in India through trade and military alliances. The Company's aim was to secure a dominant position in the lucrative trade of Bengal, which was rich in resources and had a thriving economy. The Nawab of Bengal, Sirajuddulah, was seen as a threat to the Company's interests because he was attempting to assert his authority over the region and limit the Company's influence.

The British East India Company, under the leadership of Robert Clive, planned to overthrow Sirajuddulah and install a more compliant ruler who would be under their control. They identified Mir Jafar, a military commander and a relative of Sirajuddulah, as a potential candidate for this role. Mir Jafar was promised the position of Nawab in exchange for his support against Sirajuddulah.

During the Battle of Plassey, Mir Jafar and his troops defected to the British side, which led to the defeat of Sirajuddulah. After the battle, the British East India Company installed Mir Jafar as the new Nawab of Bengal. Mir Jafar was seen as a puppet ruler because he was completely under the control of the British East India Company and was used to further their interests in the region.

The appointment of Mir Jafar as the Nawab of Bengal was a strategic move by the British East India Company to establish their dominance in the region. It marked the beginning of a long period of British rule in India, which lasted until the mid-20th century. The Battle of Plassey and the subsequent installation of Mir Jafar as the puppet ruler of Bengal are significant events in the history of British colonialism in India and are often studied in the context of the broader history of colonialism and imperialism.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Sirajuddulah was the Nawab of Bengal before the Battle of Plassey and was defeated by the British. He was not appointed as a puppet ruler after the battle.
  • Option B: Mir Jafar was appointed as the puppet ruler of Bengal by the British East India Company after the Battle of Plassey. He was chosen because he was willing to cooperate with the British and was seen as a more malleable figure compared to Sirajuddulah.
  • Option C: Alivardi Khan was the Nawab of Bengal before Sirajuddulah and died in 1756. He was not involved in the events following the Battle of Plassey.
  • Option D: Murshid Kuli Khan was the Nawab of Bengal before Alivardi Khan and died in 1727. He was not involved in the events following the Battle of Plassey.

Mnemonic: Puppet Plassey: Mir Jafar

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