Part of: West Bengal Gk set 41

Why did the Nawab of Bengal attack the British factory at Cassimbazar?

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the events leading up to the attack on the British factory at Cassimbazar.

Correct Answer: A) Because the British did not follow the Nawab's order to demolish their fortification at Calcutta.

Exam Relevance: CBSE, ICSE, UPSC, State Board Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The attack on the British factory at Cassimbazar by the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, in 1756 was a significant event in the history of British colonial expansion in India. The underlying concept here is the tension between the Nawab and the British East India Company, which was rooted in the growing power and fortifications of the British in Bengal.

Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, was concerned about the increasing influence and military strength of the British East India Company. The British had established a fortified factory at Calcutta, which the Nawab saw as a threat to his authority. In response, he issued an order to the British to dismantle their fortifications in Calcutta. However, the British refused to comply with this order, leading to a confrontation with the Nawab.

The Nawab's attack on the British factory at Cassimbazar was a direct result of this refusal. Cassimbazar was an important trading center for the British, and the Nawab's attack was aimed at asserting his authority and curbing the British influence in the region. This event set the stage for further conflicts between the Nawab and the British, culminating in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which marked a significant turning point in the history of British colonial rule in India.

It is important to understand the broader context of British colonial expansion in India during this period. The British East India Company was not just a trading entity but also a military and political power that sought to expand its influence and control over Indian territories. The Nawab's attack on Cassimbazar was a response to this growing British power and the perceived threat it posed to his rule.

The other options provided in the question are incorrect. The British did not support Mir Jafar at the time of the attack on Cassimbazar, and there is no evidence that the British were planning to seize power. Additionally, the Nawab was not sympathetic towards the French, as the French were not involved in the immediate events leading up to the attack.

In summary, the attack on the British factory at Cassimbazar was a direct result of the Nawab's order to demolish the British fortifications in Calcutta, which the British refused to comply with. This event highlights the complex political and military dynamics between the Nawab and the British East India Company in the mid-18th century.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, ordered the British to demolish their fortifications in Calcutta, but they refused. This refusal led to the Nawab's attack on the British factory at Cassimbazar in 1756.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The British did not support Mir Jafar at the time of the attack on Cassimbazar. Mir Jafar later became involved in the Battle of Plassey, but this was not the reason for the attack on Cassimbazar.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. There is no evidence that the British were planning to seize power at the time of the attack on Cassimbazar. The attack was a direct response to the British refusal to comply with the Nawab's order.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The Nawab was not sympathetic towards the French at the time of the attack on Cassimbazar. The French were not involved in the immediate events leading up to the attack.

Mnemonic: Nawab's order, Calcutta fort, Cassimbazar attack

Back to West Bengal Gk set 41 – Practice all questions