When did the Nawab of Bengal surrender his dominions to the British East India Company?

The correct answer is After the Battle of Plassey.

Key Points

• The Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, surrendered his dominions to the British East India Company after the Battle of Plassey (1757).
• The battle was fought on June 23, 1757, between the forces of Siraj-ud-Daulah and the British East India Company led by Robert Clive.
• The British victory in the Battle of Plassey was largely due to the betrayal by Mir Jafar, who was Siraj-ud-Daulah's commander-in-chief.
• Following the defeat, Mir Jafar was installed as the puppet Nawab of Bengal, while the British effectively controlled the administration and revenue collection.
• This marked the beginning of British political and economic dominance in Bengal and later across India.

Additional Information

• The Battle of Plassey:
  • The battle was a turning point in Indian history, marking the start of British colonial rule.
  • It was fought near the village of Plassey, on the banks of the Bhagirathi River in Bengal.
• Mir Jafar:
  • He was promised the position of Nawab by the British in exchange for his support during the battle.
  • His role in the betrayal of Siraj-ud-Daulah earned him the infamous title of "traitor" in Indian history.
• British East India Company:
  • It was a trading company established in 1600, which later became a dominant political force in India.
  • The victory at Plassey allowed the Company to gain control over Bengal's vast resources and wealth.
• Diwani Rights:
  • In 1765, after the Battle of Buxar, the British East India Company was granted "Diwani Rights" (revenue collection) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
  • This further solidified their control over the region's administration and finances.
• Impact of Plassey:
  • The battle marked the beginning of India's colonization by the British.
  • The wealth extracted from Bengal greatly strengthened the British economy and fueled their Industrial Revolution.