Who led the Battle of Plassey on behalf of the British East India Company?

The correct answer is Robert Clive.

Key Points

• Battle of Plassey:
  • It was fought in 1757 in the Plassey region of West Bengal, on the east of the Bhagirathi river. 
  • Troops of the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, came up against the forces of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, and his French allies.
  • The victory of the British East India Company in the Battle of Plassey is one of the important landmarks in India History. 
  • The Battle of Plassey paved the way for the beginning of the British empire in India.
  • The British enjoyed the tax benefits, had to compete with no rival foreign merchants, and began to use the revenue of Bengal for protecting their military and trade interests.
  • So much wealth was drained from Bengal that the economy was completely shattered. This is known as the Plassey Plunder.
  • With the wealth of Bengal, the British secured their business and political supremacy.

Additional Information

• The Governor and company of merchants of London trading into the East Indies, popularly known as the English East India Company, were formed in 1600 AD. 
• Captain William Hawkins arrived at Jahangir’s court in 1609 AD to seek permission to open a factory in Surat.
  • A Farman was issued by Jahangir, permitting the English to build a factory in Surat.
• In 1613, a permanent factory of East India Company was established at Surat.
• In 1611, the company established its first factory in the south in Masulipattanam.