Battle of Buxar
Buxar, on the River Ganges, Bihar, India
What happened
The British East India Company's army under Major Hector Munro fought an alliance of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, Mir Qasim of Bengal and Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh. Mir Qasim, the former ruler of Bengal, joined the Mughal emperor and the ruler of Awadh to drive out the East India Company. Their armies met the Company's troops at Buxar on the Ganges. The battle was decided by midday, and the allied leaders retreated or fled.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The victory turned the East India Company, a trading business, into a ruling power in India. It led directly to the Company collecting the taxes of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
What came next
In August 1765 the Treaty of Allahabad gave the Company the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa for the emperor. In 1772 the Company took full control of Bengal-Bihar.
Did you know?
The victors captured 133 pieces of artillery and over 1 million rupees in cash.
Timeline
- 22-23 October 1764The East India Company wins at Buxar.
- 16 August 1765Robert Clive and Shah Alam II agree the Treaty of Allahabad.
- 1772The Company takes full control of Bengal-Bihar.