Battles & Campaigns · 1759
Battle of Chinsurah
Chinsurah (Chinsura), West Bengal, India
What happened
The Dutch sent ships and soldiers from Java to Bengal, saying they were reinforcing their trading town of Chinsurah. British ships beat the Dutch ships on the river on 24 November, and on 25 November Forde's force defeated the Dutch soldiers on land.
Why it matters
Together with the Battle of Plassey, it helped give the British East India Company control over Bengal. It ended a Dutch attempt to grow their influence there.
What came next
The British later removed the Nawab Mir Jafar and put Mir Qasim in his place.
Did you know?
When Forde asked Robert Clive for advice, Clive reportedly wrote back: 'Dear Forde—Fight them immediately.'
Timeline
- Late 1759Dutch ships and soldiers arrive from Java.
- 24 Nov 1759British ships defeat the Dutch fleet.
- 25 Nov 1759Forde defeats the Dutch force on land.
- LaterMir Jafar is replaced by Mir Qasim.