Battle of Buxar
Mir Kasim sought asylum with the Nawab of Awadh after his defeat in 1763. An impending conflict was perceived as a result of competing interests between the British and the Nawab of Awadh, each of whom was interested in expanding into Bengal. Mir Kasim had promised to pay for the war as an act of respect for the Awadh Nawab, who had given him sanctuary in his lands. The British overcame the combined strength of the Nawab of Awadh, Mir Kasim, and some French warriors who had joined the battle only because it was against their traditional opponents in May 1765, robbing Mir Kasim and his ilk of any remaining motivation to fight. This is perhaps the key to understanding the significance of the Battle of Buxar, which some historians claim "riveted the shackles of company control upon Bengal."
Reasons for the battle of Buxar
According to certain historians, Mir Kasim was attempting to achieve political independence. The data that is now available, however, shows that this was not the case as he did not demand the three districts that were given to him or contest the Company's monopoly in the saltpetre trade or its stake in the Sylhet chunam trade. The Company's overstepping of its legal and political powers was the primary cause of Mir Kasim's annoyance. Gomasthas, an Indian agent for the British East India Company, were used by the company to intimidate the populace. Mir Kasim desired to reestablish his courts' authority over gomasthas.
Company officials took use of the Dastak privilege, which exempted the Company from paying taxes on commerce, to engage in private trade without paying any tariffs. This provided corporation officials an unfair advantage over the local dealers. In a last-ditch effort, Mir Kasim abolished all import taxes, putting Indian traders on an equal footing with British traders. Although he had a right to do so, the Company didn't find it acceptable. With addition, the Calcutta Council sought a war in the expectation that the new monarch they would choose would shower them with expensive gifts and presents. Mir Kasim just wanted the treaty's obligations to be upheld in text and spirit; he had no desire to assert his superiority in terms of administration.
Significance of the battle of Buxar
It reaffirmed the outcome of the Plassey fight. If diplomacy and deceit were used to win Plassey, the British power and strength were on display in Buxar. Nawab of Awadh became a grateful subordinate as a consequence. The Mughal emperor received a company pension. For the Company, doors to Delhi and Agra were open. The Nawabs of Bengal and Awadh did not raise further objection to the Company's dominant position. British became a major force in Northern India as a result of the Buxar victory, and they were also rivals for national domination.
Thanks,
Eddie