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UPSC Civil Services Model Paper 2

Question : 40

Total: 100

Consider the following statements about Battle of Plassey -
1. One of the main reasons for the defeat of the Nawab was that the forces led by Mir Qasim, one of Sirajuddaulah’s commanders, never fought the battle
2. British practice of building settlements and large forts in Bengal was one of the reasons which led to this Battle.
3. The Battle of Plassey became famous because it was the first major victory the Company won in India
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1 only
2 and 3
1 and 3
1, 2 and 3

Validate

Solution:

● When Alivardi Khan died in 1756, Sirajuddaulah became the nawab of Bengal.
● The Company was worried about his power and keen on a puppet ruler who would willingly give trade concessions and other privileges.
British practice of building settlements and large forts in Bengal was one of the reasons which led to this Battle . Hence, Statement 2 is correct .
● So it tried, though without success, to help one of Sirajuddaulah’s rivals become the nawab.
● An infuriated Sirajuddaulah asked the Company to stop meddling in the political affairs of his dominion, stop fortification, and pay the revenues .
● After negotiations failed, the Nawab marched with 30,000 soldiers to the English factory at Kassimbazar , captured the Company officials, locked thewarehouse, disarmed all Englishmen, and blockaded English ships.
● Then he marched to Calcutta to establish control over the Company’s fort there.
● On hearing the news of the fall of Calcutta, Company officials in Madras sent forces under the command of Robert Clive, reinforced by naval fleets.
● Prolonged negotiations with the Nawab followed.
● Finally, in 1757, Robert Clive led the Company’s army against Sirajuddaulah at Plassey .
● The British conspired to defeat the Nawab Siraj Ud daullah in the Battle of Plessey. They conspired with Siraj-ud-Daulah's army chief Mir Jafar and promised him to make the Nawab of Bengal.
● On the day of the battle, Mir Jafar did not participate with his soldiers. The nawab's much smaller army was defeated. Hence, Statement 1 is NOT correct .
◦ After Mir Jafar complained about British activities, Mir Qasim was installed in place of Mir Jafar.
◦ When Mir Qasim complained, he in turn was defeated in a battle fought at Buxar (1764), driven out of Bengal, and Mir Jafar was reinstalled.
● Clive had managed to secure his support by promising to make him nawab after crushing Sirajuddaulah.
● The Battle of Plassey became famous because it was the first major victory the Company won in India . Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

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