Who fought in the Battle of Plassey?

The Battle of Plassey, fought on June 23, 1757, was a conflict between the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, and the forces of Sirāj al-Dawlah, the last independent nawab of Bengal.1

Clive commanded a force of approximately 3,000 men, which included 2,100 Indian soldiers (sepoys) and about 800 Europeans. In contrast, the nawab’s army consisted of 50,000 men, including 16,000 cavalry and a French-officered artillery unit.1

The outcome of the battle was heavily influenced by internal betrayal. The British, supported by the wealthy Jagat Seth banking family, successfully conspired with Mīr Jaʿfar, one of the nawab’s commanders. During the engagement, Mīr Jaʿfar refused to commit his troops to the fight, leaving the nawab's flank exposed and contributing to the British victory.1