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What happened at the Battle of Plassey in 1757?

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Mughal emperors Jahangir, Akbar, and Shah Jahan — Mughal dynasty Emperors (from left, seated) Jahangir, Akbar, and Shah Jahan are depicted with their ministers (foreground) and Prince Dara Shikoh in a watercolor from India, c. 1630–40.

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

Although the nawab commanded 50,000 troops against Clive’s 3,000, the British secured victory through political treachery and environmental factors. Clive conspired with the influential Jagat Seth banking family and the nawab’s commander, Mīr Jaʿfar, promising the latter the throne in exchange for his defection. During the battle, a heavy downpour rendered the nawab’s gunpowder useless because his troops failed to protect it, while the British kept theirs dry. When the nawab ordered a cavalry charge, he was met with a devastating artillery barrage. Mīr Jaʿfar then refused to fight, leaving the nawab’s flank exposed and causing his army to panic.12

The battle marked the transformation of the East India Company from a trading entity into a dominant military and political power in India, effectively initiating British rule over the subcontinent.12