Battle of Buxar? MCQs with Solutions
The Battle of Buxar: A Crucial Turn in Indian History
Introduction
The Battle of Buxar is one of the most remarkable battles in Indian history. Fought on 22nd of October 1764, it was a decisive conflict that solidified the British East India Company’s rule in India, marking a significant advance in the company’s control over several Indian territories. It was this battle that cemented the Company rule in India, marking the end of the Mughal Empire’s dominion, and also diminishing the French influence.
The Battle and its Participants
The Battle of Buxar was a battle fought between the British East India Company, led by Hector Munro, and the combined forces of three pivotal figures of India – Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, Shuja-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Awadh, and Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor.
Spurred by the exploitative policies carried out by the British East India Company against the regional rulers, the trio joined forces, hoping to drive the foreign invaders out of their territories. Their united front was, unfortunately, met with defeat.
The Battle
Outnumbered and less advanced in artillery, the united front was outsmarted by the British East India Company. The Indian armies, although numerically superior, lacked the discipline, tactical advantage, and advanced weaponry of the British. The battle lasted for several hours and ended in a resounding victory for the British forces. The combined forces of the three leaders were decimated, leading to their retreat or capture.
Aftermath and Significance
The Battle of Buxar had significant repercussions. It marked not only the end of the political dominion of the Mughal Empire but also lessened French influence in the Indian subcontinent. The victorious British East India Company was given the ‘diwani,’ or the right to collect revenue, in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha by the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II. This victory also marked the beginning of extensive territorial acquisitions by the British in India.
The defeat of the Nawabs and the Mughal Emperor in the Battle of Buxar dissolved their hope of reclaiming their territories from the British. It led to the establishment of a firm and widespread political and military presence in India by the British East India Company.
The Battle of Buxar is a turning point in Indian history that catalysed the process of colonization, laying the foundation for the Company rule in India, a precursor to British colonial rule.
Multiple Choice Questions with Solution:
1. The Battle of Buxar took place in:
a) 1762
b) 1757
c) 1764
d) 1754
Answer: c) 1764
2. The Battle of Buxar was between:
a) British East India Company and the Marathas
b) British East India Company and the Mysore Kingdom
c) British East India Company and Bengal, Awadh, Mughals
d) All of the above
Answer: c) British East India Company and Bengal, Awadh, Mughals
3. Who led the British East India Company in the Battle of Buxar?
a) Robert Clive
b) Hector Munro
c) Warren Hastings
d) None of the above
Answer: b) Hector Munro
4. After the Battle of Buxar, British East India Company was given the right to collect revenue of:
a) Bengal
b) Bihar
c) Odisha
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above (Bengal, Bihar, Odisha)
Study the Battle of Buxar, its causes, events, and consequences in detail to build a comprehensive understanding of how Britain managed to gain a strong foothold in India, paving the way for further colonization. It’s a significant part of India’s rich history – a story of rebellion and resistance, of conquest and surrender.
