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Battle of Plassey, 1757
1757 · Plassey
Language Movement, 1952
1952 · Language
Liberation War, 1971
1971 · Liberation
Partition of Bengal and Swadeshi movement, 1905
1905 · Partition
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Discover Bengal · Unfolded

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1756 — Siraj ud-Daulah Captures Calcutta

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Nawabi assertion against Company militarization.

In 1756, Siraj ud-Daulah attacked and captured Calcutta in response to Company fortification and political encroachment, escalating tensions that soon led to Plassey.[1][2]Evidence: Medium

Est. 1947 · Bengal✺A Bilingual Archive

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Overview

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Nawabi assertion against Company militarization.

Importance: HighColonial Rule and ResistanceMovement: Language, autonomy, and liberationPlace: Calcutta / Kolkata

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Quick Answer

In 1756, Siraj ud-Daulah attacked and captured Calcutta in response to Company fortification and political encroachment, escalating tensions that soon led to Plassey.[1][2]Evidence: Medium

Topic Hub: Explore related topics - Colonial Bengal: From Plassey to Permanent Settlement

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1757

Battle of Plassey

Historical Relationships

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Background chapters

1757

Battle of Plassey

The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked a decisive shift in Bengal's political destiny. A short military encounter became a structural transfer of power as the East India Company worked through court conspiracy, military defection, and financial alliance to break Siraj ud-Daulah's position. The aftermath reshaped governance, revenue extraction, and sovereignty, laying the foundation for long-term colonial rule.

Timeline

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Key Figures

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Siraj ud-Daulah

LeaderPerson

Nawab of Bengal

“The last independent Nawab of Bengal before Plassey shifted political power toward the East India Company.”

As Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah challenged East India Company encroachment, captured Calcutta in 1756, and commanded Bengal’s forces at Plassey in 1757.

His short reign unfolded amid disputes over fortification, trade privileges, court succession, and sovereignty between the Bengal Subah and the Company.

His defeat at Plassey became a major turning point in the transfer of political influence from Bengal’s court to the East India Company.

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FAQ

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FAQ

What happened in 1756?

Siraj ud-Daulah Captures Calcutta marked a significant chapter in Bengal's historical trajectory.

Quotes

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The event marks a decisive confrontation between nawabi sovereignty and Company militarized commerce.

Historical reflection

Why This Event Matters Today

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The event marks a decisive confrontation between NawabA title used for provincial rulers or high officials, especially in Mughal and post-Mughal Bengal.i SovereigntySupreme political authority over a territory and its governance. and Company militarized commerce.[1][2]Evidence: Medium