Battle of Plassey 1757: The Battle That Won An Empire
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- The Battle of Plassey, fought on the 23rd June 1757 changed India (& arguably Britain) forever.
On that date, Robert Clive with an East India Company army of about 3,000 defeated 50,000 troops under the Nawab of Bengal.
It effectively began the British Empire’s 200-year rule in India.
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In this video learn about how Robert Clive (Clive of India) won this momentous victory against a numerically superior enemy.
Discover how treachery by jealous Indian leaders sowed the seeds for British domination of the subcontinent.
And find out how the British East India Company shifted from a trading operation to become rulers of a land both bigger and more populous than Britain itself.
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Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:39 East India Company
2:15 India 1756
3:30 Black Hole of Calcutta
4:44 Robert Clive
5:37 Clive vs Nawab of Bengal
7:18 Treachery
8:20 Clive's Army
9:43 Advance on Plassey
11:02 The Armies Prepare
14:42 Battle of Plassey
17:34 Aftermath
18:34 British Empire in India
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My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or CZcams animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Yes! A video on Clive would be appreciated 😊.
Noted!
yes again
One of the most fascinating characters in a fascinating era and area.
@@jensloes2327arguably General Eyre Coote is more interesting, but I'm also somewhat bias towards him by being related. But if it wasn't for Coote, Clive would never have chose to have engaged the enemy at Plassey it was Coote who persuaded him they must fight no matter how many the enemy numbers were
Robert Clive~yes, please
Will do.
Thank you !!
Most definately,fascinating character,reada biography in1976 would value any video.
Love the, 'Unruly Youth'Bit. I' LL Say,drove his folks nuts apparently,runninga protection racket in Market Drayton according to this book. Old F - - -
He killed himself in the end, such a loser.
I too really enjoyed The Anarchy by William Dalrymple! The European contest for India from 1600-1757 is a fascinating story!
Yes it is. Had to keep re-tracing my steps as it was such a mess.
@@TheHistoryChap ...a great book (well at least the bits that aren't Dalrymple bigging up his family...or am I being mean\-spirited? lol)
Excellent read, must finish it soon!
The British had a clever strategy; they fooled Napoleon, Russian, German and other superpowers but Hitler and Japan ended the empire
Thanks for watching my video
Yes....an order of Clive please.....great vid thanks man...
many thanks.
With videos like this, you are quickly becoming my go to channel for history education and entertainment. Everything you've put out there is tremendously well done. Thanks.
Thanks for your comments, glad you enjoyed this video.
@@calliecooke1817 : Agree 100%. Very well done, very informative, very entertaining. Great for history teachers to show in class.
@@majorronaldmandell7835 LOL. The first one of Kevin's videos I saw, I commented that he should be a history teacher. He replied that in a way, he is.
Great video as always!!!! Learning about military history is a thrill!!!!
thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.
Yes. There is a nice quote attributed to Siraj ud-Daulah: "You are an ocean of mercy, I am a vessel of sin. Where shall I find your mercy, where will my sins go?"
Thanks for sharing.
I like that!
He said it to whom?
@@soumyadeepbasu6903 Death note written to God.
@@user-go2sx9vc2r he was betrayed, and brutally killed by the traitor's son...... If Mir Jafar would have supported him, Clive would have stood no chance against the army of Bengal
Yes to Clive. Another great video, Thank you Chris.
Thanks for watching & for your reply.
Thank you! Nicely done, another great video!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Great video as usual. Thanks a lot and I definitely say yes to a video on Robert Clive.
Thanks for watching & for your response
Great video as always, yes to the video on Clive!
Glad you enjoyed it & thanks for your reply
Great video as always - would love to see one on Wellesley’s victory at Assaye next
Thanks for watching glad you enjoyed it.
great video as usual!!! yes a video on Clive would be great
thanks for watching & for your response.
Thank you Chap. Not sure it's the right niche but I'd love to see a coop with Schwerpunkt on 18th century warfare. It's such an inexplicably underrated century and it's always good to talk more about it. Keep up with the amazing work!
an inexplicably underrated century? 🤣
Wasn't even aware of that one...until now.
I have no idea how you "rate" a century. Like do you have criteria? A scorecard?
If you are saying it is a century neglected by popular YT history presenters, I might agree.
It is strangely neglected considering it was such a rich and complex period, with an huge amount of change occurring.
Another great video and another yes to a Clive video
Thanks for watching & your reply
Yes, I would love a video about Clive! I'm very much enjoying your videos and have been binge watching them whenever i have the time. Well done and cheers from across the pond! 🍻
Thanks for your comments & your reply
Fascinating informative video - many thanks 😊
Thanks for watching my video
Thank you. Yes a post on Clive might be interesting.
Thanks for your reply
Very interesting Chris, yes would like to know more about Clive.
Ok, I will add to my list.
Thanks mister. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.
Another very good video, very informative.
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.
Great video. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent story and well told! Instant like and subscribe.
thanks for your support & for watching my video
Impressive video, I'd most certainly love a video about Clive Of India.
thanks for watching my video & your comment.
Yes would love a video about Robert Clive!
Thanks for your reply
Yesssss please Chris 👍-Fantastic documentary
Thanks for your feedback.
Having almost completed listening to The Anarchy on audible its astounding what occured in India, a private company taking over a whole nation with itsnprivate army and navy.
A fascinating time in history theres a lifetime of videos from this time alone!
Thanks for a great rendition as always Chris.
I listened to The Anarchy on Audible. Very confusing times in India.
@@TheHistoryChapbrother, make a video of the first professional regiment in Asia, the Madras Regiment that played a crucial role with the English and then with the British, and the role both British and Madras played leading to dismantling muslim rule in India. Thank you.
India was not a nation. It's like saying Europe is a nation. And East India company only had like 5-6 cities under their control. It's not until 1857 and later that more formal control was placed on the different kingdom and principalities.
Definitely a video on Clive!!!
Thanks for your reply.
Yes I would very much appreciate a video on Clive of India. You are a very good storyteller.
Thanks for your reply.
Excellent work ❤
Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.
Great channel, more of Clive please 👍
Thanks for commenting. I will add to my ever-growing list.
Another story well told. I especially like the stories situatid in India. I am an Idophile I suppose. I travelled there 15 months over three trips including a month in Sri Lanka. I read and learned everything I could being of British heritage myself. I love India and would go back in a moment if I could. Anyway, thank you for the tale. Cheers!
Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting feedback
Brilliant and Fascinating!!!
Thanks for your comments.
So interesting! A video on Clive would be great
Thanks for your response
Beautifull pictures,wonderfull art,Yes by all means to more of this!😊
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the comment.
Thanks for the video... and yes to Clive, please.
Thanks for watching my video & your response
Yes for a video on Robert Clive with a summary of descendents in upper and lower house of parliament.
Thanks for watching my video & your reply
Yes, I’d love to see more about Clive
Thanks for your reply
Yes,be fascinated to hear more about Clive
Thanks for your reply
Another very good video.
Thanks for watching my video
Great story! Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.
What a David vs. Goliath match with the smaller force coming out on top. The Battle of Plassey, what an amazing feat in British military history! Robert Clive firmly established himself as one of the greatest British generals of the 18th century.
Thanks for watching my video
Most of the soldiers on the other side did not join in the fighting
muskets versus swords ? only one winner there surely
@@stewartlancaster6155 both sides had plenty of firearms, The Mughal Empire (from which the Nawabs of Bengal split off) was known as a Gun Power Empire along with the Safavids and Ottomans.
@@stewartlancaster6155 They both had fire arms and cannons bro. Handheld firearms were pretty much the norm worldwide at this point.
Another brilliant video- thank you so much- further videos on the expansion of british control in india would be great
Thanks for watching my video & your comment.
Yes to Clive video, subscribed.
Thanks for your reply
Another Yes for a Clive video, please Chris! 🙂
Thanks for coming back on this.
Thank you for a most interesting talk.
Thanks for your comment.
Robert Clive yes indeed. Great video, best regards.
Thanks for your reply, glad you enjoyed the video
Excellent
Almost like a bedtime story. 😂
thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.
Yes, for a video on Robert Clive.
Thanks for your reply
Would love to see more videos on british history in india specially the early times from the battle of plassey to the times of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan specially the fateful siege of seringapatam.
Yes, those early wars are fascinating & I will cover them.
Please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss them.
im enjoying your vidoes many thanks
Thank you for watching, glad you like them.
YES! More on Clive.
Thanks for your reply.
Thanks!
Thanks for your support. Glad you enjoyed my video
Yes to a video about Robert Clive.
Lots of votes so I will add to my list.
Yes-love your content
Thanks for your comment.
A video on Clive would be fascinating so yes please.
Thanks for the reply.
Well once again, I must thank you BIG time for yet another history lesson on a battle I certainly had absolutely NO clue about whatsoever until you announced it as today's update topic, Chris old bean, and once again have you done nothing but wow me with the facts. So THAT'S how we Brits gained control of and absorbed India into our giant half the world containing Empire for the next two hundred years following on from this battle, and all thanks to the Company whose name has been most infamous and familiar to me mainly thanks to its featuring in POTC 2 and 3, huh? Well I never, and yes, PLEASE do a video on Robert Clive for sure, I would certainly LOVE to know all about HIM from you for sure, our British military history lesson giving CZcams superstar, I wonder if he shared a lot in common with the infamous pirate murdering SOAB EITC head boy from POTC Lord Cutler Beckett, lol.
And btw, saw your reply to me from yesterday on that one of your suggestive topics grid from last week, thanks for the words, old bean, as I would certainly LOVE to have a video about the Battle of Sedgemoor done at some point very much, but please, no pressure to do it just because I'm in big desire for it, t'is your personal timing and choosing after all, and actually, in accordance agreement with what someone else said on there, you doing one about that battle whilst on the very old site of where it took place would be EXCELLENT indeed
Obviously the conquest of India had a long way to go, but this was undoubtedly the start.
Sedgemoor will be coming.
I’m always amazed how good the paintings and drawings are. Random thought I know.
No, it's not. The artwork is very impressive. Of course, British painting was really in its prime in this era.
Thank for watching my video.
Yes for a piece on Clive thanks
Thanks for your reply
Yes a Clive video please.
Thanks for your reply
Having just put the original on CZcams, I can hear both versions simultaneously. The work of a genius.
Thanks for watching my video
Robert Clive - definitely Yes. He is painted as a monster in our Pakistani school-textbooks which are ultra-nationalist in their narrative. Would love to learn more about him from more neutral stand-point.
Thanks for watching my video & your feedback
Yes on Clive, a really interesting historical figure I knew nothing about. I just became interested in Indian history and you tell it well. Will subscribe.
Thanks for watching my video & for your reply
U mean Indian history is colonial history? 😂
@@soumyadeepbasu6903 colonial history is part of Indian history.
@@Ak-yw9kfa part that we want to forget
Excellent detail as ever. Perhaps it should be mentioned that June in this part of the world is monsoon hot. The heat and humidity is almost unbearable, for europeans used to temperate climes. The rainstorm at 11am on 23rd probably brought much needed relief
Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting feedback.
Yes always up for a good video, which they are.
Thanks for your comment
Yes I would like you to do a video on Robert Clive.
Thanks for your reply
I do love your channel sir
Thanks for our feedback.
Fun , well done 😊
Thanks for watching my video
149 000 subscribers, 811 comments to this video alone... The History Chap delivers, as always... If I would any comments, the only ones I could add is that Robert Clive - and the battle of Plassey changed not only India and Britain, even the Danish colony at Tellingapore flourished until 1845 (when it was sold to the British) as a result... I didn't know that until today, but videos like these always inspires one to read more history...
Glad you enjoyed my video & thanks for your feedback.
Yes, enlighten us about Clive.
Thanks for watching & for your feedback.
Yes , i woukd like to hear more about Clive of India.
Thanks for your response
Yes, in the hospital..so this is a great way cheer me up ...new video❤
Thanks for your reply, hope you are soon back home. Best wishes.
Yes on Robert Clive vid.
Will do.
A definite yes from me!!
Thanks for the reply
I’m so glad they won this Battle. Without this victory we never would have had the Beatles….
Trying to follow your thinking but...
Yes Chris, I'd like a video on Clive
Thanks for the response.
A clear, well informed and at the point video, Chris. Thanks!
Some thinks: A) The case of India conferms the principle that usually great countries soffered more for internal problems that for external: if Mogul Empire remained united the Europeans couldn' t interfere in the country in this measure ( and Islamic rulers didn' t establish himself easily in an united India durin Middle Age).
B) It is dangerous to judge an event of the past on the base of moral principles of present. Colonialism is a great problem not only for the historians but we must avoid anachronistic judgement. This for contextualise the events.
C) The army of the nawab could win the battle encircling Clive army , fixing it whit infantry and artillery and attaccking from the rear whith cavalry.After some hours of fighting a determinated general assault could threw the exhousted troops of the Company in the river. But this tactic required a strong leadership and loyal comandants. It wasn' t the case.
Certainly Mir Jafar confirms, in my opinion, the Spanish proverb " The treason is nice but the traitor is disgusting ".
Bye and see you soon.
Thanks for your feedback.
Iconic battle iconic episode
Thanks for watching my video & the comment.
Yes! One on the Clive of India and another on Rise of East India Company.If possible.
Thanks for watching my video & your comment.
Yes, on a Clive Video!!!
Thanks for your response.
Yes. Clive's story would be fascinating.
Thanks for responding
Yes pls do a video on Clive
Will do. Please make sure you subscribe so you don't miss it.
Thank you
Thanks for watching & your reply
Interesting story, thanks for the video! I wonder if you wouldn't consider doing one at some point about the nationalisation of the EIC. The various players, arguments, debates in parliament, how it was accomplished in practical terms, and in particular what if anything the EIC did to try to prevent it.
I think the EIC deserves several more videos
@@TheHistoryChap Absolutely! A company that, on paper, had a larger standing army than the UK and arguably a larger navy (even if fewer warships) and yet was so dependent upon Britain that it allowed itself to be nationalized is, to me, one of the most fascinating subjects in British history.
Yes, I would like you to do a episode about Clive.
Thanks for your replt
Yes a video on Clive please.
Thanks for your reply
Thanks for your reply
Yes to Clive Please!
Please, yes... Yes please! Produce a video about Robert Cive!
Thanks for your response & for watching my video.
Yes, on Robert Clive
Thanks for your reply
Yes the story of Robert Clive would be appreciated
Thanks for the reply
Did anyone else spot that Mir Jifar is the bad guy in Disneys Alladin 1993 played by Jonathan Freeman. Hard to find now as any reference to Jafar has been removed.
In The Thief of Baghdad in 1940 Jafar is played by Conrad Veidt. In the 2015 The Descendants the bad guy is Jafar too. But it looks like some major work is going on to erase any reference to him today.
Thanks for watching my video & your interesting feedback.
Yes, I would like to see a video on clive.
Ok, I will do one.
Yes! Thank you.
Thanks for your reply
Yes!
Oh, and a short, probably very short, piece about "Steady the Buffs!"
Just a thought...
Thanks for your comments.
Yes I would really like a video on Clive
Thanks for our reply
Yes, I'd like to see you do a program on Him
Ok, i will schedule one.
Yes please !
Thanks for the reply
Very intriguing video, but I would like to add some small corrections/additions if I may:
1. The British East India Company (the one being present at Plassey) technically was founded in 1698, not 1600. What was founded in 1600, was the ''Governor and Company of Merchants of London trading into the East Indies'' - however a dispute with William III. led to the creation of a new Company, the ''English Company trading to the East Indies''. Under Queen Anne I., the two Companies were merged together in 1708/1709, from a legal standpoint however, it was a takeover by the new one. The old one, founded in 1600, was formally dissolved in 1708, and the English Company was thus renamed to the ''United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies'', and would be what you know as the British East India Company.
2. Bombay as a settlement/outpost was not established by the English, but rather aquired. It had been a Portuguese possession, and when Charles II. married Catherina de Braganza, it became English as a dowry for his (their) wedding in 1662. It was transferred to the EEIC in 1668/69 per Royal Charter for a token payment of 10 pounds. Which is also a reason why I am a bit confused by the image/map you used for the various European settlements in the 17th century in India, as that map suggests that Bombay became English in 1638, although primary and secondary sources are unmistakenly clear about it not being so. (Weirdly enough, Kings and Generals video about Plassey includes the claim that the outposts of Madras, Bombay and Calcutta were already existing as English possessions in the 1650s, no clue where they got that nonsense from).
3. The conspirators: As you rightfully said, it wasnt just Mir Jaffar who betrayed Siraj Ud-Dowla, as Rai Durlabhram Som (Rai Durlabh) - the equivalent of the finance/revenue minister of Bengal also was one of the conspirators. However Yar Lutuf Khan, one of the other commanders at Plassey, also was part of the betrayal against the nawab.
4. Active troops - several historians have given estimates as to how 'strong' tha nawabs army actually was due to the treachery, most of them assess the amount of troops still loyal to Ud-Dowla at 10-15,000 men. Partha Chatterjee ('Black Hole of Empire'), claimed that out of 15,000, only 5,000 men actually participated in the battle on the Indian side, which would equate to rather equal-ish odds in numbers against the British.
You also mentioned you used 4 sources for this video, Other than the article from the National army Museum and 'The Anarchy', may I inquire as to what the other two are?
All the best Chris, and thanks for the video, as always :)
Thanks for taking the time to add those various facts. Much appreciated when viewers get engaged.
@@TheHistoryChap Well that certainly was a quick respone, especially that late in the night! What I forgot to mention - because obviously there are always points coming up AFTER the initial comment has been sent ;) - that it wasnt just the fortifications of the British at Fort William that had been a thorn in the nawabs eye. The British had been refusing to extradite politically persecuted people (whom the nawab suspected of conspiring against him), an issue that had been persisting since Alivardi Khan had been the nawab. Some historians have speculated that both of these issues may have been deliberate acts aimed at and intended to provoke Ud-Dowla into a hostile reaction.
- Similarly, there is some controversy about who initiated the conspiracy plot, as either Clive approached Jafar and the others in the first place, or if the latter instigated the plot and Clive just joined it at a convenient time.
Yes, Clive please!
Thanks for your reply