In the previous post, we have read about the Carnatic Wars. Carnatic Wars concluded by the Battle of Wandiwash in 1760. These wars decided the fate of Britishers. They were now the sole authority of the Indian Subcontinent. So, from here Britishers started their imperialistic movement in the Indian Subcontinent. Their first prey was Bengal.
Conquest of Bengal
The first governor of Bengal province was Murshid Quli Khan (1700 CE). Bengal was the Kuber of the Indian Subcontinent because this province was full of the treasury. The first British factory was established in Bengal in 1651. The factory was at Hooghly. So, from 1651 to 1717 company turned into economic cum political power in Bengal because of the following developments.
East India Company(EIC)
Dr Boughton Episode, 1651
In 1651, East India Company established its first factory in Hooghly. In return for the services of Dr. Boughton, Shuja-ud-Din (Governor of Bengal) gave relaxation to East India Company that for the annual payment of 3000/- company can carry its trade and commerce in Bengal.
Gift of Azim-us-Shan, 1698
In 1698, pleased with the services of East India Company Azim-us-Shan gave them zamindari of three villages Govindapur, Sutnati, and Kalikat. So, in this way company became Zamindar in Bengal and they got a glimpse of prosperity and wealth of Bengal.
Dastak (Farukhshiyar, 1717)
In 1717, Mughal Emperor Farukhshiyar showed his indebtedness towards Dr. Franklin of EIC. Actually, Dr. Franklin cured Farukhshiyar so as a return for this he not only renewed the previous grants but also gave the gift of Dastak to EIC.
This became a boon for East India Company but curse for Bengal Nawabs. But this Dastak helped East India Company to establish its authority over Bengal.
About Dastak
Dastak meant pass under its goods of the company got an exemption from transit duty. So, the misuse of Dastak became the cause of the rift between the company and Bengal Nawabs. Employees of the Company started using Dastak for their personal purpose.
So, in some cases, they gave it to their Indian friends. This was a financial loss to the treasury of Bengal and created a rift between Bengal Nawabs and Company. From 1717-1756, Bengal was under powerful Nawabs and the company was still a trader. So, Nawabs were successful in taming the company. But the situation changed with the arrival of Siraj-ud-Daula.
We will discuss the reign of Siraj-ud-Daula and his successor in the next coming post.
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