Why was the Battle of Plassey called a ‘betrayal’?

The Battle of Plassey, fought on 23 June 1757, was a turning point in Indian history. Though often presented as a military conflict between the British East India Company and the forces of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, the battle was won less through brute force and more through deception, treachery, and political manipulation.

It is widely referred to as a “betrayal” because it involved a well-planned conspiracy in which key commanders in Siraj-ud-Daulah’s army turned against him during the battle, effectively handing victory to the British. This act of betrayal not only decided the outcome of the battle but also opened the door to British colonial rule in India.

In the mid-18th century, Bengal was the richest province in India. With thriving agriculture, flourishing trade, and prosperous cities like Murshidabad and Calcutta, it was seen as a prize by both Indian and foreign powers. The British East India Company, which had trading rights in Bengal, was increasingly becoming involved in local politics, much to the displeasure of the Nawab, Siraj-ud-Daulah.

Siraj was young and determined to curb British influence. Tensions escalated when the Company fortified Calcutta without his consent, offered refuge to political rivals, and was suspected of interfering in Bengal’s internal matters. The final straw was the British seizure of trade privileges and their refusal to pay taxes, prompting Siraj to capture Fort William in Calcutta in 1756.

In retaliation, the British sent Robert Clive and Admiral Watson to recapture Calcutta. They succeeded by early 1757, and instead of seeking reconciliation, Clive began plotting against Siraj with the help of discontented elements within his court.

At the heart of this conspiracy was Mir Jafar, a senior military commander in Siraj’s army. Ambitious and resentful over being passed over for the position of Nawab, Mir Jafar was approached by British agents and promised the throne of Bengal in exchange for betraying Siraj-ud-Daulah during battle.

Other key figures, such as Jagat Seth (a powerful banker), Rai Durlabh (a commander), and Omichund (a merchant), were also part of the conspiracy. The British promised money, power, and positions in the new administration. These secret arrangements laid the groundwork for the decisive betrayal at Plassey.

On 23 June 1757, the armies met near the village of Palashi (Plassey), on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Siraj-ud-Daulah’s army numbered around 50,000 men, including cavalry, artillery, and elephants, while the British force under Robert Clive had only 3,000 troops, including Indian sepoys.

However, the numbers were misleading. Out of Siraj’s massive army, only a small portion actually fought. The bulk of his troops were under the command of Mir Jafar, Rai Durlabh, and Yar Lutuf Khan—all of whom held back during the battle, in line with the pre-arranged betrayal.

Siraj’s army was confused and demoralized. His cannons were drenched by rain, and his allies refused to advance or respond to orders. Meanwhile, Clive took advantage of the hesitation and launched a well-timed attack. Siraj fled the battlefield, was later captured, and executed by Mir Jafar’s forces.

With Siraj-ud-Daulah dead, Mir Jafar was installed as the puppet Nawab of Bengal. The British East India Company received massive financial rewards, including millions of rupees in war compensation and trade privileges. Bengal, once wealthy and independent, was now effectively under British economic and political control.

The real betrayal was not just of Siraj-ud-Daulah, but of Bengal itself. The British had no legitimate claim to power—they had simply exploited internal divisions. The wealth of Bengal was drained to fund the Company’s growing ambitions, and its people would suffer decades of economic exploitation.

The Battle of Plassey is not remembered as a glorious military triumph, but as a shameful episode of treachery. It is called a betrayal for several key reasons:

• Mir Jafar betrayed his oath and his ruler for personal gain.
• Trusted nobles and commanders chose foreign alliance over loyalty to their state.
• The British manipulated Indian politics not through strength, but through bribery and deceit.
• The event marked the beginning of colonial subjugation, driven by the selfish actions of a few elites.

This betrayal had long-term consequences. It set a precedent for the British to interfere in princely politics, exploit rivalries, and expand their dominion—step by step—across the Indian subcontinent.

The Battle of Plassey is a stark reminder of how internal divisions and personal ambition can invite foreign domination. It is studied not just as a military turning point but as a political cautionary tale. Had Siraj-ud-Daulah’s generals stood by him, India’s colonial history might have unfolded very differently.

In Indian memory and historical discourse, Plassey remains synonymous with betrayal, manipulation, and lost sovereignty—a single battle that changed the destiny of a nation.