Robert Clive: Political, Economic Reform, and Architect of British Dominance in Colonial India 

Robert Clive: Rise to Power in India’s Colonial Era

In 1743, Robert Clive (born in 1725) was hired by the East India Company as a clerk. Clive’s career experienced a significant boost thanks to the Siege of Arcot (1761) during the Second Carnatic War, and in 1755 Clive was appointed deputy governor of Fort St. David in Cuddalore. He presided over the British East India Company’s victories at the battles of Plassey (1757), Chinsura (1759), and Buxar (1764). When Clive arrived in Madras in June 1756, he soon got entangled in Bengali issues, which would later become tied to his fate. Bengal had previously been governed by viceroys of the titular Mughal emperor, and the British East India Company operated there under their protection. The main city, Calcutta, had surpassed Madras as an important trading hub, and its trade was worth the most money in all of India. Because of a disagreement with the British about reinforcing the city, Siraj al-Dawlah, the new nawab (Mughal viceroy) of Bengal, attacked and took control of the fort in 1756.

Clive’s Reforms: Political, Economic, Civil, Military

• Political: The British acquired the Diwani privileges as part of the Bengal settlement. However, the Mughals were not robbed of the Nizamat. For this reason, the Mughals made a set payment.
• Economic: Clive reduced the value of a currency that had gotten out of control. Robert Clive’s rule caused economic harm to the workers.
• Civil:  Clive made a complete overhaul of the structure in the following ways to tackle the issue of corruption:
• Tackling the issue of misuse of Dastaks: Clive observed the widespread corruption and bribery through the misuse of Dastaks. The agreement prohibiting accepting gifts and engaging in private trade was made the servants sign.
• Scrapping Monopoly on Trade: Tobacco, salt, and betelnut trading rights and monopolies were granted to the society of trade where the company’s employees were given a share of the profits. This caused a surge in the price of necessary goods eventually scrapping it.
• Military: Military officers at that time received field allowances. Later, the court of directors decided to lessen the double bhatta. Robert Clive afterwards started a reform that would pay field allowances to military officers who were serving outside the Bengal and Bihar border.

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Clive’s Victories: Plassey and Buxar Wars in India

Assessing Robert Clive: Impact and Criticisms in India

Both of Robert Clive’s tenures saw the consolidation of the British position in India, which was possible due to able and organised leadership under Clive:

• Many people in India have criticised Robert Clive for the barbaric hardships he inflicted on the country’s working class by imposing exorbitant taxes and requiring them to grow only cash crops, which led to famines.
• Due to the large scale of the personal money Robert Clive amassed during his stay in India, he was held accountable in England upon his return.

Conclusion

After the Battle of Plassey, the British gained absolute dominance, which helped them establish their rule and dominance in India. Thus, Robert Clive is also referred to as the “Conqueror of India” because Robert Clive was crucial in the establishment of the British Raj. When he departed India, he had a wealth of £180,000, which Robert Clive transferred through the Dutch East India Company and would be worth $24,700,000 in 2020. He asserted himself in Parliament (1773) with his customary force and conviction, lamenting the way he was being treated like a sheep thief and said, “I stand astonished at my own moderation.” The British Parliament proclaimed in 1773 that he had “rendered great and meritorious services to his country.”

ROBERT CLIVE FAQs

Q1. Who was Robert Clive and what was his role in Indian history?

Ans. Robert Clive was a British military officer who played a prominent role in establishing British control over India.

Q2. What were the major achievements and contributions of Robert Clive during his time in India?

Ans. Clive’s major achievements include the Battle of Plassey and the acquisition of the Diwani rights, strengthening British influence in India.

Q3. What were the key events and battles associated with Robert Clive’s tenure in India?

Ans. Key events associated with Clive’s tenure include the Siege of Arcot, the Battle of Buxar, and the capture of major Indian cities.

Q4. How did Robert Clive’s actions impact the British East India Company’s influence in India?

Ans. Clive’s actions expanded the British East India Company’s power in India, laying the foundation for British colonial rule.

Q5. What controversies or criticisms surround Robert Clive and his actions during his time in India?

Ans. Clive faced criticisms for alleged corruption and his role in the Bengal famine, which led to debates and investigations.

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