Year 8 - History
The Plassey Revolution
The East India Company: when did Mughal authority collapse?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the arrival of the East India Company on the fringes of the Mughal Empire. They examine how the East India Company's power and influence grew, and how they, along with various Indian rulers, destabilised Mughal power over India.
Lesson Summary
Explain why historians have described the changes in India between 1757 and 1765 as revolutionary.
Key Notes
- In 1756, war was triggered by the EIC building fortifications without permission from the Nawab of Bengal.
- The EIC achieved significant military victories in India at the Battles of Plassey and Buxar.
- After 1757, the EIC installed puppet leaders in Bengal.
- The 1765 Treaty of Allahabad allowed the EIC to formally control Bengal and collect taxes.
- The years between 1757 and 1765 have been referred to as part of the Plassey Revolution.
Vocabulary To Learn
- fortifications: fortifications include strong walls and towers that are built to protect a place
- revolution: a revolution is a period of time when there is significant change, such as a change in who holds power in a country
- puppet ruler: a puppet ruler is someone who appears to be in charge of a country but is actually controlled by other people or groups
- treaty: a treaty is a written agreement between two or more countries, approved and signed by their leaders
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- EIC victory in the Battle of Plassey only relied upon its own strengths.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
In 1756, war was triggered by the EIC building fortifications without permission from the Nawab of Bengal. The EIC achieved significant military victories in India at the Battles of Plassey and Buxar.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'fortifications'
fortifications include strong walls and towers that are built to protect a place.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: EIC victory in the Battle of Plassey only relied upon its own strengths. Correction: The EIC army benefitted from Indian support, including its secret agreement with Mir Jafar who refused to let his troops participate in the battle.
More Lessons In This Unit
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