Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
The Battle of Plassey
As the East India Company grew in size so did its lust for power. The decline
of the Mughal empire and the rise of regional provinces like Bengal, presented
the Company an opportunity for political interference. In 1740, Nawab Alivardi
Khan of Bengal became practically independent. In 1756, his death led to a power
struggle between his widow Ghasiti Begum and grandson Siraj Ud Daulah who became
the Nawab of Bengal.
The company's support for Ghasiti Begum earned it the wrath of Siraj. The
Company also started fortifying the Fort William without the Nawab's permission.
On 20th June 1756, Siraj attacked and took over Fort William. Many of the
English prisoners, who were imprisoned in a tiny room, died. This is often
portrayed as the Black Hole of Calcutta. Many believe that the incident has been
greatly exaggerated to suit the purpose of the Company.
The Company Fights back
The company sent in relief troops from Fort St. George of the Madras
headquarters. The troops led by Robert Clive and Admiral Watson retook Calcutta
on 2nd January, 1757. The treaty of Alinagar was signed between the Nawab and
the Company.
However Clive's military ambitions were on the ascendancy. His troops
captured the French settlement of Chandernagore. He tempted Siraj's uncle Mir
Jafar to ally with him in exchange for the Nawab's position. On 23rd June, 1757,
the Company troops marched against Siraj. Betrayed by his own men Siraj was
defeated in the Battle of Plassey, which is said to have lasted only a few
hours. He was soon assassinated in his capital Murshidabad. From being traders,
the Company turned kingmakers in Bengal and Mir Jafar was installed as the new
Nawab. Clive got his pound of flesh from the Nawab in terms of 234,000 pounds
and was awarded an annual salary of 30,000 pounds per year. This made him one of
the richest Britons in the world. The company also secure rights over a large
area south of Calcutta. Construction of a new Fort William was started and was
completed in 16 years in 1773. These events led to the rise of Calcutta and the
decline of Murshidabad.
