Asoka founded the most powerful secret society on earth: that of the Nine Unknown Men. What can have been the aim of these men?
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.
