Plassey, battle of

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Plassey, battle of, 1757. Aware that the French-supported nawab Siraj-ud-Daula was intent on further rebellion against East India Company rule, Robert Clive led a force of about 1,000 European and 2,000 Indian soldiers to confront him. He found Siraj on 23 June at Plassey, on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, at the head of 50,000 men. However, a rainstorm soaked Siraj's artillery powder and Clive, who had kept his powder dry, opened a devastating fire when the nawab's cavalry tried to charge. Siraj fled, leaving Clive in control of Bengal.

John Pimlott