Which key battles in the 18th century helped establish British control over Bengal?

The establishment of British control over Bengal in the 18th century primarily resulted from the pivotal battles of Plassey and Buxar. The Battle of Plassey, fought in 1757, marked a significant turning point in British colonial fortunes in India. This battle saw the British East India Company, under the command of Robert Clive, defeat the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daula, due to strategic alliances and deceit. The victory at Plassey allowed the British to consolidate their power in Bengal, laying the foundation for broader control over India.

Following this, the Battle of Buxar in 1764 further solidified British dominance. The British East India Company faced a coalition of Indian rulers, including the Mughal Emperor and the Nawab of Awadh, and secured a decisive victory. This battle confirmed British authority and expanded their territory, institutionalizing control over Bengal and establishing the framework for British colonial governance in India.

In contrast, other battles mentioned, such as Saratoga and Waterloo, are not directly related to British endeavors in India; they pertain to different contexts in global military history, with Saratoga being a turning point in the American Revolutionary War and Waterloo marking the end of Napoleon's rule in