Treaty of Alinagar

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of Alinagar?

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Treaty of Alinagar

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1757 treaty between British East India Company and Nawab of Bengal.

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Origins & Foundation

The Treaty of Alinagar, also known as the Treaty of Calcutta, was a pivotal agreement signed in 1757. This treaty was executed between Robert Clive, representing the powerful British East India Company, and Mirza Muhammad Siraj ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal. The signing occurred in the immediate aftermath of a significant military confrontation, specifically following the Nawab's forces' actions at the siege of Calcutta. The name Alinagar itself was a temporary designation given to Calcutta by the Nawab after his successful capture of the English fort.

Breakthrough & Iconic Era

The terms established by this accord were highly favorable to the British interests. Under the treaty, the Nawab agreed to uphold the provisions set forth by Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar's farman of 1717. Furthermore, a crucial concession involved exempting all British goods traversing Bengal from local duties. In addition to these financial and political recognitions, the agreement explicitly allowed the British to fortify Calcutta and even to mint coins within the city limits, securing their commercial foothold.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The signing of the Treaty of Alinagar was not an endpoint but rather a critical precursor to further conflict. This treaty is historically recognized as one of the key events that directly led up to the famous Battle of Plassey. Despite the terms of the treaty, the outcome for the Nawab was disastrous. Indeed, the Nawab himself was ultimately defeated and killed by Robert Clive and his allied forces within the same year, marking a profound shift in regional power dynamics.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1717: 1717 Milestone — Under the treaty, the Nawab agreed to uphold the provisions set forth by Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar's farman of 1717.
2. 1757: 1757 Milestone — The Treaty of Alinagar, also known as the Treaty of Calcutta, was a pivotal agreement signed in 1757.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of Alinagar

True or False: “True or false: The Treaty of Alinagar granted the British the right to exempt all goods passing through Bengal from duties.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The treaty explicitly stipulated that all British goods passing through Bengal would be exempt from duties, securing a major commercial advantage for the East India Company.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• 7th Dalai Lama — Historical peer (Died in 1757) (1757): Spiritual leader of Tibet, recognized as the 7th Dalai Lama, scholar, and poet.
• Alexander Hamilton — Historical peer (Born in 1757) (1757): American Founding Father, first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, and Federalist leader.
• Alexander Sumarokov — Historical peer (Born in 1717) (1717): Pioneering Russian poet and playwright credited with establishing classical theatre in Russia.
• David Garrick — Historical peer (Born in 1717) (1717): Pioneering English actor, playwright, and theatre manager of the 18th century.

Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty of Alinagar