Treaty of Allahabad

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of Allahabad?

Subject:

Treaty of Allahabad

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1765 treaty granting the East India Company Diwani rights over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

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Origins & Foundation

The Treaty of Allahabad was a pivotal agreement signed in 1765, establishing the deep political involvement of the British East India Company within the Indian subcontinent. This treaty followed the significant military engagement known as the Battle of Buxar, which occurred in 1764. The negotiations brought together the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and Robert Clive, a representative of the powerful East India Company. The document itself was meticulously handwritten by I'tisam-ud-Din, a skilled Bengali Muslim scribe and diplomat serving the Mughal court.

Breakthrough & Iconic Era

The most consequential term of the treaty was the granting of Diwani rights to the East India Company. Diwani refers specifically to the authority to collect taxes on behalf of the Emperor from the eastern provinces of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. These newly secured rights empowered the Company to collect revenue directly from the populace of these three wealthy regions. In exchange for these vast fiscal powers, the Company committed to paying an annual tribute of twenty-six lakh rupees to the Mughal Emperor.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Beyond the financial terms, the treaty dictated specific territorial and administrative arrangements for the Mughal Emperor. The Company secured the districts of Kora and Allahabad for the Emperor, while the Emperor was also restored to the province of Varanasi, contingent upon continued payments. Furthermore, the Company appointed William Mustoe to manage the administration of these newly controlled areas. This accord fundamentally shifted power dynamics, cementing British authority in India.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1764: 1764 Milestone — This treaty followed the significant military engagement known as the Battle of Buxar, which occurred in 1764.
2. 1765: 1765 Milestone — The Treaty of Allahabad was a pivotal agreement signed in 1765, establishing the deep political involvement of the British East India Company within the Indian subcontinent.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of Allahabad

True or False: “True or false: The Treaty of Allahabad immediately dissolved the Mughal Empire.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The treaty did not dissolve the Mughal Empire; rather, it granted the East India Company the Diwani rights to collect taxes in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, significantly curtailing Mughal fiscal power.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty of Allahabad