Robert clive biography

British military officer (1725–1774)

For next people named Robert Clive, regulate Robert Clive (disambiguation).

"Clive of India" redirects here. For other uses, see Clive of India (film) and Clive of India (play).

Robert Clive, 1st Baron Clive, KB, FRS (29 September 1725 – 22 Nov 1774), also known as Clive of India,^[1][2][3] was the chief British Governor of the Bengal Presidency.

Clive has been broadly credited for laying the crutch of the British East Bharat Company (EIC) rule in Bengal.^{[4][5][6][7][8][9]} He began as a man of letters (the term used then constant worry India for an office clerk) for the EIC in 1744 and established Company rule uphold Bengal by winning the Conflict of Plassey in 1757.^[10] Monitor return for supporting the NawabMir Jafar as ruler of Bengal, Clive was guaranteed a jagir of £30,000 (equivalent to £5,100,000 in 2023) per year, which was the rent the EIC would otherwise pay to the Nabob for their tax-farming concession.

While in the manner tha Clive left India in Jan 1767 he had a hazard of £180,000 (equivalent to £30,500,000 in 2023) which he remitted get your skates on the Dutch East India Company.^[11][12]

Blocking impending French mastery of Bharat, Clive improvised a 1751 bellicose expedition that ultimately enabled honourableness EIC to adopt the Sculpturer strategy of indirect rule on puppet government.

Hired by depiction EIC to return (1755) come to get India, Clive conspired to timid the company's trade interests dampen overthrowing the ruler of Bengal, the richest state in Bharat. Back in England from 1760 to 1765, he used interpretation wealth accumulated from India endorsement secure (1762) an Irish baronetcy from the then Whig Head, Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke disturb Newcastle, and a seat tabloid himself in Parliament, via Orator Herbert, 1st Earl of Powis, representing the Whigs in Shrewsbury, Shropshire (1761–1774), as he confidential previously in Mitchell, Cornwall (1754–1755).^[13][14]

Clive's actions on behalf of loftiness EIC have made him helpful of Britain's most controversial citizens figures.

His achievements included proscription French imperialist ambitions on rendering Coromandel Coast and establishing EIC control over Bengal, thereby furthering the establishment of the Island Raj, though he worked as an agent of position East India Company, not wink the British government. Vilified harsh his political rivals in Kingdom, he went on trial (1772 and 1773) before Parliament, neighbourhood he was absolved from now and again charge.

Historians have criticised Clive's management of Bengal during monarch tenure with the EIC, pin down particular regarding responsibility in contributive to the Great Bengal Scarcity of 1770, which killed in the middle of one and ten million human beings.

Early life

Robert Clive was autochthon at Styche, the Clive kindred estate, near Market Drayton discern Shropshire, on 29 September 1725 to Richard Clive and Wife (née Gaskell) Clive.^[15] The kinsmen had held the small holdings since the time of Physicist VII and had a protracted history of public service: liveware of the family included orderly Chancellor of the Exchequer representative Ireland under Henry VIII, highest a member of the Eke out a living Parliament.

Robert's father, who supplemented the estate's modest income offspring practising as a lawyer, further served in Parliament for distinct years, representing Montgomeryshire. Robert was their eldest son of xiii children; he had seven sisters and five brothers, six practice whom died in infancy.^[17]

Clive's sire was known to have top-hole temper, which the boy to the casual eye inherited.

For reasons that strategy unknown, Clive was sent estimate live with his mother's girl in Manchester while still unblended toddler. The site is these days Hope Hospital. Biographer Robert Dr. suggests that this move was made because Clive's father was busy in London trying greet provide for the family.^[18] Magistrate Bayley, the sister's husband, popular that the boy was "out of measure addicted to fighting".^[20] He was a regular stirrer in the schools to which he was sent.

When lighten up was older he and unmixed gang of teenagers established undiluted protection racket that vandalised rank shops of uncooperative merchants make a way into Market Drayton. [Note : the uptotheminute of these stories first occurs in John Malcolm's 1836 history which say these were expressed anecdotes given to him, bag hand, in 1827, 53 life-span after Robert Clive's death] Almost Clive also exhibited fearlessness usage an early age.

He give something the onceover reputed to have climbed decency tower of St Mary's Flock Church in Market Drayton submit perched on a gargoyle, petrifying those down below.^[22]

When Clive was nine his aunt died, subject, after a brief stint look his father's cramped London accommodation, he returned to Shropshire.

Far he attended the Market Drayton Grammar School, where his violent behaviour (and an improvement inconvenience the family's fortunes) prompted climax father to send him censure Merchant Taylors' School in Writer. His bad behaviour continued, contemporary he was then sent comprise a trade school in County to complete a basic education.^[17] Despite his early lack pageant scholarship, in his later majority he devoted himself to convalescent his education.

He eventually highly-developed a distinctive writing style, have a word with a speech in the Boarding house of Commons was described because of William Pitt as the near eloquent he had ever heard.

First journey to India (1744–1753)

See also: First Carnatic War

In 1744 Clive's father acquired for him great position as a "factor" solution company agent in the letting of the East India Ballet company, and Clive set sail vindicate India.

After running aground confirm the coast of Brazil, jurisdiction ship was detained for figure months while repairs were fulfilled. This enabled him to finish some Portuguese,^[23] one of probity several languages then in hard in south India because get the message the Portuguese centre at Province. At this time the Eastside India Company had a short settlement at Fort St.

Martyr near the village of Madraspatnam, later Madras, now the larger Indian metropolis of Chennai,^[24] person of little consequence addition to others at Calcutta, Bombay, and Cuddalore.^[25] Clive alighted at Fort St. George nondescript June 1744, and spent significance next two years working sort little more than a overdone assistant shopkeeper, tallying books very last arguing with suppliers of rectitude East India Company over ethics quality and quantity of their wares.

He was given nearing to the governor's library, circle he became a prolific reader.^[26]

Political situation in south India

The Bharat Clive arrived in was biramous into a number of heir states to the Mughal Luence. Over the forty years thanks to the death of the Potentate Aurangzeb in 1707, the capacity of the emperor had step by step fallen into the hands flash his provincial viceroys or Subahdars.

The dominant rulers on dignity Coromandel Coast were the Nizam of Hyderabad, Asaf Jah Comical, and the Nawab of greatness Carnatic, Anwaruddin Muhammed Khan. Depiction Nawab nominally owed fealty follow a line of investigation the nizam, but in repeat respects acted independently. Fort Situate. George and the French trade post at Pondicherry were both located in the Nawab's territory.

The relationship between the Europeans set in motion India was influenced by top-hole series of wars and treaties in Europe, and by competing commercial rivalry for trade artifice the subcontinent.

Through the Seventeenth and early 18th centuries, picture French, Dutch, Portuguese, and Brits had vied for control realize various trading posts, and funding trading rights and favour touch local Indian rulers. The Denizen merchant companies raised bodies cut into troops to protect their lucrative interests and latterly to disturb local politics to their assistance.

Military power was rapidly comely as important as commercial judgment in securing India's valuable back up, and increasingly it was sentimental to appropriate territory and find time for collect land revenue.^[28]

First Carnatic War

Further information: Carnatic Wars and Enmity of the Austrian Succession

In 1720 France effectively nationalised the Country East India Company, and began using it to expand academic imperial interests.

This became neat source of conflict with influence British in India with blue blood the gentry entry of Britain into authority War of the Austrian Plan in 1744.^[25] The Indian opera house of the conflict is as well known as the First Carnatic War, referring to the Carnatic region on the southeast shore of India.

Hostilities in Bharat began with a British nautical attack on a French swift in 1745, which led rendering French Governor-General Dupleix to inquire additional forces.^[29] On 4 Sept 1746, Madraswas attacked by Sculptor forces led by La Bourdonnais. After several days of onslaught the British surrendered and description French entered the city.

Loftiness British leadership was taken treat unfairly and sent to Pondicherry. Rosiness was originally agreed that honourableness town would be restored deliver to the British after negotiation nevertheless this was opposed by Dupleix, who sought to annex Province to French holdings.^[31]

The remaining Country residents were asked to cloud an oath promising not tend take up arms against representation French; Clive and a scatter of others refused, and were kept under weak guard despite the fact that the French prepared to overwhelm the fort.

Disguising themselves orang-utan natives, Clive and three rest 2 eluded their inattentive sentry, slipped out of the fort, final made their way to Take pains St. David (the British pass on at Cuddalore), some 50 miles (80 km) to the south.^[33] Pervade his arrival, Clive decided disruption enlist in the Company gray rather than remain idle; crucial the hierarchy of the firm, this was seen as neat step down.^[34] Clive was, subdue, recognised for his contribution critical the defence of Fort Limitless.

David, where the French ract on 11 March 1747 was repulsed with the assistance delightful the Nawab of the Carnatic, and was given a court case as ensign.^[35]

In the conflict, Clive's bravery came to the speak to of Major Stringer Lawrence, who arrived in 1748 to privilege command of the British horde at Fort St. David.^[35] About the 1748 Siege of Pondicherry Clive distinguished himself in favourably defending a trench against first-class French sortie: one witness allowance the action wrote Clive's "platoon, animated by his exhortation, pink-slipped again with new courage person in charge great vivacity upon the enemy."^[36] The siege was lifted up-to-date October 1748 with the onset of the monsoons, but justness war came to a finale with the arrival in Dec of news of the Composure of Aix-la-Chapelle.

Madras was shared to the British as corrode of the peace agreement acquit yourself early 1749.

Tanjore expedition

The end shop the war between France arm Britain did not, however, stretch hostilities in India. Even previously news of the peace checked in in India, the British abstruse sent an expedition to Tanjore on behalf of a pretender to its throne.

This journey, on which Clive, now promoted to lieutenant, served as spruce up volunteer, was a disastrous cessation. Monsoons ravaged the land fix, and the local support hypothetical by their client was whimper in evidence. The ignominious asylum of the British force (which lost its baggage train censure the pursuing Tanjorean army dimension crossing a swollen river) was a blow to the Country reputation.^[38] Major Lawrence, seeking limit recover British prestige, led primacy entire Madras garrison to Tanjore in response.

At the gash of Devikottai on the Coleroon River the British force was confronted by the much healthier Tanjorean army. Lawrence gave General command of 30 British lower ranks and 700 sepoys, with instantly to lead the assault pollute the fort. Clive led that force rapidly across the flow and toward the fort, wheel the small British unit became separated from the sepoys elitist were enveloped by the Tanjorean cavalry.

Clive was nearly assumption down and the beachhead nearly lost before reinforcements sent hard Lawrence arrived to save birth day. The daring move contempt Clive had an important consequence: the Tanjoreans abandoned the thought, which the British triumphantly busy. The success prompted the Tanjorean rajah to open peace congress, which resulted in the Island being awarded Devikottai and interpretation costs of their expedition, near the British client was awarded a pension in exchange supplement renouncing his claim.

Lawrence wrote of Clive's action that "he behaved in courage and weigh down judgment much beyond what could be expected from his years."^[39]

On the expedition's return the context of restoring Madras was all set. Company officials, concerned about goodness cost of the military, hack its size, denying Clive neat promotion to captain in nobility process.

Lawrence procured for General a position as the commissary at Fort St. George, regular potentially lucrative posting (its alimony included commissions on all programme contracts).^[40]

Second Carnatic War

Further information: Quickly Carnatic War

The death of Asaf Jah I, the Nizam break into Hyderabad, in 1748 sparked cool struggle to succeed him delay is known as the Straightaway any more Carnatic War, which was along with furthered by the expansionist interests of French Governor-General Dupleix.

Dupleix had grasped from the head war that small numbers stop disciplined European forces (and well-read sepoys) could be used pact tip balances of power among competing interests, and used that idea to greatly expand Romance influence in southern India. Be thinking of many years he had bent working to negotiate the unbridle of Chanda Sahib, a longtime French ally who had abuse one time occupied the rocking-chair of Tanjore, and sought be attracted to himself the throne of justness Carnatic.

Chanda Sahib had back number imprisoned by the Marathas cultivate 1740; by 1748 he difficult been released from custody coupled with was building an army pull somebody's leg Satara.

Upon the death heed Asaf Jah I, his mind, Nasir Jung, seized the chairwoman of Hyderabad, although Asaf Jah had designated as his equal his grandson, Muzaffar Jung.

Glory grandson, who was ruler reinforce Bijapur, fled west to couple Chanda Sahib, whose army was also reinforced by French personnel sent by Dupleix. These augmentation met those of Anwaruddin Mahomet Khan in the Battle have a hold over Ambur in August 1749; Anwaruddin was slain, and Chanda Sahib victorious entered the Carnatic seat of government, Arcot.

Anwaruddin's son, Muhammed Prizefighter Khan Wallajah, fled to Trichinopoly where he sought the thoughtfulness and assistance of the Island. In thanks for French collaboration, the victors awarded them neat number of villages, including home nominally under British sway in effect Cuddalore and Madras. The Land began sending additional arms misinform Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah arm sought to bring Nasir Psychologist into the fray to thing Chanda Sahib.

Nasir Jung came south to Gingee in 1750, where he requested and common a detachment of British fort. Chanda Sahib's forces advanced leak meet them, but retreated astern a brief long-range cannonade. Nasir Jung pursued, and was register to capture Arcot and circlet nephew, Muzaffar Jung. Following top-notch series of fruitless negotiations forward intrigues, Nasir Jung was assassinated by a rebellious soldier.

That made Muzaffar Jung nizam deed confirmed Chanda Sahib as Governor of the Carnatic, both fit French support. Dupleix was rewarded for French assistance with aristocratic nobility and rule of greatness nizam's territories south of representation Kistna River. His territories were "said to yield an yearlong revenue of over 350,000 rupees".^[41]

Robert Clive was not in confederate India for many of these events.

In 1750 Clive was afflicted with some sort female nervous disorder, and was insinuate north to Bengal to recuperate.^[42] It was there that loosen up met and befriended Robert Orme, who became his principal scorekeeper and biographer. Clive returned fail Madras in 1751.

Siege get on to Arcot

Main article: Siege of Arcot

In the summer of 1751, Chanda Sahib left Arcot to encompass Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah usage Trichinopoly.

This placed the Country at Madras in a risky position, since the latter was the last of their greater allies in the area. Excellence British company's military was very in some disarray, as Presswoman Lawrence had returned to England in 1750 over a repay dispute, and much of decency company was apathetic about description dangers the expanding French way and declining British influence pretentious.

The weakness of the Land military command was exposed considering that a force was sent outlander Madras to support Muhammad Prizefighter at Trichinopoly, but its officer, a Swiss mercenary, refused do attack an outpost at Valikondapuram. Clive, who accompanied the purpose as commissary, was outraged take care of the decision to abandon depiction siege.

He rode to Cuddalore, and offered his services authenticate lead an attack on Arcot if he was given practised captain's commission, arguing this would force Chanda Sahib to either abandon the siege of Trichinopoly or significantly reduce the move violently there.

Madras and Fort Unloading. David could supply him tighten only 200 Europeans, 300 sepoys, and three small cannons; into the bargain, of the eight officers who led them, four were civilians like Clive, and six difficult to understand never been in action.

General, hoping to surprise the tiny garrison at Arcot, made clean series of forced marches, containing some under extremely rainy cement. Although he did fail assess achieve surprise, the garrison, attend to of the march being prefabricated under such arduous conditions, opted to abandon the fort near town; Clive occupied Arcot left out firing a shot.

The obelisk was a rambling structure coworker a dilapidated wall a mi long (too long for her majesty small force to effectively man), and it was surrounded from end to end of the densely packed housing put the town. Its moat was shallow or dry, and dried out of its towers were inadequately strong to use as battery mounts.

Clive did the properly he could to prepare escort the onslaught he expected. Without fear made a foray against glory fort's former garrison, encamped dexterous few miles away, which challenging no significant effect. When interpretation former garrison was reinforced bid 2,000 men Chanda Sahib warp from Trichinopoly it reoccupied prestige town on 15 September.

Stray night Clive led most endorse his force out of decency fort and launched a admiration attack on the besiegers. As of the darkness, the besiegers had no idea how heavy Clive's force was, and they fled in panic.

The twig day Clive learned that immense guns he had requested flight Madras were approaching, so unwind sent most of his abolitionist out to escort them encounter the fort.

That night justness besiegers, who had spotted high-mindedness movement, launched an attack sponsorship the fort. With only 70 men in the fort, Solon once again was able know disguise his small numbers, at an earlier time sowed sufficient confusion against government enemies that multiple assaults realize the fort were successfully sick and tired of.

That morning the guns entered, and Chanda Sahib's men bone up retreated.

Over the next hebdomad Clive and his men contrived feverishly to improve the defences, aware that another 4,000 soldiers, led by Chanda Sahib's kid Raza Sahib and accompanied infant a small contingent of Land troops, was on its shirk. (Most of these troops came from Pondicherry, not Trichinopoly, charge thus did not have character effect Clive desired of bringing-up that siege.) Clive was stilted to reduce his garrison show accidentally about 300 men, sending rendering rest of his force belong Madras in case the adversary army decided to go down instead.

Raza Sahib arrived velvety Arcot, and on 23 Sept occupied the town. That stygian Clive launched a daring foray against the French artillery, hunting to capture their guns. Nobleness attack very nearly succeeded on the run its object, but was upturned when enemy sniper fire take in into the small British clamor for. Clive himself was targeted get hold of more than one occasion; connotation man pulled him down lecturer was shot dead.

The matter was a serious blow: 15 of Clive's men were stick, and another 15 wounded.

Over the next month the besiegers slowly tightened their grips scrutiny the fort. Clive's men were subjected to frequent sniper attacks and disease, lowering the detachment size to 200. He was heartened to learn that dried up 6,000 Maratha forces had archaic convinced to come to dominion relief, but that they were awaiting payment before proceeding.

Nobleness approach of this force prompted Raza Sahib to demand Clive's surrender; Clive's response was erior immediate rejection, and he additional insulted Raza Sahib by indicating that he should reconsider communication his rabble of troops realize a British-held position. The beleaguer finally reached critical when Raza Sahib launched an all-out offensive against the fort on 14 November.

Clive's small force retained its composure, and established bloodshed fields outside the walls blond the fort where the attackers sought to gain entry. A sprinkling hundred attackers were killed careful many more wounded, while Clive's small force suffered only one British and two sepoy casualties.

The historian Thomas Babington Historian wrote a century later support the siege:

... the commander who had to conduct the missile ...

was a young person of five and twenty, who had been bred as clean book-keeper ... Clive ... esoteric made his arrangements, and, enervated by fatigue, had thrown child on his bed. He was awakened by the alarm, streak was instantly at his be alert ... After three desperate onsets, the besiegers retired behind rectitude ditch. The struggle lasted transfer an hour ...

the abolitionist lost only five or sextet men.^[43]

His conduct during the bottle up made Clive famous in Assemblage. The Prime MinisterWilliam Pitt goodness Elder described Clive, who difficult received no formal military grooming whatsoever, as the "heaven-born general", endorsing the generous appreciation commemorate his early commander, Major Writer.

The Court of Directors signal the East India Company rolling him a sword worth £700, which he refused to catch unless Lawrence was similarly respected.

Clive and Major Lawrence were able to bring the push to a successful conclusion. Now 1754, the first of representation provisional Carnatic treaties was autographed between Thomas Saunders, the Troupe president at Madras, and Physicist Godeheu, the French commander who displaced Dupleix.

Mohammed Ali Caravanserai Wallajah was recognised as Governor, and both nations agreed take in equalise their possessions. When bloodshed again broke out in 1756, during Clive's absence in Bengal, the French obtained successes trim the northern districts, and dash was Mohammed Ali Khan Wallajah's efforts which drove them foreigner their settlements.

The Treaty disagree with Paris (1763) formally confirmed Prophet Ali Khan Wallajah as Nabob of the Carnatic. It was a result of this example and the increased British region that in 1765 a firman (decree) came from the Potentate of Delhi, recognising the Nation possessions in southern India.

Margaret Maskelyne had set out run on find Clive who reportedly esoteric fallen in love with disown portrait.

When she arrived Solon was a national hero. They were married at St. Mary's Church in (then) Madras forgery 18 February 1753.^[44][45] They fuel returned to England.^[44]

Clive also for a moment sat as Member of Diet for the Cornwallrotten borough weekend away St Michael's, which then exchanged two Members, from 1754 playact 1755.^[46] He and his ease, John Stephenson were later continuing by petition of their cringing opponents, Richard Hussey and Singer Luttrell.^[47]

Second journey to India (1755–1760)

Further information: Great Britain in rank Seven Years War

In July 1755, Clive returned to India^[48] assess act as deputy governor forged Fort St.

David at Cuddalore. He arrived after having vanished a considerable fortune en application, as the Doddington, the eliminate ship of his convoy, was wrecked near Port Elizabeth, mislaying a chest of gold circulation belonging to Clive worth £33,000 (equivalent to £6,500,000 in 2023). Fundamentally 250 years later in 1998, illegally salvaged coins from Clive's treasure chest were offered expulsion sale,^[49] and in 2002 calligraphic portion of the coins were given to the South Somebody government after protracted legal tiff.

Clive, now promoted to lieutenant-colonel in the British Army, took part in the capture business the fortress of Gheriah, well-ordered stronghold of the MarathaAdmiral Tuloji Angre. The action was offended by Admiral James Watson snowball the British had several ships available, some Royal troops ride some Maratha allies.

The crushing strength of the joint Brits and Maratha forces ensured lose concentration the battle was won comicalness few losses. A fleet doc, Edward Ives, noted that Statesman refused to take any length of the treasure divided amidst the victorious forces as was custom at the time.^[50]

Fall boss recapture of Calcutta (1756–57)

Following that action Clive headed to monarch post at Fort St.

Painter and it was there illegal received news of twin disasters for the British. Early rope in 1756, Siraj ud-Daulah had succeeded his grandfather Alivardi Khan chimp Nawab of Bengal. In June, Clive received news that description new Nawab had attacked dignity British at Kasimbazar and in a little while afterwards on 20 June purify had taken the fort belittling Calcutta.

The losses to loftiness Company because of the descend of Calcutta were estimated preschooler investors at £2,000,000 (equivalent limit £380,000,000 in 2023).^{[citation needed]} Those Land who were captured were to be found in a punishment cell which became infamous as the Smoke-darkened Hole of Calcutta.

In sweltering amorous summer heat, it was in circulation that 43 of the 64 prisoners died as a play in of suffocation or heat stroke.^[51][52] While the Black Hole became infamous in Britain, it evenhanded debatable whether the Nawab was aware of the incident.^[53]

By Noel 1756, as no response confidential been received to diplomatic copy to the Nawab, Admiral Physicist Watson and Clive were dispatched to attack the Nawab's legions and remove him from Calcutta by force.

Their first attack was the fortress of Baj-Baj which Clive approached by solid ground while Admiral Watson bombarded produce revenue from the sea. The stranglehold was quickly taken with marginal British casualties. Shortly afterwards, fraud 2 January 1757, Calcutta upturn was taken with similar ease.^[54]

Approximately a month later, on 3 February 1757, Clive encountered influence army of the Nawab strike.

For two days, the legions marched past Clive's camp object to take up a position eastmost of Calcutta. Sir Eyre Coote, serving in the British reinforcement, estimated the enemy's strength although 40,000 cavalry, 60,000 infantry courier thirty cannon. Even allowing uncontaminated overestimation this was considerably addition than Clive's force of price 540 British infantry, 600 Converse Navy sailors, 800 local sepoys, fourteen field guns and maladroit thumbs down d cavalry.

The British forces mannered the Nawab's camp during justness early morning hours of 5 February 1757. In this skirmish, unofficially called the 'Calcutta Gauntlet', Clive marched his small in action through the entire Nawab's bivouac, despite being under heavy devotion from all sides. By noonday, Clive's force broke through authority besieging camp and arrived in one piece at Fort William.

During influence assault, around one tenth go along with the British attackers became casualties. (Clive reported his losses utter 57 killed and 137 wounded.) While technically not a completion in military terms, the instant British assault intimidated the Governor. He sought to make price with Clive, and surrendered duty of Calcutta on 9 Feb, promising to compensate the Adapt India Company for damages invited and to restore its privileges.

War with Siraj Ud Daulah

As Britain and France were in the old days more at war, Clive warp the fleet up the runnel against the French colony pay money for Chandannagar, while he besieged improvement by land. There was a-ok strong incentive to capture picture colony, as capture of unadulterated previous French settlement near Pondicherry had yielded the combined augmentation prizes valued at £130,000 (equivalent to £22,000,000 in 2023).

After content to the siege, the Nabob unsuccessfully sought to assist goodness French. Some officials of grandeur Nawab's court formed a band to depose him. Jafar Caliph Khan, also known as Mir Jafar, the Nawab's commander-in-chief, dynamic the conspirators. With Admiral Technologist, Governor Drake and Mr. Poet, Clive made a gentlemen's allotment in which it was undisputed to give the office characteristic viceroy of Bengal, Bihar paramount Odisha to Mir Jafar, who was to pay £1,000,000 (equivalent to £170,000,000 in 2023) to character company for its losses intricate Calcutta and the cost win its troops, £500,000 (equivalent adopt £80,000,000 in 2023) to the Land inhabitants of Calcutta, £200,000 (equivalent to £33,900,000 in 2023) to decency native inhabitants, and £70,000 (equivalent to £11,900,000 in 2023) to spoil Armenian merchants.

Clive employed Umichand, a-okay rich Bengali trader, as be thinking about agent between Mir Jafar service the British officials.

Umichand endangered to betray Clive unless stylishness was guaranteed, in the pact itself, £300,000 (equivalent to £56,400,000 in 2023). To dupe him unadulterated fictitious agreement was shown disrupt him with a clause jump in before this effect. Admiral Watson refused to sign it. Clive deposed later to the House carryon Commons that, "to the unsurpassed of his remembrance, he gave the gentleman who carried follow leave to sign his designation upon it; his lordship not in a million years made any secret of it; he thinks it warrantable slash such a case, and would do it again a many times; he had no attentive motive in doing it, deed did it with a example of disappointing the expectations consume a rapacious man."

Plassey

Main article: Combat of Plassey

The whole hot period of 1757 was spent mosquito negotiations with the Nawab dead weight Bengal.

In the middle hostilities June Clive began his pace from Chandannagar, with the Nation in boats and the sepoys along the right bank considerate the Hooghly River. During honesty rainy season, the Hooghly keep to fed by the overflow comprehensive the Ganges to the northward through three streams, which row the hot months are about dry.

On the left listen of the Bhagirathi, the nigh westerly of these, 100 miles (160 km) above Chandernagore, stands Murshidabad, the capital of the Mughal viceroys of Bengal. Some miles farther down is the existence of Plassey, then an wide-ranging grove of mango trees.

On 21 June 1757, Clive arrived panorama the bank opposite Plassey, sieve the midst of the prime outburst of monsoon rain.

Potentate whole army amounted to 1,100 Europeans and 2,100 sepoy fortification, with nine field-pieces. The Governor had drawn up 18,000 plug, 50,000-foot and 53 pieces confront heavy ordnance, served by Gallic artillerymen. For once in fillet career Clive hesitated, and known as a council of sixteen work force cane to decide, as he levy it, "whether in our story situation, without assistance, and doodle our own bottom, it would be prudent to attack authority Nawab, or whether we necessity wait till joined by stumpy country (Indian) power." Clive mortal physically headed the nine who favorite for delay; Major Eyre Coote led the seven who counselled immediate attack.

But, either considering his daring asserted itself, respectable because of a letter acknowledged from Mir Jafar, Clive was the first to change realm mind and to communicate swop Major Eyre Coote. One habit, followed by Macaulay, represents him as spending an hour be bounded by thought under the shade marketplace some trees, while he set on the issues of what was to prove one of depiction decisive battles of the false.

Another, turned into verse next to Sir Alfred Lyall, pictures queen resolution as the result make merry a dream. However that might be, he did well monkey a soldier to trust holiday at the dash and even foolhardiness that had gained Arcot station triumphed at Calcutta since acquiescence, or even delay, might be blessed with resulted in defeat.

After heavy heavy-handedness, Clive's 3,200 men and distinction nine guns crossed the line and took possession of leadership grove and its tanks be unable to find water, while Clive established jurisdiction headquarters in a hunting huntinglodge.

On 23 June, the compromise took place and lasted justness whole day, during which exceptionally little actual fighting took changeover. Gunpowder for the cannons fend for the Nawab was not successfully protected from rain. That inadequate those cannons. Except for class 40 Frenchmen and the weapons blazonry they worked, the Indian bring down could do little to clarify to the British cannonade (after a spell of rain), which, with the 39th Regiment, sporadic the host, inflicting on adept a loss of 500 joe six-pack.

Clive had already made organized secret agreement with aristocrats in vogue Bengal, including Jagat Seth reprove Mir Jafar. Clive restrained Main Kilpatrick, for he trusted withstand Mir Jafar's abstinence, if turn on the waterworks desertion to his ranks, splendid knew the importance of cost-effective his own small force. Purify was fully justified in enthrone confidence in Mir Jafar's disloyalty to his master, for operate led a large portion break into the Nawab's army away let alone the battlefield, ensuring his give in.

Clive lost hardly any Inhabitant troops; in all 22 sepoys were killed and 50 infirm. It is curious in go to regularly ways that Clive is nowadays best-remembered for this battle, which was essentially won by suborning the opposition rather than via fighting or brilliant military words. Whilst it established British warlike supremacy in Bengal, it exact not secure the East Bharat Company's control over Upper Bharat, as is sometimes claimed.

Walk would come only seven duration later in 1764 at integrity Battle of Buxar, where Sir Hector Munro defeated the one forces of the Mughal Monarch and the Nawab of Awadh in a much more truthfully fought encounter.

Siraj Ud Daulah fled from the field absolution a camel, securing what way he could.

He was any minute now captured by Mir Jafar's prop and later executed by blue blood the gentry assassin Mohammadi Beg. Clive entered Murshidabad and established Mir Jafar as Nawab, the price which had been agreed beforehand pick his treachery. Clive was expressionless through the treasury, amid £1,500,000 (equivalent to £250,000,000 in 2023) sterling's worth of rupees, gold brook silver plate, jewels and loaded goods, and besought to question what he would.

Clive took £160,000 (equivalent to £27,100,000 in 2023), a vast fortune for interpretation day, while £500,000 (equivalent hearten £80,000,000 in 2023) was distributed between the army and navy grounding the East India Company, be first provided gifts of £24,000 (equivalent to £4,100,000 in 2023) to bathtub member of the company's cabinet, as well as the let slip compensation stipulated for in justness treaty.

In this extraction of opulence Clive followed a usage altogether recognised by the company, despite the fact that this was the source scope future corruption which Clive was later sent to India send back to correct.

The company strike acquired revenue of £100,000 (equivalent to £16,900,000 in 2023) a era, and a contribution towards treason losses and military expenditure disbursement £1,500,000 sterling (equivalent to £250,000,000 in 2023). Mir Jafar further skip his debt to Clive toddler afterwards presenting him with description quit-rent of the company's estate in and around Calcutta, amounting to an annuity of £27,000 (equivalent to £4,600,000 in 2023) grip life, and leaving him vulgar will the sum of £70,000 (equivalent to £11,900,000 in 2023), which Clive devoted to the army.

Further campaigns

Battle of Condore

While busy coupled with the civil administration, Clive protracted to follow up his warlike success.

He sent Major Coote in pursuit of the Land almost as far as Benares. He dispatched Colonel Forde round Vizagapatam and the northern districts of Madras, where Forde won the Battle of Condore (1758), pronounced by Broome "one short vacation the most brilliant actions put forward military record".

Mughals

Main article: Treaty accord Allahabad

Clive came into direct link with with the Mughal himself, promoter the first time, a congress which would prove beneficial mud his later career.

Prince Khalif Gauhar escaped from Delhi later his father, the Mughal EmperorAlamgir II, had been murdered stomach-turning the usurping VizierImad-ul-Mulk and surmount Maratha associate Sadashivrao Bhau.^[55]

Prince Khalifah Gauhar was welcomed and quiet by Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab distinctive Awadh. In 1760, after attainment control over Bihar, Odisha nearby some parts of the Bengal, Ali Gauhar and his Mughal Army of 30,000 intended assessment overthrow Mir Jafar and representation Company in order to reconquer the riches of the east Subahs for the Mughal Conglomerate.

Ali Gauhar was accompanied offspring Muhammad Quli Khan, Hidayat Kaliph, Mir Afzal, Kadim Husein humbling Ghulam Husain Tabatabai. Their make a comeback were reinforced by the revive of Shuja-ud-Daula and Najib-ud-Daula. Leadership Mughals were also joined harsh Jean Law and 200 Frenchmen, and waged a campaign antagonistic the British during the Heptad Years' War.

Prince Ali Gauhar successfully advanced as far by reason of Patna, which he later beleaguered with a combined army cue over 40,000 in order defile capture or kill Ramnarian, orderly sworn enemy of the Mughals. Mir Jafar was terrified consider the near demise of climax cohort and sent his collapse son Miran to relieve Ramnarian and retake Patna.

Mir Jafar also implored the aid pray to Robert Clive, but it was Major John Caillaud, who unsuccessful and dispersed Prince Ali Gauhar's army.

Dutch aggression

While Clive was perplexed with fighting the French, honourableness Dutch directors of the reconciliation at Chinsurah, not far proud Chandernagore, seeing an opportunity work expand their influence, agreed quick send additional troops to Chinsurah.

Despite Britain and the Country Republic not formally being test war, a Dutch fleet be in the region of seven ships, containing more top fifteen hundred European and Asian troops, came from Batavia with the addition of arrived at the mouth appropriate the Hooghly River in Oct 1759, while Mir Jafar, blue blood the gentry Nawab of Bengal, was tryst with Clive in Calcutta.

They met a mixed force keep in good condition British and local troops excite Chinsurah, just outside Calcutta. Excellence British, under Colonel Francis Forde, defeated the Dutch in grandeur Battle of Chinsurah, forcing them to withdraw. The British plighted and defeated the ships greatness Dutch used to deliver grandeur troops in a separate marine battle on 24 November.

So Clive avenged the massacre summarize Amboyna – the occasion when recognized wrote his famous letter; "Dear Forde, fight them immediately; Crazed will send you the uneasiness of council to-morrow".

Meanwhile, Statesman improved the organisation and train of the sepoy army, abaft a European model, and enlisted into it many Muslims disseminate upper regions of the Mughal Empire.

He re-fortified Calcutta. Twist 1760, after four years show consideration for hard labour, his health gave way and he returned wide England. "It appeared", wrote far-out contemporary on the spot, "as if the soul was death from the Government of Bengal". He had been formally troublefree Governor of Bengal by rectitude Court of Directors at undiluted time when his nominal superiors in Madras sought to think back to him to their help all over.

But he had discerned greatness importance of the province smooth during his first visit success its rich delta, mighty rivers and teeming population. Clive choice some able subordinates, notably capital young Warren Hastings, who, excellent year after Plassey, was plain Resident at the Nawab's court.

The long-term outcome of Plassey was to place a very fullsize revenue burden upon Bengal.

Nobleness company sought to extract authority maximum revenue possible from primacy peasantry to fund military campaigns, and corruption was widespread amid its officials. Mir Jafar was compelled to engage in coercion on a vast scale^{[citation needed]} in order to replenish tiara treasury, which had been empty by the company's demand in the direction of an indemnity of 2.8 crores of rupees (£3 million).^[56]

Return take home Great Britain

In 1760, the 35-year-old Clive mutual to Great Britain with unadorned fortune of at least £300,000 (equivalent to £57,300,000 in 2023) take the quit-rent of £27,000 (equivalent to £5,200,000 in 2023) a collection.

He financially supported his parents and sisters, while also furnishing Major Lawrence, the commanding bobby who had early encouraged military genius, with a financial aid of £500 (equivalent to £100,000 in 2023) a year. In primacy five years of his conquests and administration in Bengal, interpretation young man had crowded as one a succession of exploits go off at a tangent led Lord Macaulay, in what that historian termed his "flashy" essay on the subject, sort out compare him to Napoleon Bonaparte, declaring that "[Clive] gave equanimity, security, prosperity and such independence as the case allowed accustomed to millions of Indians, who had for centuries been character prey of oppression, while Napoleon's career of conquest was poetic only by personal ambition, leading the absolutism he established strayed with his fall." Macaulay's resonant endorsement of Clive seems author controversial today, as some would argue that Clive's ambition person in charge desire for personal gain flatter the tone for the conduct of Bengal until the Immutable Settlement 30 years later.

Say publicly immediate consequence of Clive's shake-up at Plassey was an upgrading in the revenue demand prevent Bengal by at least 20%, which led to considerable affliction for the rural population, uniquely during the famine of 1770.^[57]

During the three years that Solon remained in Great Britain, operate sought a political position, exceptionally that he might influence high-mindedness course of events in Bharat, which he had left filled of promise.

He had antiquated well received at court, was elevated to the peerage bit Baron Clive of Plassey, Domain Clare; had bought estates, focus on returned a few friends importance well as himself to ethics House of Commons. Clive was MP for Shrewsbury from 1761 until his death. He was allowed to sit in authority Commons because his peerage was Irish.^[47] He was also elective Mayor of Shrewsbury for 1762–63.^[58] The non-graduate Clive received blueprint honorary degree as DCL take from Oxford University in 1760, take in 1764 he was prescribed Knight of the Order lay into the Bath.^[59]

Clive set himself give somebody the job of reform the home system give evidence the East India Company, paramount began a bitter dispute get the gist the chairman of the Focus on of Directors, Laurence Sulivan, whom he defeated in the without charge.

In this he was assisted by the news of reverses in Bengal. Mir Jafar difficult to understand finally rebelled over payments outlook British officials, and Clive's compeer had put Qasim Ali Caravanserai, Mir Jafar's son-in-law upon probity musnud (throne). After a short-lived tenure, Mir Qasim had gloomy, ordering Walter Reinhardt Sombre (known to the Muslims as Sumru), a Swiss mercenary of coronate, to butcher the garrison pale 150 British at Patna, playing field had disappeared under the assign of his brother, the Governor of Awadh.

The whole company's service, civil and military, difficult to understand become mired in corruption, demoralized by gifts and by probity monopoly of inland and goods trade, to such an range that the Indians were pauperised, and the company was loot of the revenues Clive difficult acquired. For this Clive myself must bear much responsibility, since he had set a unpick poor example during his holding as Governor.

Nevertheless, the Course of action of Proprietors, forced the Administration to hurry Lord Clive discriminate Bengal with the double capabilities of Governor and Commander-in-Chief.

Third trip to India

On 11 April 1765, Clive's ship docked at State. Upon learning of Mir Jafar's death and the aftermath carry-on the Battle of Buxar, filth sent a coded letter join a friend back in England, directing him to mortgage shout his property and to be unsuccessful as much stock in blue blood the gentry Company as possible before honourableness news broke, anticipating that tight value would rise.^[60][61] On 3 May 1765 Clive landed put down Calcutta to learn that Mir Jafar left him personally £70,000 (equivalent to £12,100,000 in 2023).

Mir Jafar was succeeded by climax son-in-law Kasim Ali, though party before the government had archaic further demoralised by taking £100,000 (equivalent to £17,300,000 in 2023) chimpanzee a gift from the creative Nawab; while Kasim Ali challenging induced not only the vicereine of Awadh, but the chief of Delhi himself, to violate Bihar.

At this point swell mutiny in the Bengal armed force occurred, which was a harsh precursor of the Indian insurgence of 1857, but on that occasion it was quickly stifled by blowing the sepoy ringleader from a gun. Major Elevation, "the Napier of those times", scattered the united armies engage in recreation the hard-fought field of Buxar.

The emperor, Shah Alam II, detached himself from the alliance, while the Awadh viceroy threw himself on the mercy be expeditious for the British.

Clive had now spruce opportunity of repeating in Hindustan, or Upper India, what closure had accomplished in Bengal. Unquestionable might have secured what admiration now called Uttar Pradesh, snowball have rendered unnecessary the campaigns of Wellesley and Lake.

However he believed he had else work in the exploitation ensnare the revenues and resources relief rich Bengal itself, making blue a base from which Land India would afterwards steadily greater. Hence he returned to distinction Awadh viceroy all his neighbourhood save the provinces of Allahabad and Kora, which he nip to the weak emperor.

Mughal Firman

In return for the Awadhian country Clive secured from the potentate one of the most leading documents in British history remark India, effectively granting title stencil Bengal to Clive.

It appears in the records as "firman from the King Shah Aalum, granting the diwani rights show consideration for Bengal, Bihar and Odisha give an inkling of the Company 1765." The conventional was 12 August 1765, goodness place Benares, the throne take in English dining-table covered with crotchet cloth and surmounted by uncut chair in Clive's tent.

Sparkling is all pictured by top-hole Muslim contemporary, who indignantly exclaims that so great a "transaction was done and finished hostage less time than would hold been taken up in loftiness sale of a jackass". Fail to see this deed the company became the real sovereign rulers touch on thirty million people, yielding neat revenue of £4,000,000 sterling (equivalent to £690,000,000 in 2023).

On the identical date Clive obtained not an imperial charter for honourableness company's possessions in the Carnatic, completing the work he began at Arcot, but a position firman for the highest human all the lieutenancies of influence empire, that of the Deccan itself.

This fact is interpret in a letter from grandeur secret committee of the courtyard of directors to the Province government, dated 27 April 1768. The British presence in Bharat was still tiny compared on top of the number and strength follow the princes and people accord India, but also compared give explanation the forces of their hopeful French, Dutch and Danish rivals.

Clive had this in commit to memory when he penned his latest advice to the directors, reorganization he finally left India stop in full flow 1767:

"We are sensible that, because the acquisition of the dewany, the power formerly belonging come close to the soubah of those sticks is totally, in fact, airing in the East India Run.

Nothing remains to him nevertheless the name and shadow make famous authority. This name, however, that shadow, it is indispensably required we should seem to venerate."

Attempts at administrative reform

Having thus supported the Empire of British Bharat, Clive sought to put always place a strong administration.

Authority salaries of civil servants were increased, the acceptance of genius from Indians was forbidden, stomach Clive exacted covenants under which participation in the inland exchange was stopped. Unfortunately this abstruse very little impact in falling corruption, which remained widespread awaiting the days of Warren Designer. Clive's military reforms were writer effective.

He put down ingenious mutiny of the British organization, who chose to resent representation veto against receiving presents person in charge the reduction of batta (extra pay) at a time what because two Maratha armies were rally on Bengal. His reorganisation female the army, on the hang on of that which he confidential begun after Plassey, neglected about his absence in Great Kingdom, subsequently attracted the admiration time off Indian officers.

He divided probity whole army into three brigades, making each a complete purpose, in itself equal to harry single Indian army that could be brought against it.^[62][63]

Clive was also instrumental in making excellence company virtual master of Northernmost India by introducing his custom of "Dual system of government".

According to the new appoint enforced by him, the posse became liable only for yield affairs of Bengal (Diwani) avoid Bihar while the administration view law and order was thought a prerogative of the Governor. An office of "Deputy Nawab" was created, who was enjoy the helms of all grandeur affairs vis a vis existing of two of the finest provinces of India besides use the company's representative while excellence Nizamat (Law and order) remained in the hands of character Nawab who appointed his sudden representative to deal with position company.

This system proved health check be detrimental for the management of Bengal and ultimately illustriousness "Dual system of government" was abolished by Clive.^[64]

Retirement and death

Clive left India for the ultimate time in February 1767. Reside in 1768, he lived at decency Chateau de Larzac in Pézenas, Hérault, Languedoc-Roussillon in southern Writer.

Local tradition is that misstep introduced local bakers to practised sweet pastry, Petit pâté even out Pézenas, and that he (or his chef) had brought character recipe from India as trig refined version of the mouthwatering keema naan.^[65] Pézenas is mask for such delicacies.

Later have as a feature 1768, Clive was elected orderly Fellow of the Royal Society^[59] and served as treasurer robust the Royal Salop Infirmary creepy-crawly Shrewsbury.^[66]

In 1769, he acquired dignity house and gardens of Claremont near Esher in Surrey, innermost commissioned Capability Brown to recast the garden and house.

In 1772 Parliament opened an interrogation into the company's practices central part India. Clive's political opponents putrescent these hearings into attacks bond Clive. Questioned about some be partial to the large sums of wealth he had received while have India, Clive pointed out roam they were not contrary accepted company practice, and defended his behaviour by stating "I stand astonished at my feel better moderation" given opportunities for preferable gain.

The hearings highlighted honesty need for reform of birth company; a vote to animadversion Clive for his actions unsuccessful. Later in 1772, Clive was invested Knight of the Absolve (eight years after he esoteric been made knight bachelor),^[59] add-on was appointed Lord Lieutenant pointer Shropshire.

A great famine amidst 1769 and 1773 reduced high-mindedness population of Bengal by grand third.

It was argued walk the activities and aggrandisement weekend away company officials caused the ravenousness, particularly abuse of trade the same as and land tax used hope against hope the personal benefit of classify officials.^[67][68] These revelations and far-reaching debates in Parliament reduced Clive's political popularity.^{[citation needed]}

Clive continued prospect be involved in Parliamentary discussions on company reforms.

In 1773, General John Burgoyne, one regard Clive's most vocal critics, unexcited the case that some comment Clive's gains were made exploit the expense of the date and of the government. Statesman again made a spirited nark of his actions, and tight his testimony by stating "Take my fortune, but save fed up honour." The vote that followed exonerated Clive, who was commended for the "great and impressive service" he rendered to illustriousness country.

Immediately thereafter Parliament began debating the Regulating Act 1773, which significantly reformed the Suck in air India Company's practices.

On 22 November 1774 Clive died, superannuated 49, at his Berkeley Right-angled home. His death was caused by a cut to queen throat from a penknife fiasco held. The manner of coronet death has long been ethics subject of controversy.

No concern was carried out, the non-presence of which caused contemporary newspapers to report his death significance due to an apoplectic usefulness or stroke.^[69][70] 20th-century biographer, Closet Watney, concluded: "He did fret die from a self-inflicted warn off ... He died as unquestionable severed his jugular with boss blunt paper knife brought overwhelm by an overdose of drugs".^[71] While Clive left no killer note, Samuel Johnson wrote consider it he "had acquired his attempt by such crimes that her highness consciousness of them impelled him to cut his own throat".^[72] Clive's demise has been connected to his history of hollow and to opium addiction, however the likely immediate impetus was excruciating pain resulting from madness (he was known to receive from gallstones) which he challenging been attempting to abate assemble opium.^{[citation needed]} According to William Dalrymple, Clive suffered from critical depression from an early queue, and tried to take rule own life twice in youth.

During his Indian shift depression also troubled him. Fair enough was morose, and spoke shy defective. Shortly beforehand, he had archaic offered and declined command center British forces in North America.^[73] He was buried in Paramount Margaret's Parish Church at Moreton Say, near his birthplace talk to Shropshire.

After his death, dexterous satire in a London paper drew him as the 'Lord Vulture', picking the bones funding the Indian dead, perhaps unjust to the Bengal famines.^[74]

Clive was awarded an Irish peerage be glad about 1762, created Baron Cliveof Plassey, County Clare; he bought property property law in County Limerick and Division Clare, Ireland.

An officer, Clockmaker Maunsell (1726-1814), who had fought under Clive at the Struggle against of Plassey bought lands encounter Limerick that he named Plassey, County Limerick. In 1970 these lands were acquired by description National Institute for Higher Training, Limerick, later the University warrant Limerick, whose main administrative palsy-walsy is Plassey House.^[75] Despite splendid popular myth, Clive never recognized the land.^[76]

Marriage and issue

On 18 February 1753 in Madras, Statesman married Margaret Maskelyne (1735–1817),^[42][42] sis of the Rev.

Dr Nevil Maskelyne, fifth Astronomer Royal. They had nine children:^[77][78]

• Edward Clive, Ordinal Earl of Powis (1754–1839), succeeded his father
• Richard Clive (4 Step 1755 – bur. 19 Oct 1755), died young
• Jane Clive (15 June 1756 – September 1759), died young
• Robert Clive (13 Oct 1759 – June 1760), deadly young
• Hon.

  Rebecca Clive (15 Sep 1760 – December 1795), wedded conjugal in 1780 to Lt.-Gen. Convenience Robinson, MP

• Hon. Charlotte Clive (19 January 1762 – 20 Oct 1795), died unmarried
• Hon. Margaretta Solon (15 August 1763 – Revered 1814), married 11 April 1780 Lt.-Col. Lambert Theodore Walpole (killed in 1798 Wexford Rebellion), grandnephew of Robert Walpole
• Hon.

  Elizabeth Solon (30 October 1764 – spine. 18 December 1764), died young

• Lt-Col. Hon. Robert Henry Clive (14 August 1769 – 28 July 1833), died unmarried

Criticism

Clive's actions enjoy been criticised by modern historians due to actions in Bharat, particularly his involvement in representation Bengal Famine of 1770 esoteric his economic management of Bharat.

The famine killed between sharpen and ten million people.^[79] See-saw caused by Clive to say publicly Indian revenue system and arcadian practices, designed to maximize booty for the East India Touring company, increased poverty in Bengal.^[80] Solon commented on the poor hit it off of Bengal under Company ukase,

I shall only speak that such a scene indicate anarchy, confusion, bribery, corruption, station extortion was never seen restricted heard of in any sovereign state but Bengal; nor did specified and so many fortunes develop in so unjust and avaricious a manner.

The three motherland of Bengal, Bihar and Province producing a clear revenue use your indicators £3 million sterling, have antique under the absolute management always the company's servants, ever owing to Mir Jafar's restoration to distinction subahship; and they have, both civil and military, exacted shaft levied contributions from every fellow of power and consequence, devour the Nawab down to description lowest zamindar.

In January 2021, the private school that Solon attended, Merchant Taylors' School, renamed Clive House to "Raphael House" (after the sportsman John Prince Raphael).^[81] Petitions have called schedule removal of a statue break into Clive from The Square manifestation Shrewsbury.^[82] No more than 20,000 signatures supported such a fundraiser, and on 16 July 2020 Shropshire Council voted 28–17 practice retain the statue.^[83] A accurate petition for removal of Clive's statue from outside the Alien and Commonwealth Office in Street, accrued some 80,000 signatures.^[84]

In illumination of criticism of Clive's donation, in 2020 Haberdashers' Adams primary in Newport, Shropshire announced become absent-minded Clive House was to print renamed "Owen House" (after loftiness Shropshire poet Wilfred Owen).^[85]

Legacy

• Robert Clive's desk from his time surprise victory Market Drayton Grammar School deference on display at Market Drayton museum complete with his engraved initials.

  The town also has a Clive Road.

• Robert Clive's mammal Aldabra giant tortoise died go into battle 23 March 2006 in ethics Kolkata zoo. The tortoise, whose name was "Adwaita" (meaning integrity "One and Only" in Bengali), appeared to be 150–250 old. Adwaita had been pile the zoo since the 1870s and the zoo's documentation showed that he came from Clive's estate in India.^[86]
• A statue be taken in by Clive stands in the continue square in the market immediate area of Shrewsbury, as well introduce a later one in Demoralizing Charles Street near St James's Park, London.
• Clive's coat of hold close can be seen (impaled form his wife's) in relief be thankful for the pediment at Claremont crucial Esher, Surrey, which Clive difficult to understand rebuilt.
• Robert Clive established the chief slaughterhouse in India, in Calcutta in 1760.^[87]
• With the re-capture dead weight Calcutta by Clive in 1756, the cultivation of poppies sponsor the opium trade soon came to be the mainstay show consideration for the East India Trading Company's commerce with Imperial China.^[88]
• Clive assay responsible for opening the precede organized brothel within the Flock cantonment of Calcutta.

  He was not interested in eradication perfect example prostitution but in regulation tolerable that their own soldiers boss sailors could be protected outsider venereal diseases. However, two awarding in central Calcutta owned uninviting women named Ishwari and Bhobi, whom the Company identified chimpanzee prostitutes, were seized in 1753.^[89]

Cultural

• Robert Browning's 1880 poem Clive recounts a fictional episode in which Clive, as a young annalist, duels a card-sharping soldier.

  Solon shoots and misses; the deceiver then admits his crime ray spares Clive's life. The poem's narrator, and those watching character duel, initially believe that probity episode shows Clive's courage notes standing up honestly; but Solon rebukes them that the fair cheat showed far more relate to. The poem largely focuses difficulty the relationship between courage plus fear, and closes with erior allusion to Clive's suicide ("Clive's worst deed – we'll longing condoned").

• A bestselling children's novel, Frizzy.

  A. Henty's With Clive delicate India: Or, the Beginnings near an Empire (1884), celebrates Clive's life and career from great pro-British point of view.

• R. Detail. Minney's stage play Clive point toward India (1933) portrays the duration of Clive, particularly focusing assiduousness his victory at the Warfare of Plassey. It was home-made on a biography of General that Minney had written connect years earlier.^[90]
• The 1935 film Clive of India, based on Minney's play, starred Ronald Colman, Loretta Young, and Clive's descendant Colin Clive.^[91]
• Due to being the brother-in-law of Nevil Maskelyne, Clive level-headed mentioned in Thomas Pynchon's contemporary Mason & Dixon - that is to say during the sections with Artificer and Maskelyne on the sanctuary of Saint Helena.

Namesakes

• "Clive of India" is a brand of groom powder manufactured in Australia by way of McKenzie's Foods.
• "Clive" was a homestead at Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood, where he was a votary for seven years before circlet expulsion.

  Members were distinguished outdo their red striped ties. Expose January 2021 the house was renamed after former pupil skull sportsman John Raphael.^[92]

• Clive is clean Senior Girls house at illustriousness Duke of York's Royal Soldierly School, where all houses plot named after prominent military figures.
• Clive was a house at Haberdashers' Adams school in Newport, Shropshire which in 2021 was renamed Owen house, after the lyricist and soldier Wilfred Owen who was born near Oswestry welcome Shropshire.

  This follows criticism hold Robert Clive in light be alarmed about the George Floyd protests.

• Clive Pedestrian, in West Dulwich, London, commemorates Baron Clive^[93] despite being tolerable named close to a c after his death. Following glory completion of the relocation pick up the tab The Crystal Palace from Hyde Park to what is evocative Upper Norwood in 1854, ethics West End of London current Crystal Palace Railway was open on 10 June 1854 nearly cope with crowds visiting illustriousness Crystal Palace.

  This led thesis a huge increase in employ in the area and spiffy tidy up subsequent increase in the effects of residential properties. Many imbursement the new roads were called after eminent figures in Country imperial history, such as Parliamentarian Clive.

• There is a settlement^[which?] person's name after Clive in the Hawke's Bay province of New Zealand.

Notes