Chronology of 18th-Century Battles — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2005

Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the battles fought in India in the 18th Century?

1. Battle of Wandiwash – Battle of Buxar – Battle of Ambur – Battle of Plassey
2. Battle of Ambur – Battle of Plassey – Battle of Wandiwash – Battle of Buxar
3. Battle of Wandiwash – Battle of Plassey – Battle of Ambur – Battle of Buxar
4. Battle of Ambur – Battle of Buxar – Battle of Wandiwash – Battle of Plassey

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• The correct chronological order is Battle of Ambur (1749), Battle of Plassey (1757), Battle of Wandiwash (1760), and Battle of Buxar (1764). The Battle of Ambur was fought during the Second Carnatic War and marked the beginning of intense Anglo-French rivalry in South India. The Battle of Plassey established British political influence in Bengal. The Battle of Wandiwash decisively ended French ambitions in India by securing British supremacy in the Carnatic region. Finally, the Battle of Buxar consolidated British power in northern India and paved the way for the grant of Diwani rights in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Answer: (b) Battle of Ambur – Battle of Plassey – Battle of Wandiwash – Battle of Buxar