Tales from later Mughals

French to resolve their internal disputes. This was an
opportunity for the European powers to interfere in the
internal affairs of the Indian states.
In exchange they would demand cash or land.
Surpassing the French in this conflict, the British soon
emerged as a military power in the region. Unhappy with the
Company's interference in the internal affairs of his
province, Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal organised
his army and defeated the British in Kolkata. The British
sent reinforcements under Colonel Robert Clive from
Chennai (Madras) to Bengal and recaptured Kolkata.
Tensions and suspicions between Siraj-ud-Daulah and the
British culminated in the Battle of Plassey, which lingered
for seven years. When Clive arrived in Bengal, he realised
that it would be difficult for him to win the battle purely on
the basis of military strength. He decided to conspire with
Umi Chand, Mir Qasim and the bankers of Bhagat Seth who
had business interests with the East India Company. Mir
Qasim collaborated because he wanted to become the ruler
of Bengal at all cost.
So basically there were collaborators, the power
hungry people who were ready to consort with the Company
without realising the cost of their support. Then there were
businessmen acting as agents between the Company as well
as the artisans who manufactured textile for it.
In the south, Tipu Sultan being an enlightened and
progressive ruler realised the danger of foreign rule. He was
liked neither by the Nizam of Deccan nor the Maratha chiefs.
He was defeated by the combined powers of the Nizam, the
Marathas and the Company. The rulers who did not tolerate
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