Lot Essay
The British victory at the Battle of Plassey on 23 June 1757 has traditionally been cited as marking the start of the British territorial empire in India. Having recovered Calcutta from Siraj-ud-Daulah in 1757, Clive was drawn into a further adventure by news that a powerful conspiracy had been formed by the Nawab's rival, a prominent military leader, Mir Jafar. He promised valuable concessions to the Company and huge rewards to individuals. A treaty was signed and the army marched to Plassey where the Nawab was defeated. As a reward for his treachery, Mir Jafar was enthroned as the new Nawab. In return he granted the equivalent of £3 million to the English. This picture depicts Mir Jafar assigning treasures to Clive following the battle. Francis Hayman (c. 1708-1776) painted the same subject circa 1761-2, now in the National Portrait Gallery. The painting is one of the earliest depictions of Anglo-Indian history.