Robert Clive played a key role in establishing British dominance in Bengal through military victories, administrative reforms, and agreements like the Treaty of Allahabad.

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• Robert Clive, also known as “Clive of India,” was instrumental in expanding British East India Company control in Bengal during the 18th century.
• He began his career in 1744 at Fort St. George and later became a key military leader during the Carnatic Wars.
• His decisive victory in the Battle of Plassey established British political control over Bengal.
• Clive served as Governor of Bengal twice (1757–60 and 1765–67), consolidating British power in the region.
• After the Battle of Buxar, Clive signed the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765 with Indian rulers.
• Under the treaty, Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II granted Diwani rights (revenue collection) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the Company.
• Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula ceded territory and paid a war indemnity, while Awadh was kept as a buffer state.
• Clive introduced the Dual Government system in Bengal, separating revenue collection (Diwani) and administration (Nizamat).
• The Company controlled real power while the Nawab remained a nominal ruler, creating administrative imbalance.
• The system led to corruption, mismanagement, and neglect of public welfare in Bengal.
• Due to its failures, the Dual Government system was abolished by Warren Hastings in 1772.
• Clive remains a controversial figure, criticized for policies contributing to economic exploitation and events like the Bengal Famine.