The Battle of Palashi: How Bengal Lost Its Independence in 1757

In 1757, a pivotal battle on the banks of the Bhagirathi River changed the course of Indian history. This episode dives into the Battle of Palashi (Plassey) — not just the skirmish itself, but the web of conspiracy, betrayal, and ambition that preceded it. Lucas and Luna explore the roles of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, the young and impetuous ruler of Bengal; Robert Clive, the ambitious East India Company officer; and the infamous traitor Mir Jafar, whose defection sealed the Nawab's fate. They discuss the Black Hole of Calcutta controversy, the secret treaty with Mir Jafar, the monsoon march to Palashi, and how a few thousand soldiers toppled one of the wealthiest kingdoms in Asia. The episode also examines the aftermath: the Company's growing control over Bengal's treasury, the puppet nawabs, and the seeds of British colonial rule in India. Drawing on recent scholarship that questions traditional narratives, this conversation offers a nuanced look at a battle that is often mythologized.

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