The Life of Robert, Lord Clive, Vol. 3 (of 3): Collected from the Family Papers Communicated by the Earl of PowisMalcolm, John
History
The Life of Robert, Lord Clive, Vol. 3 (of 3): Collected from the Family Papers Communicated by the Earl of Powis
Malcolm, John
Clive, Robert Clive, Baron, 1725-1774; India -- History -- British occupation, 1765-1947
Lord Clive, proceeding up the river, met the Vizier, as has been
mentioned, at Benares. The fortune of war had been against him; his
armies had been repeatedly defeated, and his capital, Lucknow, taken.
He had given himself up to General Carnac, and was eager for peace.
So early as the 2d of August, Lord Clive had an interview with him,
and intimated his intention of restoring all his dominions, except
Allahabad, worth 10 lacs yearly, and perhaps Corah, valued at 18. "His
expressions of joy and gratitude upon this occasion," say Lord Clive
and General Carnac, in a joint letter to the Select Committee[92],
"were many and warm. Such an instance of generosity in a victorious
enemy, exceeded his most sanguine expectations, and we doubt not
will be the best foundation of that union and amity which we so
earnestly wish to secure. He consents to pay to the Company 50 lacs for
indemnification. These terms we think moderate and equitable, both for
him and the Company."
This matter being arranged, Lord Clive hastened on to Allahabad, to
meet the King: the first visit took place on the 9th of August. The
King's demands were numerous, but Clive was steady to his purpose.
The demand on the Nabob of Bengal for 32 lacs of rupees as arrears,
and of 5-1/2 lacs annually of jaghires, were refused, with several
others. It was finally settled, on the 11th, that the King should
receive annually, as revenue from Bengal, the sum of 26 lacs, with
the countries of Allahabad and Corah, yielding a farther revenue of
28 lacs, from Sujah-u-Dowlah, as a royal demesne for supporting his
dignity. "This last cession," says Lord Clive and General Carnac,
writing to the Select Committee[93], "we very readily consented to, as
Sujah-u-Dowlah made not the least objection, well knowing that, after
our departure, he could easily settle this matter with the King, to the
satisfaction of both parties." Lord Clive had, it seems, wished to
restore Corah to the Vizier, making over Allahabad only to the King.
"We then presented the King with two arzies (petitions), desiring he
would grant to Nujm-u-Dowlah the Nizamut of Bengal, Bahar, and Orissa,
and to the Company, the Dewanny of the same provinces; to both of which
His Majesty has signed his fiat, and the proper instruments for both
are now drawing out."
The King, at the same time, granted firmans confirming to the Company
for ever all the lands round Madras and elsewhere assigned to them
by the Nabob of Arcot; as well as a free gift of the five northern
Circars. This was the first formal grant or confirmation by the King to
the Company, of these territories. The grant of Lord Clive's jaghire,
to the Company, was likewise confirmed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account