Robert Clive

Clive led a small force of 500 men to capture and then defend Arcot against a 10,000-strong Franco-Indian army during the Second Carnatic War. The 53-day siege ended with a British victory, significantly boosting Clive's reputation and British influence in southern India.

Robert Clive led the British East India Company's forces to victory against the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, at Plassey on June 23, 1757. The victory was secured through the defection of Mir Jafar, who was installed as Nawab. This battle established British military dominance in Bengal and laid the foundation for British rule in India.

Clive was appointed Governor of Bengal for a second term in 1764, tasked with stabilizing the region after the Battle of Buxar. He implemented administrative reforms, including the dual system of government, and secured the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, granting the East India Company the diwani (revenue rights) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Clive faced a parliamentary inquiry in 1773 into his conduct in India, particularly regarding his personal wealth and the famine in Bengal. Although he was cleared of corruption charges, the stress and criticism contributed to his declining mental health. He died by suicide on November 22, 1774.