A Forgotten Conspiracy against the English in Bengal
By Nandlal Chatterji
Summary
This article uncovers a little‑known plot to overthrow the English East India Company in Bengal during the late 18th century. Drawing on archival letters and diaries, the author describes how a group of disgruntled zamindars, dispossessed princes and European adventurers conspired to capture Fort William and drive the British from Calcutta. The conspirators attempted to enlist the French and the Nawab of Awadh, while planning simultaneous uprisings in Murshidabad and Dacca. The article recounts clandestine meetings, coded correspondence and the involvement of Robert Clive’s opponents. However, the plot was betrayed by informants and collapsed when the leaders were arrested. The author analyses the motives of the conspirators—resentment at revenue reforms, desire to regain power and fear of British encroachment—and situates the episode within the broader resistance to early colonial rule. By revealing this conspiracy, the article adds nuance to the narrative of the Company’s consolidation, showing that its authority was contested by diverse actors.
Conclusion
The article concludes that the failed conspiracy against the English in Bengal illustrates the volatility of the early colonial period. It demonstrates that Indian nobles, dispossessed elites and rival European powers all contemplated challenging the Company’s dominance. Although quickly suppressed, the plot reveals underlying tensions and helps explain subsequent policies of surveillance and control adopted by the British.