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Cover of Memoirs of the Revolution in Bengal, Anno Dom. 1757

Memoirs of the Revolution in Bengal, Anno Dom. 1757

Written by William Watts

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IndiaEast India CompanyPlassey, Battle of, Palashi, India, 1757

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About this book

"Memoirs of the Revolution in Bengal, Anno Dom. 1757" by Watts is a historical account written in the mid-18th century. This work details the political upheaval and conflicts involving the East India Company, the forces of a newly appointed Suba (governor) named Suraja Dowlat, and other European powers in Bengal. The book explores the critical events surrounding the rise of Meer Jaffeir to power, as well as the impact of British actions and policies during this tumultuous period. At the start of the memoirs, Watts outlines the conditions leading to the revolution, emphasizing the extraordinary circumstances that made this upheaval crucial for both the East India Company and British interests in the region. He introduces Suraja Dowlat, who, upon ascending to power, displays violent hostility towards the British, spurred by a mix of personal ambition and misguided counsel. The initial events depict Dowlat's aggressive actions against the English in Calcutta, his subsequent challenges, and the political machinations that ensue as various factions vie for power and influence in Bengal, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of colonial dynamics and conflicts in the unfolding narrative.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Memoirs of the Revolution in Bengal, Anno Dom. 1757, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • Historical
  • Political
  • Intriguing

William Watts's "Memoirs of the Revolution in Bengal, Anno Dom. 1757" is a pivotal 18th-century historical account documenting the dramatic political upheaval in Bengal. It chronicles the intense conflicts between the British East India Company, the newly appointed Suba Suraja Dowlat, and other European factions, culminating in a significant shift of power. The narrative details Dowlat's initial hostile actions against the British in Calcutta, fueled by ambition and questionable advice, which sets the stage for a period of intricate political maneuvering and military engagements. Watts emphasizes the extraordinary circumstances that made this revolution crucial for British interests, ultimately leading to the ascendancy of Meer Jaffeir and cementing British influence in the region. This memoir offers a critical, albeit potentially biased, first-hand perspective on the nascent stages of British colonial dominance in India.

“The extraordinary circumstances of that period rendered this upheaval not merely expedient, but absolutely crucial for the preservation of both the Company's interests and the very name of Britain in Bengal.”

Key themes

Colonialism and Imperial Expansion
The memoir explicitly details the East India Company's actions and policies that led to increased British influence and eventual dominance in Bengal. It explores the mechanisms of colonial power projection, from economic interests to military intervention and political manipulation, setting the stage for the British Raj.
Power and Ambition
This theme pervades the narrative, driving the actions of all major players. Suraja Dowlat's 'personal ambition' fuels his hostility, while Meer Jaffeir's ambition leads him to conspire against his ruler. The East India Company itself is driven by the ambition to secure and expand its political and economic control.
Political Intrigue and Betrayal
The memoir is rich with instances of covert negotiations, shifting alliances, and outright betrayal. The deposition of Suraja Dowlat is a prime example of successful political intrigue, involving internal collaborators like Meer Jaffeir and external manipulators like the British.

Worth discussing

How does Watts's role as an active participant influence the narrative and his portrayal of events? What are the implications of reading history through a participant's lens?

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