Riyaz al-salatin 112.2.5

112.2.5

The Seiru-l-Mutakherin's explanation regarding (p. 637, Vol. II), Clive's breach of the treaty with Siraju-d-daulah is apologetic in tone. The Seir states that the English had joined Mir Jafar's conspiracy, but as this wise race do not, without some substantial reason, engage in hostilities, or break treaties, they must have entered into some correspondence with the Nawab, and advanced some good reason (of which the author was not aware) for breaking the treaty of peace. Possibly the reason was found in the delay in the payment of the Nawab's indemnity on account of the losses sustained by the English during the capture of Calcutta by Siraju-d-daulah. I will now summarise the description of the battle of Plassey from the news of the advance of the English troops, marched out of the City. Now taking out the cotton of recklessness from the ear, Seiru-l-Mutakherin (Vol. II, p. 638). On hearing of Clive's movement, Siraju-d-daulah tried to conciliate his disaffected officers, who outwardly professed loyalty to him, but inwardly plotted his ruin. Siraju-d-daulah sent Rajah Dulab Ram (the traitor) ahead to Plassey, to supervise the construction of redoubts and entrenchments, and shortly after moved up there himself, with his faithful officers, Mir Madan and Mohanlal and with the traitor, Mir Jafar. Clive also moved to Plassey with a small number of English Telengi troops, numbering about 2,000 in all.