UPSC Prelims 2005 Q25: Modern History – Advent Of Europeans & British Expansion
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the battles fought in India in
the 18th Century?
- (a) Battle of Wandawash - Battle of Buxar - Battle of Ambur - Battle of Plassey
- (b) Battle of Ambur - Battle of Plassey - Battle of Wandawash - Battle of Buxar
- (c) Battle of Wandawash - Battle of Plassey - Battle of Ambur - Battle of Buxar
- (d) Battle of Ambur - Battle of Buxar - Battle of Wandawash - Battle of Plassey
Answer: (b) Battle of Ambur - Battle of Plassey - Battle of Wandawash - Battle of Buxar
Explanation
Chronology of 18th-century battles
| Battle | Year |
|---|---|
| Battle of Ambur | 1749 |
| Battle of Plassey | 1757 |
| Battle of Wandiwash | 1760 |
| Battle of Buxar | 1764 |
The correct chronological order is Ambur - Plassey - Wandiwash - Buxar.
Answer: (b) Battle of Ambur - Battle of Plassey - Battle of Wandawash - Battle of Buxar.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It places Wandiwash first and Buxar before Ambur.
- (b) CORRECT. 1749, 1757, 1760, 1764.
- (c) Incorrect. It places Wandiwash before Plassey.
- (d) Incorrect. It places Buxar before Wandiwash.
Key point
Ambur 1749, Plassey 1757, Wandiwash 1760, Buxar 1764.
Remember
Ambur (1749) came before Plassey (1757).
Common mistakes
- Placing Plassey first because it is the most famous.
- Mixing the Carnatic Wars with Bengal battles.
- Forgetting Wandiwash (1760) falls between Plassey and Buxar.
Exam tip
Battle years: Ambur 1749, Plassey 1757, Wandiwash 1760, Buxar 1764.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Advent of the Europeans in India; Expansion and Consolidation of British Power)