Robert clive
Early Life
Robert Clive was born on 29 September 1725, in Styche, the family estate, near Market Drayton in Shropshire, England. He was the eldest son of Richard Clive, a lawyer, and Rebecca Gaskell Clive. The Clives were an established English gentry family who had a history of service in the civil and military administration of Ireland. Learn more about his family background here.
Education
Clive was educated at the Merchant Taylors' School, a prestigious public school in London. However, his academic performance was noted to be poor, and he was known for his unruly and rebellious behaviour. Despite his lack of academic success, Clive showed a keen interest in history and literature.
Early Career in British East India Company
In 1743, at the age of 18, Clive left for Madras (now Chennai) in the service of the East India Company. He arrived in India at a time when the British were struggling to establish their presence along the Coromandel Coast, in the face of French competition.
Military Career
Clive's military career began in 1746 when he was appointed Commissary to the British troops in Madras. He distinguished himself during the Siege of Arcot in 1751, where he successfully defended the city against a much larger French and Indian force. This victory established Clive's reputation as a military commander and marked a turning point in the British struggle against the French for control of South India.
Governor of Bengal
In 1757, following his victory at the Battle of Plassey, Clive was appointed by the East India Company as the first British Governor of Bengal. His tenure as governor was marked by significant administrative reforms, including the introduction of a new system of revenue collection.
Return to England
Clive returned to England in 1760, where he was received as a hero and awarded a peerage. However, his wealth and political influence attracted criticism and he was accused of corruption in his administration of Bengal. In 1772, Clive was called before a parliamentary inquiry to answer these charges. He defended his actions robustly, but the controversy took a toll on his mental health.
Death and Legacy
Robert Clive died by suicide on 22 November 1774. His death was widely reported and led to a reassessment of his life and career. Today, Clive is remembered as a key figure in the establishment of British rule in India, but his legacy is controversial due to his methods and the impact of his policies on the Indian subcontinent.