Clive, Robert

Robert (1725-1774), an English soldier. His name is connected with the conquest and occupancy of India by Great Britain. He began service in India as a clerk, but exhibited military ability during the uprisings of the natives against the East India Company. He defeated the native nabob of Bengal in the battle of Plassey, June, 1755, and was appointed governor. His administration was made the subject of a Parliamentary inquiry. It will not bear a close examination, but if the acquisition of India is to be regarded as a great event, the name of Clive must be linked in fame with that of "Warren Hastings as one of the men who brought about the result. Browning's poem, Clive, gives a striking portrait. See India; Hastings