Vol. 6, Issue 7, Part G (2020)

Abstract
Banaras is known for being a holy city and a trade centre, particularly for silk, but few books of history highlights the role of this holy city in the initial phase of colonialism in the 18^th century when East India Company commenced spreading its tentacles towards northern India after establishing itself in Bengal with the victory in Plassey through conspiracy and perfectly crafted schemes. This paper deals with the reasons and circumstances that made Banaras so important in the eyes of East India Company and why its authorities, inspite of having no trust on the Raja’s fidelity, put all its efforts to confirm his demands and position stability during and after Buxar battle. Dealing with the political, psychological, diplomatic, geo-political, geo-cultural, economic, internal relations, this paper delves into all important factors to elaborately comprehend the warp weft of the times. This research is based on study of archival sources, letters, correspondences, reports etc. preserved in National Archives of India, New Delhi, U.P. State Archives, Lucknow, Regional Archives of Allahabad and Varanasi.