Robert Clive

NAME Robert Clive, 1st Baron Clive of Plassey, KB, commonly known as "Clive of India."

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Clive is renowned for establishing British supremacy in India through his military campaigns and political maneuvering. His actions laid the groundwork for British rule in India for more than a century.

BIRTH Robert Clive was born on September 29, 1725, at Styche, the family estate in Moreton Say, near Market Drayton, Shropshire, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND The Clive family, or Clyves, was one of the oldest in Shropshire, having held the manor since the reign of Henry II. Clive was the eldest son among 13 children. His father, who also practiced law, had to supplement the family income, as their estate yielded only £500 a year. 

Clive had a strained relationship with his father, who mockingly called him "The Booky" during his teenage years. 

Despite losing six siblings in infancy, he maintained affectionate relations with his five surviving sisters, all of whom married.

CHILDHOOD As a boy, Clive was unruly and troublesome. He ran a protection racket in Market Drayton and led gangs in mischievous acts like breaking windows. He even once climbed the tower of St Mary’s Parish Church and sat on a gargoyle, terrifying people below. His misbehavior got him expelled from three schools. 

Clive lived with his aunt Elizabeth and uncle Nathaniel Bayley at Hope Hall in Eccles, Lancashire, for much of his early childhood reasons that are unclear. At the age of nine, Clive's aunt passed away, leading to a brief stay in his father's cramped London lodgings. He then returned to Shropshire and attended Market Drayton Grammar School. Due to his unruly behavior and an improvement in the family's financial situation, his father decided to send him to Merchant Taylors' School in London. Despite his continued misbehavior, he was eventually transferred to a trade school in Hertfordshire to finish his basic education. Although he struggled academically at first, Clive later dedicated himself to improving his education. He developed a unique writing style and delivered a speech in the House of Commons that was praised by William Pitt as one of the most eloquent he had ever heard.

EDUCATION  Clive attended Dr. Eaton's school in Bostock, Cheshire for a period. He then returned to Shropshire and attended Market Drayton Grammar School. Due to his unruly behavior and an improvement in the family's financial situation, his father decided to send him to Merchant Taylors' School in London. Clive's laziness and rebellious behavior was a constant source of frustration for his teachers and he was eventually transferred to a trade school in Hertfordshire to finish his basic education. 

While he was often portrayed as ignorant, Clive possessed a certain level of intelligence. He was capable of reading Horace later in life and likely developed the foundation for his clear and concise writing style during his youth.

CAREER RECORD Clive's father secured him a position as a clerk in the East India Company. Clive set sail for India, where he would spend the next several years. Here's his resume

1743 Obtained a £5 per year position as a clerk for the British East India Company.

1753-1756: Returned to England due to his deteriorating health and unsuccessfully contested a seat in Parliament as a Whig candidate.

1756: Returned to India as Lieutenant General and Governor of Fort St. David, a prestigious appointment.

1758: Became Governor of Bengal.

1760: Returned to England, secured a seat in Parliament, and received an Irish peerage.

1765-1772: Served his third period in India as Governor of Bengal.

APPEARANCE Robert Clive had a distinctive appearance. Horace Walpole, the renowned diarist, described him as "remarkably ill-looking." Clive's heavy brow, which became more prominent with age, and his dark, brooding countenance often contributed to his intimidating image. As he aged, Clive's weight gain further accentuated his features.

Portrait by Charles Clive, c. 1764

FASHION Clive, as befitting a man of his status, dressed in the fashionable attire of 18th-century British nobility. He was often depicted wearing military uniform, befitting his role as a military commander. 

He also had a significant collection of jewels, which he brought back from India.

CHARACTER Clive was ambitious, fearless, and resourceful, but also known for his volatile temper. His success came from his audacity, intelligence, and tactical brilliance. While his personality made him a controversial figure, it also contributed to his remarkable achievements in India.

SENSE OF HUMOUR His famous outburst during parliamentary proceedings—"By God’m Mr Chairman, at this moment I stand astonished at my own moderation"—shows his flair for dramatic and ironic expression.

RELATIONSHIPS Robert Clive married Margaret Maskelyne on February 18, 1753. The marriage took place at St. Mary's Church in Madras (now Chennai), India.. Margaret Maskelyne was 17 years old at the time of the marriage. She was the sister of Clive's friend Nevil Maskelyne, who later became the Astronomer Royal.  According to legend, Clive had been captivated by Margaret's beauty after seeing her miniature portrait. 

Margaret had recently arrived at Fort St. David in India when the marriage took place. The couple sailed for Britain on March 23, 1753, just over a month after their wedding.

They had nine children of which four died young.

Clive was a devoted husband and father, known for his affectionate correspondence with his wife. His close familial ties contrast with his otherwise ruthless reputation.

A miniature of Margaret Maskelyne by John Smart in 1770

MONEY AND FAME Robert Clive amassed an extraordinary fortune during his time in India, rising to become one of the wealthiest individuals in Europe. By 1760, he had accumulated nearly £300,000, equivalent to around £57.3 million today. A significant portion of this came from his share of the spoils from the Battle of Plassey, where he received £234,000—about £24 million in today’s terms. Clive also invested £100,000 in East India Company stock, a sum equal to roughly £10 million today, further increasing his financial clout.

In addition to his monetary wealth, Clive was granted a jagir (estate) by the Mughal Emperor in 1759, which provided him with an annual income of between £27,000 and £30,000, the modern equivalent of £5.2 to £5.7 million per year. This steady income solidified his financial position, allowing him to acquire more assets and maintain his lavish lifestyle.

Clive expanded his property holdings as well. In 1763, he purchased Walcot Park for £92,000 and acquired other estates across England and Wales. He invested heavily in renovating and furnishing his residences, ensuring they reflected his elevated status in society.

Clive’s immense fortune made him one of the richest men in Europe, and his wealth allowed him to influence British politics by creating his own faction in Parliament, controlling seven members. However, his riches were not without controversy. His fortune drew criticism, especially in light of the Bengal Famine, which occurred around the time of his return to Britain, casting a shadow over his legacy.

FOOD AND DRINK Clive enjoyed the refined cuisine of the British upper classes, including lavish feasts common among the wealthy elite of his time.

 Clive adopted some local Indian customs, including "smoking a hookah and chewing supari". Supari is another name for betel nut, which is commonly chewed in parts of Asia.

MUSIC AND ARTS Clive was an enthusiastic collector of Indian art and artifacts, becoming an  enthusiastic if not always discriminating collector of daggers, swords, and oriental art. His collection included Indian miniature paintings, Hindu bronzes, armour, and weaponry.

The Clive Museum collection at Powis Castle contains many Indian curiosities amassed by Robert Clive. His enthusiasm for collecting Indian treasures and mementoes was so great that his family members continued to do so after his death. 

LITERATURE Clive made regular use of the well-stocked Fort St. George Library in Madras,

Later in life, Clive  developed a personal writing style and engaged in political correspondence.

NATURE  In his later years, Clive commissioned renowned landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown to remodel the gardens at his home, Claremont. 

PETS Adwaita was a giant Aldabra tortoise that belonged to Robert Clive. The name "Adwaita" translates to "one and only" in Bengali. According to reports, Clive received Adwaita as a gift from British sailors who captured it in the Seychelles. Some sources suggest that Adwaita was one of four tortoises given to Clive.

After Clive's death, Adwaita resided at Clive's estate before being relocated to Alipore Zoo in approximately 1875. The tortoise lived an exceptionally long life, dying on March 23, 2006 at Alipore Zoo in Kolkata. At the time of its death, Adwaita was estimated to be around 256 years old.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS While little is mentioned of Clive's recreational pursuits, his physical daring as a youth suggests an adventurous spirit.

SCIENCE AND MATHS At Mr. Sterling's school in Hemel Hempstead, Clive learned bookkeeping procedures. Later, his role as an administrator for the East India Company would have required some understanding of finance and economics, which have mathematical components.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Clive's actions reflect a man driven by power, pragmatism, and a desire for legacy.

As a prominent British figure of his time, Clive likely had at least a nominal association with the Church of England, which was the established church.

POLITICS Clive briefly served as a Member of Parliament for the Cornwall borough of St Michael's. His political career, however, was overshadowed by his military and administrative roles in India.

SCANDAL Clive's fortune and his involvement in India led to numerous scandals, particularly accusations of corruption. 

1. During his early years in India, Clive engaged in a duel with a man who accused him of cheating at cards. He struggled to adapt to life in India, experiencing homesickness, breaking regulations imposed on young "writers," and frequently clashing with his peers.

2. Clive placed Mir Jafar on the throne of Bengal, partially motivated by substantial financial rewards. He justified this action by claiming that the money was necessary to maintain his noble status in India.

3. In 1765, Clive was sent to address corruption among British East India Company officials in Bengal. His reforms alienated the army and civilians, leading to his return to England as a broken man. Accused of accepting bribes from native princes, Clive defended himself with great determination before Parliament. Ultimately, his significant contributions to his country outweighed the £230,000 he was acknowledged to have received.

4. During parliamentary proceedings in 1773, Clive, while being cross-examined, exclaimed in astonishment at his own moderation, highlighting the extraordinary opportunities for corruption that existed in India.

5. Clive's addiction to opium contributed to his eventual suicide.

MILITARY RECORD Clive’s military career was astonishing given his lack of formal training. 

1. As a writer for the East India Company with only three years of military experience, Robert Clive seized a significant opportunity when he heard of a succession dispute in the Carnatic region of South India. In 1751, he led a small British force of 200 soldiers, 300 sepoys, and 8 officers on a 65-mile march over five days to capture Arcot, the capital of the Nawab of Carnatic.

Intimidated by Clive's approach during a thunderstorm, the garrison at Arcot abandoned the fort without resistance. Clive occupied the fort and immediately began fortifying its defenses, anticipating a counterattack. 

Raza Sahib, the son of Chanda Sahib, led a force of approximately 11,000 men, including 150 French troops, to besiege the fort. The siege lasted for 50 days, during which Clive's small garrison faced severe shortages of food and ammunition.

On November 14, Raza Sahib launched a major assault on the fort, which was fiercely repelled by Clive's forces. The defenders inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers while suffering minimal losses. Following this failed attack, Raza Sahib's army retreated, leaving behind their artillery and ammunition.

The successful defense of Arcot marked a turning point in British fortunes in India, solidifying Robert Clive's reputation as a military leader.

Clive at the Siege of Arcot in 1751

2. On June 20-21, 1756, the Nawab of Bengal imprisoned 146 British prisoners in a cramped cell at Fort William prison in Calcutta. With only two small windows for ventilation, 123 of the prisoners died of suffocation. This tragic event became known as the Black Hole of Calcutta. Today, similar acts are often performed for attention or to set Guinness World Records.

Clive was not present in Calcutta at the time of the incident. He was stationed at Fort St. David when he received news of the fall of Calcutta and the Black Hole tragedy. After news of the incident reached British authorities, Clive was dispatched to lead a retaliatory expedition against the Nawab and recapture Calcutta by force. In January 1757, Clive successfully recaptured Calcutta from the Nawab's forces

3. The Battle of Plassey, fought on June 23, 1757, was a pivotal event in Indian history that marked the beginning of British political and military dominance in the region. This decisive clash between the British East India Company and the forces of the Nawab of Bengal would lay the foundation for nearly two centuries of British rule in India.

The battle saw British forces led by Robert Clive facing the army of Siraj ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, who was supported by French allies. It took place near the village of Palashi (anglicized as Plassey), situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River in Bengal. Tensions had been rising between the British East India Company and the Nawab, who had previously captured Calcutta in an incident that led to the notorious "Black Hole of Calcutta." Clive was dispatched to retake Calcutta and confront the Nawab, culminating in the Battle of Plassey.

Clive’s forces were heavily outnumbered, with approximately 3,000 men against the Nawab’s army of 50,000. However, the tide of the battle turned due to the defection of Mir Jafar, one of the Nawab’s key commanders. Promised the position of Nawab by the British, Mir Jafar withdrew his forces, severely weakening the Nawab’s position. Additionally, heavy rain had hampered the Nawab’s forces, rendering much of their artillery ineffective as they failed to protect their gunpowder.

The result was a decisive victory for the British East India Company, with minimal casualties—just 22 killed and 50 wounded—while the Nawab's forces suffered significant losses, with around 500 men killed. This triumph marked the beginning of British dominance in India. The British East India Company gained control over Bengal, a region rich in resources, and this victory is often seen as a turning point in the establishment of British colonial rule.

In the aftermath of the battle, Mir Jafar was installed as the new Nawab of Bengal, though he was little more than a puppet ruler under British influence. The British quickly gained economic control over Bengal’s wealth, and the victory paved the way for further British expansion in India. The Battle of Plassey transformed the East India Company from a trading entity into a political and military power, solidifying its role in shaping the future of British India.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Clive suffered from bouts of depression and nervous disorders throughout his life. 

During his early years in India, Clive faced significant challenges and periods of despair. He twice attempted suicide by holding a pistol to his head, but the weapon misfired on both occasions. When another clerk entered the room, Clive asked him to test the pistol by firing it out of the window. The loud report served as a reminder of his impulsive actions.

Years of relentless activity in India took a toll on Clive's health, forcing him to return to England. The harsh Indian climate and the bitter attacks he faced contributed to his deteriorating physical and mental well-being.

HOMES Robert Clive owned several notable properties:

Styche Hall, Shropshire: Clive's birthplace in 1725. He had it rebuilt for his father in 1760 after returning from India, hiring the renowned architect Sir William Chambers for the reconstruction.

45 Berkeley Square, London: Purchased in 1761 for £10,500, this prestigious Mayfair residence is where Clive tragically committed suicide in 1774.

Walcot Hall, Shropshire: Acquired in 1764 for £90,000, Clive enlarged and transformed the house without a complete rebuild. He used it as a base to build political influence in the area.

Claremont Estate, Esher, Surrey: Bought in 1768 for £25,000, Clive demolished the existing house and commissioned a new Palladian mansion. He hired renowned landscape architect Capability Brown and architect Henry Holland for the design. Clive spent approximately £100,000 on the new house and landscaping. Tragically, he died in 1774, the same year the house was completed.

TRAVEL Clive made several journeys between Britain and India over his career. He also traveled to recover his health in Bengal and returned to England with substantial wealth.

DEATH On November 22, 1774, Clive took his own life at his home in Berkeley Square, London, aged 49 following years of health struggles and political persecution. He reportedly died of an overdose of opium. Some sources suggest he stabbed himself in the throat while suffering from stomach pains.

Clive was buried at St Margaret's Church in Moreton Say, Shropshire. His burial location was unknown for many years until his coffin was discovered during church renovations in 1900. Interestingly, he was buried upright within the walls of the church, beside the vicar's door.

Despite his controversial reputation, a memorial tablet was erected for Clive in Westminster Abbey in 1919.

Clive's death and burial did little to settle the debates about his legacy, which continue to this day.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA The 1935 film Clive of India, starring Ronald Colman and Loretta Young, dramatized his life and career, though it bore little resemblance to actual events.

ACHIEVEMENTS Clive's greatest achievement was establishing British dominance in India. His military victories, notably the Battle of Plassey, and administrative reforms left a lasting impact on British-Indian relations and paved the way for the British Empire in the subcontinent.