Who is considered the founder of the British Empire in India?

Key Fact(s)

Robert Clive, popularly known as Clive of India, is regarded as the founder of the British Empire in India due to his decisive role in establishing British political dominance. His victory over Siraj-ud-Daulah at the Battle of Plassey (1757) marked the first major political triumph of the English East India Company.

This success gave the Company control over Bengal’s immense revenues, which financed further military expansion. Clive also played a key role in reorganizing Company administration and strengthening its political influence. His achievements transformed the Company from a trading body into a territorial power. Therefore, Robert Clive is rightly seen as the architect of British imperial rule in India.