[5] While the last independent Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah was concerned with the British claims of absolute sovereignty, EIC was only one part of his problems.

On the other hand, when Mir Qasim (1760-1764) rose to power, he saw the advance of EIC as an existential threat and attempted to rebuild a smaller state in West Bengal where the private merchants would be excluded.

In a heavily-contested battle near Katwa fortress on 19 July 1763, Adams' forces were victorious and Qasim's general, Mohammed Taki Shah, was killed.

][7] Mir Qasim was defeated again at Udaynala,[6] where the British headed by Major Thomas Adams successfully stormed a well-defended Ganges gorge downstream of Rajmahal on 5 September 1763.

[9] On 3 May 1764 British EIC forces under the command of Colonel John Carnac were victorious in a 3rd battle at Patna[9] against the Nawab of Oudh Shuja-ud-Daula.

The British occupied defensive positions outside of Patna and caused heavy losses for the attacking Shuja's forces.

[9] After the battle of Buxar, Mir Qasim's and Shujah-ud-Daula's forces retreated into Doab with Major John Carnac in pursuit.