Clive of India

In 1748, Clive duels in England, fires a pistol at his opponent, and refuses to retract an accusation of cheating. The rival dismissively calls him 'mad' and walks away. He later recalls a prior misfire of his own pistol and wonders if he is destined for something greater, foreshadowing his future ambitions.

Clive is sent to Fort St. George in India to work as a clerk for the East India Company. He becomes fascinated by a picture of a beautiful woman in his friend Edmund Maskelyne's locket, learning she is Edmund's sister Margaret. He writes to her to come to India for a year-long journey, setting his heart on her.

When the French attack, Clive discovers his destiny as a soldier. He persuades Edmund to switch from the clerk’s desk to the army, joining a poorly trained force under weak leadership. He begins proving himself through bold decisions and leadership on the battlefield.

During the siege of Trichinopoly, Clive slips out through enemy lines to confront Governor Pigot and his council. With the British forces short on men, he proposes lifting the siege by attacking Arcot with about 120 men. The plan is accepted, and he departs at once to strike.

Clive leads the assault on Arcot and, in less than a year, expands British power across southern India. His audacious victories elevate his standing and begin to reshape the region’s balance of power. The campaign cements his reputation as a formidable commander.

Margaret arrives in India and is initially daunted by Clive’s rapid ascent. They marry, forming a powerful alliance as his career continues to unfold. The couple soon returns toward England with their new life in view.

Back in England, Clive moves into a grand London mansion and wins a seat in Parliament, only to lose it soon after. His lavish lifestyle and political ambitions strain his finances and plans, highlighting the costs of his ambitions.

Despite his financial setback, the East India Company summons Clive back to India to restore order and leadership. He accepts, leaving behind his English life to reclaim command in the Indian territories he helped shape.

Clive demands the unconditional release of 146 British prisoners, who are thrown into the Black Hole of Calcutta, with only a few surviving. Enraged, he forges a secret treaty with Mir Jaffar against the advice of his own authorities, even as Admiral Watson declines to sign it. The actions stir fierce debate about his methods.

Hesitant to cross a river during the monsoon, Clive waits for a firm commitment from Mir Jaffar. A supportive letter from his wife inspires him to take the gamble, and his forces win initial successes until Mir Jaffar commits his troops, leading to victory at the Battle of Plassey.

Clive sails back to England to enjoy retirement on a country estate with his wife, savoring a period of relative peace after his hard-won victories. News and letters from India remind him that empire-building is far from over.

News arrives that India is in chaos again, with the leaders Clive placed in power replaced by corrupt men. Pigot offers him absolute authority to set affairs right, and Clive accepts, signaling a dramatic return to governance and a renewed push to shape events.

Clive’s efforts in governance expand British influence, but many men accuse him of accepting bribes. He defends himself, yet the allegations cast a shadow over his achievements and complicate his legacy.

His wife returns to him, signaling a fragile reconciliation amid mounting political scrutiny. The Prime Minister privately praises him, while King George sends subtle signs of approval, though a formal judgment about his wealth and honor remains unsettled.