The Battle of Buxar (22 October 1764), which confirmed the results of the Battle of Plassey, was fought between the English East India Company and which of the following Indian powers?

Introduction / Context:
This question is from the early phase of British expansion in India. The Battle of Buxar, fought on 22 October 1764, is a landmark event because it firmly established the political dominance of the East India Company in Bengal and parts of North India. It followed the earlier Battle of Plassey (1757) and confirmed the Company's control by defeating a powerful alliance of Indian rulers. Knowing the composition of this alliance is essential for understanding how regional powers responded to British interference.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks with whom the English fought at Buxar.
• Options list Mir Kasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah, Shah Alam II and a combined 'All of the above' option.
• We assume standard modern Indian history accounts of the battle.
• We must identify whether each ruler fought separately or as part of a coalition.

Concept / Approach:
After losing his throne due to conflict with the East India Company, Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Bengal, formed a triple alliance to challenge British power. He joined hands with Shuja-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Awadh, and Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor. This combined force confronted the Company's army led by Hector Munro at Buxar. Despite their numerical strength, the allied forces were defeated. This victory provided the Company with the political leverage to obtain Diwani (revenue-collecting rights) of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, marking a major shift in power.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the three Indian leaders involved: Mir Kasim (Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daulah (Awadh) and Shah Alam II (Mughal Emperor).Step 2: Recall that they did not fight three separate battles, but joined together in a triple alliance against the English Company.Step 3: Recognise that Buxar was the confrontation between this alliance and the Company's army.Step 4: Check the options: A, B and C name the three leaders individually, while D states 'All of the above'.Step 5: Because the battle was fought against their combined forces, the correct choice is 'All of the above acting together against the English'.

Verification / Alternative check:
All standard modern Indian history texts clearly describe the Battle of Buxar as being fought between the English East India Company and the combined forces of Mir Kasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah and Shah Alam II. MCQs regularly present this information with an 'All of the above' option, and official keys consistently select that option. This repeated confirmation across sources makes our answer reliable.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Bengal: He was an important figure in the alliance but did not fight alone; selecting only him ignores the coalition.Shuja-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Awadh: Also part of the alliance, but he was not the sole opponent.Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor: A member of the triple alliance; again, he did not face the English on his own.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes remember only one or two of the allied rulers and incorrectly choose a single name. Others may confuse Buxar with Plassey, where the main opponent was Siraj-ud-Daulah. To avoid such errors, fix in your memory: Plassey (1757) – Siraj-ud-Daulah vs. Company; Buxar (1764) – triple alliance of Mir Kasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah and Shah Alam II vs. Company. This distinction is often tested in exams.

Final Answer:
The Battle of Buxar was fought between the English East India Company and the combined forces of Mir Kasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah and Shah Alam II, so the correct option is All of the above.