Which one of the following battles could be seen as laying the formal foundation of the British Raj in India?

The Battle of Plassey (1757) is widely regarded as the event that laid the formal foundation of the British Raj in India. While the Battle of Buxar (1764) consolidated British power and secured revenue rights (Diwani), Plassey was the initial 'turning point' that transformed the East India Company from a trading entity into a political power [2]. The victory over Siraj-ud-Daulah allowed the British to monopolize Bengal's trade and utilize its vast resources to fund further conquests [1]. Historical accounts emphasize that Plassey started the process resulting in British rule over the subcontinent, marking the 'birth of the Indian Empire' [1][2]. Although Buxar was more militarily decisive against the Mughal Emperor, Plassey provided the essential foothold and political stake required for that subsequent expansion [1][2].

Sources

1. [2] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 5: Land Reforms > 5.1 Land Rights before Independence > p. 190
2. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 5: Expansion and Consolidation of British Power in India > The Battle of Plassey > p. 89