Rise of British Power in India

Timeline of British Expansion

• 1600 AD: Queen Elizabeth I issued a charter to the East India Company, giving it trading rights in the East.
• First Arrival: Company ships reached Surat, India, aiming to buy spices, cotton, and silk cheaply.

Early Trade Developments

• Mughal Empire: Most Indian territories were part of the Mughal Empire.
• Emperor Jahangir: Granted trading rights to the company.
• Warehouses: Built across sea ports to store goods for shipment to Britain.

Establishment and Expansion

• 1651: First factory established in Bengal.
• Privileges: Gained rights to trade without duties under Emperor Aurangzeb.

Shift in Strategy

• Revenue Sources: To avoid importing gold and silver, officials looked at local revenue sources.
• Private Trade: Some officials traded for personal gain.

Decline of Mughal Rule

• Post-Aurangzeb: Local rulers gained power after Emperor Aurangzeb’s death.

Conflict with Bengal

• 1756: Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah became suspicious of British activities.
• Military Strength: Increased by the Company at Fort William, viewed as a threat.
• Nawab’s Orders: Troops ordered to seize Company operations in Bengal.

Battle of Plassey

• 23rd June 1757: Battle fought between Nawab’s forces and Company soldiers led by Robert Clive.
• Alliances: Company allied with military commanders like Mir Jafar.
• Outcome: Nawab's army defeated due to betrayal by commanders.

Aftermath and Political Power

• Nawab Mir Jafar: Made Nawab of Bengal.
• Revenues: Company collected taxes and imposed fines.
• Transition: From commercial enterprise to political leader.

Significance

• British Empire: Marked the beginning of British political dominance in India.