Lecture on British East India Company and Its Rule in India

Introduction

• British East India Company (EIC) declared war on the Mughals in 1686.
  • Aurangzeb was the Mughal Emperor.
  • EIC was smaller and weaker, leading to their defeat.
• Despite initial failures, EIC eventually controlled the Indian subcontinent.

Formation of the EIC

• Founded in 1600 by a group of merchants as a Joint Stock Company.
• Initial capital of £70,000 from 125 shareholders.
• Initial aim: Trade in Southeast Asia's Spice Islands.

Shift to India

• EIC set up factories in Indonesia but faced competition from the Dutch.
• Moved operations to India starting in 1608, first landing in Surat.
• Faced rejection from Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
• Established first factory in Machlipatnam in 1611.

Expansion and Conflicts

• EIC defeated Portuguese in Battle of Swally in 1612, gaining prominence.
• Secured trading rights from Jahangir in 1615 via Sir Thomas Roe.
• Expansion into Bengal, a commercially prosperous region.

Powers Granted to EIC

• King Charles II granted EIC rights to acquire territories and political power in 1670.
• EIC could mint money, have a private army, and declare wars.

Conflict with Mughals

• In 1686, EIC's Governor Josiah Child declared war on Mughals, resulting in defeat.
• Mughals restored EIC’s trading privileges after the EIC paid a fine.

Opportunity After Aurangzeb

• Aurangzeb's death in 1707 weakened the Mughal empire, creating opportunities for EIC.
• Rival European powers like the French also expanded influence in India.

Battle of Plassey (1757)

• EIC allied with local rivals of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah.
• EIC won and installed puppet Nawab Mir Jafar.
• Marked a turning point in British political power in India.

Battle of Buxar (1764)

• EIC defeated an alliance of Indian rulers, establishing control over Bengal.
• Treaty of Allahabad: EIC gained Diwani rights (tax collection) in Bengal.

Expansion Techniques

• Appointment of Residents: British officials interfered in local politics.
• Subsidiary Alliance: Local rulers paid EIC for military protection.
• Doctrine of Lapse: Territories without a male heir annexed by EIC.

End of EIC and Transition to British Raj

• Revolt of 1857 led to Government of India Act, 1858.
• British government took control from EIC, starting British Raj.
• EIC dissolved in 1874.

Conclusion

• EIC was a powerful entity that transitioned from trade to ruling India.
• The mechanisms they employed laid the foundation for colonial rule in India.