Overview
This lecture explains the transition of the East India Company from traders to rulers in India, covering key battles, British administrative changes, and policies that led to British colonial rule.
Decline of Mughal Power and Rise of Regional Kingdoms
- Aurangzeb, the last powerful Mughal ruler, died in 1707, leading to weakened central power.
- Regional governors (subabdars) and landlords (zamindars) began establishing independent kingdoms after Aurangzeb's death.
Arrival and Rise of European Trading Companies
- Vasco da Gama arrived in India in 1498, opening the sea route for trade.
- Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British (East India Company, EIC) arrived to trade in spices, cotton, and silk.
- The British East India Company was established in 1600 after receiving a charter from the British queen, giving it exclusive trading rights.
- Competition among European powers led to conflicts, with the EIC eventually defeating rivals, especially the French in the Anglo-French Wars.
Establishment of EIC in Bengal
- EIC built its first factory in Bengal on the Hooghly River.
- By bribing officials, the EIC acquired zamindari rights in three Bengal villages, including Kolkata.
- Local nawabs opposed the growing power and fortifications of the Company.
Battles with Bengal Nawabs
- Tensions with Nawabs (Murshid Quli Khan, Ali Vardi Khan, and Siraj-ud-Daulah) increased over tax and trade rights.
- The Battle of Plassey (1757): Siraj-ud-Daulah was betrayed by Mir Jafar; EIC won and made Mir Jafar Nawab.
- Mir Jafar was replaced by Mir Qasim after defying the Company.
- Battle of Buxar (1764): EIC defeated Indian rulers; led to Company gaining Diwani rights (revenue collection) in Bengal.
Expansion of Company Rule
- Subsidiary Alliance: Indian kings had to maintain British armies at their expense, losing military independence.
- EIC used military and political strategies to dominate more territory.
- Paramountcy Policy (1823): British declared themselves supreme power over Indian states.
- Doctrine of Lapse: Annexed states where rulers died without a male heir or misgoverned.
Key Battles and Wars
- Anglo-Mysore Wars: Tipu Sultan of Mysore resisted but was defeated in 1799.
- Anglo-Maratha Wars: Series of conflicts (1775–1819); Maratha power was dissolved and territory annexed.
- Sikh Wars: Punjab annexed in 1849 after defeat of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s successors.
Administrative and Legal Changes
- India divided into three presidencies: Bengal, Bombay, and Madras, each led by a governor under a Governor General.
- Regulating Act of 1773 established the Supreme Court and the post of Collector (tax and law officer).
- Separate civil and criminal courts introduced; Hindu and Islamic law digests compiled.
- British army (sepoy army) formed, introducing European military training and discipline.
Major Dates & Events
- 1498: Vasco da Gama arrived in India.
- 1600: East India Company founded.
- 1707: Aurangzeb died.
- 1757: Battle of Plassey.
- 1764: Battle of Buxar.
- 1765: EIC gained Diwani rights in Bengal.
- 1773: Regulating Act passed.
- 1799: Death of Tipu Sultan.
- 1819: Maratha power ended.
- 1823: Paramountcy policy declared.
- 1848–1856: Doctrine of Lapse implemented, multiple annexations.
- 1856: Awadh annexed.
- 1857: Revolt against British rule.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Zamindar — A landowner, often responsible for collecting taxes in a region.
- Subabdar — Mughal governor of a province.
- Mercantile Trading — Buying goods cheaply and selling them at a higher price elsewhere.
- Charter — An official royal permit for exclusive rights (here, trade).
- Diwani Rights — Rights to collect revenue from a region.
- Subsidiary Alliance — Agreement forcing Indian rulers to accept British troops and pay for their upkeep.
- Doctrine of Lapse — Policy of annexing states with no male heir or with alleged misgovernance.
- Paramountcy — Claim of supreme authority by the British over Indian states.
- Sepoy — Indian soldier serving under British command.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the key battles and policies for exams.
- Memorize important dates and the sequence of British expansion.
- Complete any assigned textbook reading on "From Trade to Territory" and related exercises.