Class 12 History: Chapter 3 - From Trade to Empire: The Dominance of the East India Company

This Chapter Covers:

• Examines how the East India Company transitioned from mere trade to establishing an empire in India.
• Analyzes various events that helped the company gradually increase its dominance.

Introduction

• In this chapter, students will understand the journey from trade to empire-building.
• The British rule had a significant impact on history, and this chapter will help understand it.

The Arrival of the East India Company

• Attraction to Trade: Indian textiles, spices, and other goods were highly popular in Britain and Europe.
• Valuable Goods: Indian silk, cotton textiles, black pepper, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, etc.
• Profit Making: European merchants bought Indian goods and sold them at high prices in Europe.

The Arrival and Dominance of the East India Company in Bengal

• Initial Contact: The Battle of Plassey (1757) between Bengal's Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah and the East India Company.
• Outcome of the Battle: Defeat of the Nawab and victory of the company.
• Increasing Influence of the Company: The Battle of Buxar (1764) - Defeat of Mir Qasim, Nawab of Awadh, and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
• Diwani Rights: The company gained the Diwani (revenue administration) rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Policies and Strategies for Expansion

Expansion in Rest of India

• Subsidiary Alliance: Proposed by Richard Wellesley, wherein Indian rulers had to disband their armies and instead maintain company forces for protection.
• Doctrine of Lapse: Lord Dalhousie's policy; If an Indian ruler did not have a natural heir, their kingdom would be annexed by the company.

Conflicts with Mysore and Marathas

• Mysore Wars: Tipu Sultan and Haider Ali opposed the British but were finally defeated in the Battle of Seringapatam in 1799.
• Maratha Wars: Ultimately, the Maratha Empire was defeated in three wars.

British Administrative System

• New Administrative Aspects: Warren Hastings implemented several administrative reforms.
• New Judicial System: Establishment of district courts.

Changes in the Military

• A unified military system where European-style training was provided.
• Company Army Methods: Adoption of European-style training, discipline, and drill.

Conclusion

• Conclusion: The journey of the British East India Company from trade to empire, where they increased their influence through policies, wars, and administrative reforms.
• Impact: Had a deep and long-term impact on Indian society and economy.