Explore India's rich history and its transformation under European influence
Historical DocumentsBefore European colonization, India was one of the world's richest countries, accounting for about 25% of global GDP. It was known as the "Golden Bird" (Sone ki Chidiya) due to its immense wealth, prosperous agriculture, and advanced textile industry.
India was famous for its cotton textiles, silk, spices, indigo, and precious stones. The country had a flourishing trade with the Roman Empire, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Ancient India made significant contributions to mathematics (including the concept of zero), astronomy, medicine (Ayurveda), and philosophy. Universities like Nalanda and Takshashila attracted students from across Asia.
The architectural marvels such as temples, palaces, and stepwells demonstrated advanced engineering skills. The social structure, though complex with the caste system, supported various arts and crafts.
Vasco da Gama's arrival in Calicut in 1498 marked the beginning of European colonial era in India. The Portuguese established their first fort in Cochin (1503) and later captured Goa (1510), which became their capital.
They dominated the spice trade and established a naval supremacy in the Indian Ocean for most of the 16th century.
The Dutch East India Company began trading in India in the early 17th century, primarily focusing on spices. The French established their presence in the 1660s with factories in Surat, Masulipatnam, and Pondicherry.
The British East India Company arrived in Surat in 1608 and established its first factory there in 1613. They received permission from Jahangir to trade and gradually expanded their influence.
The decline of the Mughal Empire in the early 18th century created a power vacuum that European companies exploited. The British and French became the main competitors, fighting several wars (Carnatic Wars) in South India.
Robert Clive's victory at the Battle of Plassey (1757) marked the beginning of British political dominance in India. The British gradually eliminated their European rivals and local opposition to establish control.
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrives in Calicut, opening the sea route from Europe to India.
Queen Elizabeth I grants a charter to the East India Company for trade with the East Indies.
Sir Thomas Roe arrives as ambassador to Jahangir's court, securing trading rights for the British.
Robert Clive defeats Siraj-ud-Daulah, beginning British political control in India.
The Mughal emperor grants the East India Company the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
I have the pleasure to acquaint you that the late revolution in Bengal has been attended with several happy consequences to the Company... The riches of this country now lie open to the first invaders. The Nabob is a weak, cruel, and indolent prince, and his ministers are mostly corrupt...
We have at last arrived at that critical period which I have long foreseen, I mean that period which renders it necessary for us to determine whether we can, or shall, take the whole to ourselves... The trading part of the nation ought certainly to be desirous of this event, and the nation in general can scarce avoid wishing it, when they consider how great an accession of wealth and power these provinces would bring them.
I flatter myself I have made it pretty clear to you that there will be little or no difficulty in obtaining the absolute possession of these rich kingdoms... It is beyond doubt that since the acquisition of the Dewannee the power formerly belonging to the Soubah of these provinces is totally, in fact, vested in the East India Company.
Context: In this letter to the British Prime Minister, Robert Clive outlines his vision for British expansion in India following the Battle of Plassey and describes the weakness of the Nawab of Bengal, suggesting that Britain should take control of the region.
To all the governors, mutsuddees, and other officers of the ports of Surat, Hughly, and other ports and places within the provinces of Guzerat, Bengal, and others, know ye...
That the brave and distinguished English Company are well established in our royal favour, and as they have at a heavy expense, and with much trouble, brought into our dominions various articles of merchandise from Europe and other parts, and as they have also, for the good of our government and the benefit of our people, imported large quantities of bullion into our country...
We have, therefore, of our especial grace and favour, granted to the said English Company, that they, their agents and factors, may for ever, freely and without molestation, carry on their trade in our dominions, and that they shall have liberty to rent, or hold in farm, any lands, districts, or villages, or other places, for the purpose of settling factories, or carrying on their trade, upon paying to the government the usual rents and assessments...
And we do further grant unto them, that they shall be exempted from the payment of all duties and customs whatsoever, in all the ports and places of our dominions, for all goods imported or exported by them, upon paying a fixed sum of three thousand rupees per annum...
Context: This farman (royal decree) granted extensive trading privileges to the British East India Company, including exemption from customs duties in Bengal. This gave the Company a significant advantage over Indian merchants and was a major step toward British economic dominance.
How much do you know about India's colonial history?
1. What was India often called before British colonization due to its wealth?
2. Which European power first reached India by sea?
3. Which battle marked the beginning of British political control in India?
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