MindMap Gallery Advent of Europeans and Consolidation of British Power in India
The advent of Europeans and the consolidation of British power in India marked a significant turning point in the history of the Indian subcontinent. This period witnessed the arrival of various European powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and ultimately, the British, who emerged as the dominant force. By organizing and visually representing the key aspects and their interconnections, this mind map aims to enhance our understanding of the advent of Europeans and the consolidation of British power in India.
Edited at 2023-04-14 23:11:33ADVENT OF EUROPEANS AND CONSOLIDATION OF BRITISH POWER IN INDIA
Arrival of Europeans
Portuguese: Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India. Vasco da Gama's successful mission in 1498 inspired other navigators to come to India. Pedro Alvarez Cabral established a factory in India in 1500 and traded for spices. Portuguese gradually established trading settlements in Cochin, Goa, Daman and Diu, Salsette, Bassein, and Bombay. The King of Portugal appointed Governors such as Francisco de Almeida, Alfonso de Albuquerque, Nuno da Cunha, etc. in India. Issues arose when Portuguese started interfering in the native kingdoms' battles.
Dutch: The Dutch undertook voyages to the East due to commercial enterprise. The first Dutch factory was established in Masulipattam in 1605. Dutch overpowered the Portuguese and established control over spice cultivation centers in India. Dutch gradually established trade posts in Gujarat, Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. Dutch mainly traded in spices, indigo, raw silk, rice, and opium. They were defeated by the King of Travancore in the Battle of Colachel in 1741 and decisively defeated by the British in the Battle of Bedara in 1759. Reasons for the decline of Dutch in India included deteriorating economic condition, high degree of centralization, primacy to spice trade, and a relatively weaker navy compared to the British.
British: In 1599, the British established a company named 'Governor of Company of Merchants of London Trading to the East Indies' for trade. The royal charter was granted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1600, allowing exclusive trade with Eastern countries for 15 years. Captain William Hawkins arrived in the court of Jahangir in 1608 seeking permission to establish trading posts in India. Mughal emperor Jahangir granted permission to East India Company to establish a factory at Surat in 1613. British established their first factory outside Mughal Empire in Masulipattam in 1611, followed by Madras in 1639 and Hooghly in 1651. British also established Fort St. George near Madras in 1639 after getting permission from the King of Chandragiri. In 1717, Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar confirmed the privileges of the company and issued new privileges. Eventually, the British captured the entire Indian subcontinent and became the most powerful European company in India.
Danes: Danish East India Company was established in 1616 and sent to India with Admiral Ove Gjedde. Danish colonies in India included Tranquebar, Serampore, and the Nicobar Islands. Serampore was their headquarters in India. The Danes are better known for their missionary activities than for commerce, as they established the Serampore Mission Press in 1799. However, the Danes failed to strengthen themselves in India and sold all their settlements to the British in 1845.
French: French was the last among the European companies to enter India. In 1664, the French trading company was formed through efforts of French minister Colbert, and it was managed, funded, and controlled by the government. The first French factory in India was established at Surat in 1667 by Francois Caron, followed by Masulipattam in 1669 by Marcara. French power declined from 1706 to 1720, leading to the reconstitution of the French East India Company in 1720. French occupied Mahe in the Malabar, Yanam in Coromandal (both in 1725) and Karikal in Tamil Nadu (1739).. The arrival of Dupleix as French governor in India in 1742 saw the beginning of Anglo-French conflict (Carnatic wars) which resulted in their final defeat in India.
Success of British
Several Key Factors
Transportation and communication infrastructure: The British built an extensive network of railways, roads, and telegraph lines in India, which facilitated communication, transportation of goods, and movement of troops. This infrastructure helped the British maintain control over the vast territory of India and effectively manage their administration.
Superior military technology: The British had advanced military technology, including superior firearms, artillery, and naval power, which gave them a significant advantage over the local Indian rulers who had less advanced weaponry.
Economic exploitation: The British East India Company, a British trading company that later became a colonial power, established a monopoly on trade in India and used it to exploit the Indian economy. They established a system of economic exploitation through practices such as land revenue collection, taxation, and control over local industries, which helped them accumulate wealth and power.
Efficient administration: The British introduced a system of efficient administration in India, which helped them establish control over vast territories. They implemented a bureaucratic system with standardized laws, courts, and governance structures, which provided stability and order compared to the often fragmented and inefficient systems of the Indian rulers.
Divide and conquer strategy: The British employed a "divide and conquer" strategy, taking advantage of the existing divisions among the Indian rulers and communities. They exploited differences in religion, caste, and ethnicity to create tensions and conflicts among the Indian population, which weakened resistance against the British rule.
Superior education and language: The British introduced English education in India, which helped them create a class of Indians who were educated in English and adopted British language, culture, and values. This created a class of English-speaking Indians who were more receptive to British ideas and administration, and who served as intermediaries between the British rulers and the local population.
Military prowess: The British had a well-organized and disciplined military force, which was superior to the local Indian armies in terms of training, tactics, and technology. This military advantage allowed the British to effectively suppress local uprisings and rebellions, and maintain their control over India.
Geopolitical advantage: The British had a strategic advantage due to their superior naval power, which allowed them to control key ports and trade routes in the Indian Ocean. This gave them a significant geopolitical advantage, allowing them to establish dominance over other European powers and local Indian rulers.
Consolidation of British Power in India
British East India Company's arrival: The British East India Company arrived in India in the early 17th century and established trading posts along the coast. Diplomatic alliances and economic arrangements: The British East India Company gained favor with local Indian rulers through diplomatic alliances and economic arrangements, which helped them establish a foothold in India. Fortified settlements: The British East India Company established fortified settlements, such as Madras, Calicut, and Bombay, which became important trading centers and served as bases for further expansion. Battle of Plassey (1757): The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was a turning point, where the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, defeated the Nawab of Bengal, gaining control over Bengal, a wealthy and populous region. Subsequent conquests: After the Battle of Plassey, the British East India Company continued to expand its territories in India through military conquests and diplomatic maneuvers. They defeated local rulers, annexed territories, and established their control over vast regions, including Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta. Economic exploitation: The British East India Company established a monopoly over trade and commerce in India, which enabled them to exploit the Indian economy for their own benefit. They imposed unfair trade policies, levied heavy taxes, and drained India's wealth, resulting in economic exploitation of the Indian people. Political control: The British East India Company gradually assumed political control over Indian territories, using a policy of divide and rule. They manipulated local conflicts, established puppet rulers, and controlled the administration, judiciary, and military, consolidating their political power. British colonial rule: The consolidation of British power in India eventually led to the establishment of British colonial rule. In 1858, after the First War of Indian Independence (also known as the Sepoy Mutiny), the British Crown assumed direct control over India, marking the end of the British East India Company's rule and the beginning of British colonial rule, which lasted until India gained independence in 1947.
Discovery of New Route
1. In 1487, Bartholomew Dias, a Portuguese navigator, discovered the sea route around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. 2. Ten years later, in 1497, the Portuguese began their sea voyages to the East as per the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494). 3. Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, arrived in India at Calicut in May 1498.
Need of Discovery of New Routes
Main reasons due to which Europeans wanted to discover a new and a direct route to India
Disruption of old trading routes: After the decline of the Roman Empire, the existing trading routes between the East and the West came under Turkish control in 1453. This led to a disruption of direct trading links between India and Europe, which prompted Europeans to seek an alternative route.
Islamic domination on old routes: The Islamic domination on the old trading routes posed a challenge for Europeans, as it limited their access to the lucrative trade with India. To overcome this challenge, Europeans sought a new trade route that would bypass the Islamic-controlled areas.
Economic demand for Indian products: The Indian subcontinent was renowned for its spices and other luxury products that were in high demand in European countries. Economic prosperity in the West led to increased demand for spices for cooking and preservation, as well as other oriental luxury products, which further incentivized Europeans to explore new trade routes to India.
Advances in shipbuilding and navigation: During this period, Europeans made significant advancements in shipbuilding and navigation technologies. These advancements enabled them to embark on adventurous sea voyages and explore new areas of the Eastern world, including the possibility of finding a new route to India.
Introduction
1. The commencement of modern Indian history is often attributed to the arrival of Europeans in India. 2. While the first arrival of Europeans in India took place in the late 15th century, trade between India and European nations had been established even earlier. 3. The advent of Europeans had a profound and far-reaching influence on the history of the Indian subcontinent.