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2. From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power

The chapter outlines the transformation of the East India Company from a trading entity to a dominant territorial power in India. It discusses the key events, conflicts, and administrative changes that facilitated the Company's expansion, culminating in direct control over vast regions of the subcontinent by 1857. Economic motivations, military conquests, and complex interactions with local rulers played crucial roles in this historical transition.

Sections

  • 2

    From Trade To Territory

    This section discusses how the British East India Company transitioned from a trading enterprise to a powerful colonial authority in India after the decline of the Mughal Empire.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.1

    East India Company Comes East

    This section discusses the establishment and expansion of the East India Company as a powerful trading entity in India.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.1.1

    East India Company Begins Trade In Bengal

    The East India Company initiated trade in Bengal in the 17th century, gradually expanding its power and influence through local negotiations and military confrontations.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.1.2

    How Trade Led To Battles

    This section outlines how the competition for trade led to conflicts between the British East India Company and the local powers in Bengal, culminating in significant battles.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.1.3

    The Battle Of Plassey

    The Battle of Plassey marked a significant turning point in British colonial ambitions in India as the East India Company gained control over Bengal.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.1.4

    Company Officials Become “nabobs” (Nawabs)

    This section discusses how the East India Company's officials aspired to live like Indian nawabs, accumulating wealth and power post-Battle of Plassey, often becoming targets of ridicule back home.

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  • 2.1.5

    Source1 : The Promise Of Riches

    This section discusses the transformative impact of the East India Company's victory at the Battle of Plassey and its implications for British colonial rule in India.

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  • 2.1.6

    Source2 : The Nawab Complains

    The Nawab of Bengal, Murshid Quli Khan, expressed discontent about the English Company's trade practices, claiming they harmed the local revenues and undermined the authority of his governance.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.1.7

    Source3 : How Did Clive See Himself?

    Robert Clive viewed himself with a sense of grandeur and power after his successes in India, particularly following his triumph at the Battle of Plassey.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.2

    Company Rule Expands

    This section discusses the East India Company's transition from a trading entity to a territorial power in India, highlighting key events and strategies involved in its expansion.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.2.1

    Tipu Sultan – The “tiger Of Mysore”

    Tipu Sultan, known as the 'Tiger of Mysore,' was a formidable ruler who resisted British expansion in southern India during the late 18th century.

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  • 2.2.2

    War With The Marathas

    The East India Company sought to undermine and eliminate Maratha power, leading to several significant conflicts that reshaped Indian governance.

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  • 2.2.3

    The Claim To Paramountcy

    This section discusses how the East India Company asserted its authority over Indian states during the early nineteenth century, culminating in the policy of paramountcy under Lord Hastings.

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  • 2.2.4

    The Doctrine Of Lapse

    The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy implemented by the British East India Company, enabling them to annex Indian territories when rulers died without male heirs.

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  • 2.2.5

    Source4 : What Power Did The Resident Have?

    The Residents appointed by the East India Company wielded significant political power, influencing local rulers and asserting British supremacy.

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  • 2.3

    Setting Up A New Administration

    Warren Hastings played a pivotal role in establishing the administrative framework of British rule in India, leading to profound changes in governance, law, and military structure within the territories acquired by the East India Company.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.3.1

    The Company Army

    This section discusses the transformation of the East India Company from a trading entity to a territorial power through military force and state management.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.3.2

    Source5 : “i Impeach The Common Enemy And Oppressor Of All.”

    This section discusses the transformation of the East India Company from a trading entity into a territorial power, scrutinizing the role of individuals like Warren Hastings and highlighting the implications of colonial administration in India.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.4

    Conclusion

    The East India Company transitioned from a trading entity into a territorial power, exerting control over vast regions of India by 1857.

    Learning Practice

References

NCERT Study Material

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • The East India Company orig...
  • Conflicts with local rulers...
  • The Doctrine of Lapse and t...

Final Test

Revision Tests

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