2. From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power

2. From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    • Key Summary

    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.

    Key Takeaways

    • The East India Company originally focused on trade but gradually moved into territorial control.
    • Conflicts with local rulers, especially in Bengal and Mysore, marked key turning points in the Company's authority.
    • The Doctrine of Lapse and the policy of Paramountcy were significant strategies that facilitated the annexation of Indian states.

    Key Concepts

    • Diwani: The right to collect land revenue in India granted to the East India Company.
    • Subsidiary Alliance: An arrangement wherein Indian rulers were forced to disband their armies and rely on the protection of the East India Company, for which they had to pay.
    • Doctrine of Lapse: A policy that allowed the East India Company to annex states ruled by kings without a male heir.
    • Nawab: A title for local rulers in Indian states who were often entangled in conflicts with the East India Company.
    • Sepoy: The term for Indian soldiers who served in the army of the East India Company.