East India Company begins trade in Bengal

2.1.1 East India Company begins trade in Bengal

Description

Quick Overview

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

Standard

The establishment of the East India Company's first factory in Bengal marked the beginning of British trading interests in the region. Over the years, the Company negotiated for trade rights, clashed with local rulers, and set the stage for territorial expansion, culminating in significant battles and political manipulation to gain control over Bengal.

Detailed

In 1651, the East India Company established its first factory on the Hugli River in Bengal. As it expanded trade in valuable goods like cotton, silk, and spices, it sought territorial concessions from local Nawabs. Conflict grew as the Nawabs, particularly Murshid Quli Khan and his successors, resisted the Company's demands for trade privileges and territorial rights. The failure of negotiations ultimately led to military confrontations, including the pivotal Battle of Plassey in 1757, where the Company, under Robert Clive, manipulated political alliances to secure victory and establish dominance over Bengal. This transformation from trade to territorial control set the stage for the expansion of British colonial power in India.

Key Concepts

  • East India Company: A British trading company that expanded its influence in India during the 17th and 18th centuries.

  • Battle of Plassey: A decisive battle in 1757 that marked the beginning of British dominance in India.

  • Nawab: A local ruler in the Mughal Empire, particularly in Bengal, who resisted British encroachment.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In 1651, at Hugli's shore, The East India Company sought wealth galore.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once upon a time, the British traders arrived on Bengal's coast, setting up their dock, but local Nawabs standing proud refused to unlock the treasury's stock.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • To remember the Nawabs' resistance: M-A-S: Murshid Quli, Alivardi, Sirajuddaulah.

🎯 Super Acronyms

P.L.E. for the Battle of Plassey

  • Power
  • Loyalty shifted
  • Empire established.

Examples

  • The establishment of the factory at Hugli laid the groundwork for British dominance in trade.

  • The negotiation for a farman with Aurangzeb reflect the initial approach of the Company to secure trade rights.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: farman

    Definition:

    A royal edict or order that grants specific rights or privileges.

  • Term: zaminadari

    Definition:

    Landholding rights or authority over certain villages granted to landlords.

  • Term: sepoy

    Definition:

    An Indian soldier employed by the British East India Company.

  • Term: nabob

    Definition:

    A term used to refer to British Company officials who gained wealth and power in India, often seen as social climbers.