India’s history bears witness to a significant chapter marked by the advent of English power, which profoundly shaped its trajectory for centuries. This period, characterized by the arrival and eventual dominance of the British East India Company and later the British Crown, represents a pivotal era in Indian history. Understanding this journey is crucial to grasp the socio-political, economic, and cultural transformations that India underwent.
Initially, the British involvement in India commenced with the establishment of trading outposts by the British East India Company in the early 17th century. These outposts served as centers for trade, primarily in spices, textiles, and other valuable commodities. Over time, the Company’s influence expanded as it gained territorial control through diplomatic alliances, strategic warfare, and administrative concessions from weakened indigenous rulers.
In 1599, some English traders called the ‘Merchant Adventurers’ made a company to trade in the East and make money like the Portuguese did.
Queen Elizabeth I gave them permission to trade by giving them a special paper called a charter on December 31, 1600. This charter gave them the only right to trade in the East. At first, they could do this for fifteen years, but later on, they could keep doing it forever.
Expansion of English Power
Establishing Trade in West and South India
Captain Hawkins at Jahangir’s Court: In 1609, Captain Hawkins went to Jahangir’s court to set up a trading post in Surat, but failed because of Portuguese opposition.
Start of Trading: Yet, in 1611, the English began trading in Masulipatnam and set up a trading post there in 1616.
Battle with Portuguese: In 1612, Captain Thomas Best defeated the Portuguese at Surat, leading Jahangir to allow an English trading post in 1613. Peace was made with the Portuguese, letting the English trade without trouble.
Gift of Bombay: Bombay was given to King Charles II in 1662 and later passed to the East India Company in 1668, becoming their main base in 1687.
Establishing Presence in Bengal
Permission to Trade: In 1651, Shah Shuja of Bengal let the English trade there for a yearly payment.
Request for Fortified Settlement: William Hedges asked for a fortified settlement, but it led to conflict with Shaista Khan, the Mughal governor.
Settlement at Sutanuti: In 1686, Mughals attacked Hooghly, leading to English retaliation. After talks, a treaty was signed in 1690 allowing the English to set up a post at Sutanuti.
Fort William: English got permission to buy Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata in 1698, naming their fortified settlement Fort William in 1700, becoming their main base in Calcutta.
What made English superior than other European powers?
Reasons for England’s Success in India
- Company Structure: The English East India Company, unlike others, had a board of directors chosen yearly, with shareholders having a big say.
- Naval Strength: Britain had the biggest and most advanced navy in Europe, winning key battles like the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the French at Trafalgar.
- Industrial Revolution: England led the Industrial Revolution, benefiting from new inventions and advances in industries like textiles, metalwork, steam power, and farming.
- Military Skill: British soldiers were disciplined and well-trained. Their commanders were smart in strategy, using new tactics and technology to win against bigger armies.
- Stable Government: While other European countries faced political troubles, Britain had stable rule with strong kings. France, for example, had turmoil like the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, weakening its power.
- Less Religious Zeal: Unlike Spain, Portugal, and the Dutch, Britain wasn’t as pushy about spreading Christianity. This made British rule more acceptable to people in India.
- Using Debt: Britain used debt markets well to pay for wars, especially with the Bank of England’s help.
In conclusion, while European nations initially arrived in India for trade, they gradually expanded their influence to control the country’s political and administrative affairs. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach India following Vasco da Gama’s discovery of a direct maritime route in 1498. Subsequently, Queen Elizabeth I granted exclusive trading rights to English merchants through the establishment of the East India Company in 1600. Consequently, India fell under British dominance for over two centuries.