Calcutta Presidency Formation History
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Questions and Answers

What year did the East India Company establish its first factory in Bengal?

1651

Name the Subahdar of Bengal who granted the East India Company permission to trade in Bengal.

Shah Shuja

Which city was the capital of the Bengal Suba during the time the East India Company established its first factory?

Dhaka

Identify the first Agent and Governor of the East India Company in Bengal.

<p>William Hedges</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the main obstacles faced by the East India Company in conducting their business in Bengal, despite receiving farmans?

<p>Custom officers at local check-posts demanded tolls or payments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where was the East India Company's main trading post in Bengal during the period 1681-1690?

<p>Hooghly</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the cost of the permission granted to the East India Company by Shah Shuja to trade in Bengal?

<p>Rs. 3000</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of a "check-post" as it pertains to the East India Company's operations during the 17th century.

<p>A check-post in this context was a customs checkpoint where officers would inspect goods and collect tolls or taxes from merchants, like the East India Company.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the East India Company's trading activities in Bengal shift over time, from 1651 to 1700?

<p>The Company's main trading post moved from Hooghly to Rajmahal and then to Patna, demonstrating a shift in the location of their prominent trading activities over those years.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term "farman" refer to within this historical context, particularly as it relates to the East India Company's operations in Bengal?

<p>A farman is a type of decree or royal order, and in this context, it was a permission or edict from the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, granting the East India Company trading privileges in Bengal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the English East India Company's request to establish a fortified settlement in Hooghly during the reign of Aurangzeb?

<p>To secure a foothold in the Bengal market and protect its trading interests from Mughal interference.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the Mughal Governor of Bengal during the period when the English East India Company sought to establish a fortified settlement in Hooghly?

<p>Shaista Khan</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the English East India Company official involved in the negotiations with the Mughals for the settlement?

<p>William Hedges</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the three villages that the English East India Company acquired in 1698, and where are they located today?

<p>Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata (modern-day Kolkata).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the key event that led to the English East India Company's expulsion from Bengal in 1686?

<p>The sacking of Hooghly by the Mughals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What year did the English East India Company attempt to return to Bengal after their expulsion?

<p>1690</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where was the English East India Company's main settlement in Bengal during the reign of Aurangzeb?

<p>Hooghly</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the treaty that facilitated the English East India Company's return to Bengal?

<p>Sutanuti Treaty</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much did the English East India Company pay for the zamindari of the three villages of Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata?

<p>1200 rupees</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the English East India Company in securing a foothold in Bengal?

<p>To control and monopolize the lucrative trade in goods like silk, cotton, and indigo.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Establishment of Calcutta Presidency

The Calcutta Presidency was established in 1651 by the British East India Company after receiving permission from Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to trade in Bengal.

First Factory in Bengal

The first factory of the British East India Company in Bengal was established in Hooghly in 1651.

Mughal Subahdar

The Mughal Subahdar of Bengal during the establishment of the Calcutta Presidency was Shah Shuja.

Capital of Bengal

The capital of Bengal during the early period of British presence was Dhaka.

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Trade Rights Fee

The British were granted the right to trade in Bengal for an annual payment of Rs. 3000.

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Obstacles to Trade

Despite receiving permission from the Mughal authorities, the British faced obstacles from local officials in the form of tolls and taxes.

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Check-Post Issues

Local officials at various check-posts demanded payments from the British, making it difficult for them to conduct business smoothly.

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Move to Rajmahal

The British East India Company shifted its headquarters from Hooghly to Rajmahal in 1681, seeking to expand its trading activities.

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Move to Patna

The British East India Company later moved its headquarters from Rajmahal to Patna in 1690, further consolidating its presence in Bengal.

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William Hedges

William Hedges played a crucial role as the first agent and governor of the British East India Company in Bengal, navigating the complexities and challenges of early trading.

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Aurangzeb

The Mughal Emperor during the period when the English East India Company first sought a fortified settlement in Bengal.

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Shaista Khan

Mughal Governor of Bengal from 1681 to 1690, known for his opposition to the English East India Company's efforts to establish a fortified settlement.

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Hooghly

The key location where the English East India Company sought to establish a fortified settlement in Bengal during the 17th century.

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Thana, Hijli, Balasore

The key locations targeted by the English East India Company for their initial settlements in Bengal.

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Hooghly (1686)

The location where the English East India Company faced a significant setback, being driven out by the Mughals in 1686. This incident marked a turning point in their struggle for dominance in Bengal.

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Sutanuti Treaty (1690)

The treaty that allowed the English East India Company to return to Bengal after their expulsion in 1686. It marked the beginning of a new phase in their relationship with the Mughal authorities.

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Job Charnock

The English East India Company official who played a crucial role in negotiating the Sutanuti Treaty and securing the return of the company to Bengal.

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Sutanuti, Gobindapur, Kalikata

The three villages acquired by the English East India Company in Bengal under the Sutanuti Treaty, which became the foundation for the future city of Calcutta.

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1200 Rupees

The payment made by the English East India Company to purchase the zamindari of the three villages of Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata, marking a significant financial investment in their future presence in Bengal.

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Study Notes

Calcutta Presidency Formation

  • The Calcutta Presidency formed in stages, starting with a headquarters in Bombay Castle, Bombay in 1687.
  • Later, a headquarters was established in Madras, at Fort St. George in 1641.
  • The British East India Company in 1651 acquired permission to trade in Bengal under Shah Shuja, the subahdar.
  • The company's initial operations were centered on Bengal.

Key Dates and Figures

  • 1628-1658: Reign of Shah Jahan
  • 1651: British East India Company given permission to trade in Bengal
  • 1690: Treaty with landowners to acquire rights to land.
  • 1686: Conflict with Mughal Governor Shaista Khan, resulting in the company being expelled from Hooghly.
  • 1691: English purchased land in Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata (modern-day Calcutta).

Early Factories and Settlements

  • Company established their first factory in Hooghly, followed by factories in Rajmahal and Patna.
  • William Hedges, a key figure, served as the first agent and governor for the company in Bengal.

Conflicts with Mughal Governors

  • 1686: The Mughal Governor Shaista Khan expelled the British East India Company from Hooghly.
  • Subsequent negotiations and conflicts with regional Mughal leaders led to periods of expansion and temporary setbacks for the company.

The Move to Sutanati and Fort William

  • The English obtained Sutanuti (modern-day Kolkata) in 1691 from the landowners.
  • Sutanuti eventually became the main hub for the company, and eventually turned into Fort William.
  • In 1700, Fort William was established, marking an important step in the company's presence in the region.
  • Charles Eyre was appointed as the first president of Fort William.

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Explore the intricate history of the Calcutta Presidency, highlighting its formation stages, key dates, and significant figures involved. Delve into the establishment of early factories and trade relations in Bengal under the British East India Company.

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