Colonisation of India - Trade to Territory Quiz

Key Concepts and Terms

• Charter: A written document granting rights and privileges to a company or group.
• Customs Duty: Tax imposed on the import of foreign goods.
• Mercantilism: Economic policy promoting national profits through trade control.
• Monopoly: Complete control over a market or trade route.
• Sepoy: An Indian soldier in the British army.

Decline of Mughal Influence

• The death of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb in 1707 led to regional governors and zamindars asserting power, creating independent kingdoms.
• The decline of Delhi's power facilitated the emergence of the British as a significant force in India by the late 18th century.

European Trading Companies

• The establishment of various European trading companies marked the increase in overseas trade with India.
• East India Company (EIC): Founded with a charter by Queen Elizabeth I in 1600, granting it exclusive trading rights with the East.
• French East India Company (FEIC): Established settlements in regions like Cochin and Pondicherry, closely tied to the French government.

Trading Depots and Factories

• The EIC set its first factory in Surat, with additional factories in Hugli and other regions, focusing on spices and textiles.
• French trading posts included Chandannagar and Puducherry, enhancing their influence over trade.

Competition and Conflict

• Competing European powers (Portugal, France, and Dutch) intensified trade competition leading to aggressive strategies including fortification and conflicts.
• The Carnatic Wars (1744-1763) arose from Anglo-French rivalry over Indian territory.

British Conquest of Bengal

• The EIC's initial focus on trade evolved into political power in Bengal post-1717 after gaining rights to duty-free trade.
• Conflict arose with the Nawabs of Bengal, leading to stipulations aimed at regulating the Company's activities.

Battle of Plassey (1757)

• A pivotal moment where the British defeated Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah in June 1757, establishing a puppet regime under Mir Jafar.
• This event marked the beginning of significant British political control in India.

Aftermath of Plassey

• Mir Jafar was ineffective as a ruler and was deposed in 1760, replaced by Mir Qasim, who attempted to reduce British influence.
• The Battle of Buxar (1764) saw the defeat of Mir Qasim, resulting in the EIC gaining control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Dual Government and its Consequences

• Following the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, a dual government system was established, with the Nawab overseeing administration but lacking power.
• This led to significant suffering among the Bengali populace due to mismanagement and exploitation.

Expansion of British Influence

• Post-plague and revolts, the British utilized subsidiary alliances and military conquest strategies to expand their territory.
• Resistance from local powers like Mysore and the Marathas resulted in several Anglo-Mysore and Anglo-Maratha Wars, showcasing continual British expansion.

Key Figures and Events

• Tipu Sultan and Haidar Ali led Mysore against British expansion, with several confrontations occurring between 1767 and 1799.
• Lord Wellesley promoted the subsidiary alliance, extending British control over various Indian states through coercion and warfare.
• The Doctrine of Lapse introduced by Lord Hastings asserted British authority to annex states lacking a legal heir.

British Control Over Punjab and Afghanistan

• Following the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a power vacuum in Punjab enabled British annexation post-Second Anglo-Sikh War (1849).
• Constant concerns over Russian expansion through Afghanistan led to failed Anglo-Afghan Wars, highlighting British military struggles.

Summary of Policies

• British policies such as subsidiary alliances and the Doctrine of Lapse facilitated significant territorial expansion, undermining local autonomy and governance.
• British officials returned to Britain as wealthy "nabobs," symbolizing the socio-economic disparities created by colonial rule.### Doctrine of Lapse
• Allowed British incorporation of dependent states upon the ruler's death without an heir.
• Created a loophole to annex states despite no treaty violations.
• Disregarded the validity of adopted heirs for succession.

Rapid British Expansion (1805-1848)

• Marked a significant increase in British territorial control in India and outside.

Claiming Paramountcy

• Introduced by Lord Hastings (1813-1823), emphasizing British supremacy over Indian states.
• Provided justification for annexing or threatening Indian states.
• The revolt of Rani Chennamma of Kittur highlighted resistance against British expansion.

Afghanistan and Sind

• In the 1830s, Britain interfered in Afghanistan fearing Russian expansion.
• This led to the Anglo-Afghan Wars (1838-1842), resulting in failure to control Afghanistan.
• Sind was annexed in 1843.

Punjab

• Maharaja Ranjit Singh maintained Punjab's autonomy through diplomacy and military strength until his death in 1839.
• Post-1839 chaos allowed British interference leading to two Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845-1849).
• Punjab was annexed by Lord Dalhousie in 1849 post-war defeat.

British Expansion under Lord Dalhousie (1848-1856)

• Introduced the Doctrine of Lapse for annexing territories.
• Major annexations included Satara (1848), Sambalpur (1850), Udaipur (1852), Nagpur (1853), and Jhansi (1854).

Annexation of Awadh

• Awadh was annexed in 1856 under Lord Dalhousie due to alleged misgovernance.
• The deposition of Walid Ali Shah triggered popular unrest leading to the Revolt of 1857.

Administrative Structure

• British established efficient administration via Presidencies: Bengal, Madras, and Bombay.
• Each presidency was governed by a governor and overseen by the governor-general, with Warren Hastings as the first.

India During the 18th Century

• District administration was led by the Collector, responsible for revenue and law enforcement.
• The Collectorate emerged as pivotal in local governance.

Civil Services

• Initiated by Lord Cornwallis, aimed at efficient management of Indian territories.
• Competitive exams for civil servants began in 1853, with Satyendranath Tagore being the first Indian ICS officer.

Police System

• The police assisted the Collector in maintaining order, with districts divided into thanas.
• Each thana was managed by a daroga, while towns had kotwals and chowkidars.

Judiciary

• Pre-British judicial systems varied based on local customs, lacking uniformity.
• From 1772, introduced courts: criminal (Faujdari adalat) and civil (diwani adalat).
• Establishment of a Supreme Court in Calcutta and subsequent codification of laws led to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 1883.

Military Structure

• A large British army was essential for trade defense and territorial expansion.
• Indian sepoys were largely involved, with recruitment focusing on peasants.
• The decline of cavalry was noted; the infantry regiments became prevalent by the 1820s.

Uniform Military Culture

• Introduced early 19th-century discipline and training to soldiers.
• Professionalism conflicted with caste and community dynamics among troops.

Conclusion

• By 1857, vast territories were under British rule leading to economic exploitation and increased political domination.

Additional Context

• Slave trade activities began in Southern Africa, affecting India indirectly.
• Rivalry among trading companies triggered conflicts leading to British dominance, exemplified by the Battle of Plassey marking the beginning of the conquest in Bengal.
• Subsequent annexations impacted Awadh and Hyderabad directly under British policy.

Test your knowledge on the key terms related to the colonisation of India, focusing on the transition from trade to territorial control. This quiz covers essential concepts such as customs duty, mercantilism, and monopolies that influenced India's colonial landscape.