European Companies Arrival in India

Arrival of European Companies in India

• The arrival of European companies in India is introduced.
• The primary focus is on European companies.
• Reasons behind their arrival in India and Asia are discussed.
• Focuses on India due to its historical context.

Reasons for European Companies' Arrival

• Considers the circumstances that led to European companies coming to Asia, specifically India.
• Key factors include understanding the reasons, processes, effects, and outcomes of historical events.

European Context: 15th-16th Centuries

• The 15th and 16th centuries in Europe were marked by the Renaissance period.
• During the Renaissance, Europe was recovering from a period where the influence of religion was very strong.
• Renaissance translates to "re-awakening," implying a previous state of awareness.
• Before the re-awakening, there was a period of reduced awareness due to the strong influence of the Church.
• European society during the Middle Ages was heavily influenced by the Church.

Influence of Religion in Medieval Europe

• The Church significantly influenced European society, dictating how people should live and fulfill their duties.
• The Church, particularly Christianity through its popes and priests, controlled various aspects of people's lives.
• The Church influenced daily life, including business and personal matters.
• Actions were often judged as sins, requiring confession and penance as dictated by the Church.
• The strong religious influence limited independent thinking and decision-making among the population.

Societal Structure in Medieval Europe

• The European society in the Middle Ages was divided into rulers, the Church, feudal lords, and common people.
• Rulers and feudal lords relied on the Church to maintain their power.
• The combined influence of rulers, feudal lords, and the Church controlled the common people.
• The system suppressed independent thinking and kept the population under control.

The Shift Towards Renaissance

• Europe experienced the re-emergence of humanity and logical thought after the Middle Ages.
• The Renaissance brought about a shift from religious dogma to humanism and reason.

The Fall of Constantinople and its Impact

• The fall of Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, to the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century led to significant changes in Europe.
• The Ottoman Empire expanded into the Eastern Roman territories.
• The expansion of the Ottoman Empire led to the displacement of scholars and intellectuals who sought refuge in Western Europe, particularly in Italy.
• Intellectuals fleeing the Eastern Roman Empire brought ancient texts, literature, and knowledge that sparked the Renaissance in Italy.
• The influx of knowledge from the old Roman empire led to the re-evaluation of classical wisdom.

The Role of Italy in the Renaissance

• Italy became the center of the Renaissance due to its favorable conditions:
• It was a trade center connecting Europe and Asia.
• Trade created a more progressive and advanced society compared to the rest of Europe.
• The exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures in trade centers fostered intellectual growth.

Trade Routes Between Asia and Europe

• Three major trade routes connected Europe and Asia during the period:
• A route from Asia to the Persian Gulf, then to Western Asia, the Mediterranean Sea, and Italy, from where goods were distributed to other parts of Europe.
• A route from Asia to the Red Sea, then through Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea, and finally to Italy.
• An overland route from India through Central Asia to Russia, then to the Baltic nations in Europe.
• Italy was a trading hub that facilitated the distribution of goods throughout Europe.
• The establishment of the Ottoman Empire disrupted these trade routes.
• The Ottoman Empire imposed high taxes on trade.
• High taxation by the Ottoman Empire caused economic disruption.

Conditions in Italy

• Trade centers like Italy promote exchange of goods, ideas, and culture.
• Italy saw the emergence of printing presses and the paper industry.
• Knowledge was disseminated throughout Europe via printing
• The population, exposed to new ideas and cultures, became more liberal and progressive.
• After the past texts from the Roman Empire arrived, intellectuals started demanding freedom.
• Thinkers began to question the norms of society, religion, and governance.

Consequences of the Renaissance

• Thinkers started questioning the importance of humanity.
• They realized that communities had more to offer
• Philosophers redefined the roles of society, religion, and governance.
• Religion should emphasize moral education rather than enforcing restrictions.
• Governance should focus on the welfare of individuals instead of mere control.

The Age of Enlightenment

• The Renaissance was followed by the Age of Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason.
• During the Age of Enlightenment, people began to emphasize logic, reason, evidence, and personal experience.
• It led to an emphasis on knowledge and education.
• Scientific discoveries started happening.
• Scientific thinking led to technological advancements and machinery.
• Resulting in increased production in agriculture and manufacturing.
• There was now a surplus of surplus goods available.
• Emphasis was on the market instead of the feudal system.
• Maritime routes to Asia were sought.

Search for New Trade Routes

• Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492 while searching for a route to Asia.
• Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498, sailing around Africa and arriving in Calicut.
• Vasco da Gama's successful voyage to India inspired other Europeans traders and rulers to seek direct trade routes.
• Direct trade with Asia allowed European traders to avoid the high taxes imposed by the Ottoman Empire and increase their profits.

India's Situation

• In the 13th century, Marco Polo, an Italian traveler, visited India.
• Marco Polo wrote about India in his accounts after coming back,
• Marco Polo wrote about India's society politics, economy, and culture.
• People reading Marco Polo's travel journals became curious about India.
• In 1498, India mainly consisted of Delhi Sultanate and Vijayanagara Empire.
• The next class will discuss what happened with the European traders once they reached India.