European Exploration of India in the 15th Century

What was the main reason for European sailors to explore sea routes to reach the Indian subcontinent?

Why did Christopher Columbus sail westwards across the Atlantic Ocean?

What was the significance of Vasco da Gama's landing in Calicut in 1498?

What legal document granted the English East India Company permission to trade with India?

In what present-day Indian state did Vasco da Gama first land in 1498?

Why did Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, battle against the British in 1757?

What was the significance of the Battle of Plassey in 1757?

What was the outcome of the Battle of Buxar fought in 1764?

How did the Great Uprising of 1857 impact the rule of the East India Company?

What were some factors that led to the Great Uprising of 1857?

European Exploration of India

Traders and travelers from distant places visited India since ancient times
During the 15th century, European sailors, including Vasco da Gama, explored sea routes to reach the Indian subcontinent
Vasco da Gama landed in Calicut (present-day Kozhikode) in Kerala on 20 May, 1498, opening the gates of India for Europeans

The East India Company

Founded by English traders in 1600
Acquired a Charter from Queen Elizabeth I, granting permission to trade with India
Established factories at different locations such as Ahmedabad, Burhanpur, Agra, and Surat
Set up a fortified factory at Sutanati, Calcutta, known as Fort William in 1696

British Exploitation in India

The British traders deprived local rulers of their revenues, causing enormous loss of revenue
Siraj ud Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, fought the Battle of Plassey against the British in 1757 to check their evil intentions
The British won the Battle of Plassey with the help of Mir Jafar, who joined hands with them
The British victory in the Battle of Buxar in 1764 strengthened their position in India, granting them the right to collect land revenue of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa

The Great Uprising of 1857

The East India Company faced a massive uprising that ended its rule in India
The Great Uprising of 1857 marked the turning point of Indian history
Factors leading to the uprising include:
- Exorbitant taxes collected by the British, which impoverished the people in India
- Taxes levied by the British destroyed Indian handicrafts
- The British annexed some Indian states under the policies of Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse to expand their control over India

Explore the history of European exploration to India during the 15th century, focusing on famous sailors like Vasco da Gama and the impact of their voyages. Learn about the opening of trade routes between Europe and India through this historical event.