History Chapter 1: Advent of Europeans to India Class 10

The Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople in 1453, disrupting the traditional trade routes between India and Europe. Italian traders relied on this city as a key hub for buying Asian goods from Arab merchants.

With the capture of Constantinople, the Turks controlled trade routes and imposed high taxes, making it unprofitable for European merchants. This prompted Spain and Portugal to seek new sea routes to India.

Vasco-da Gama successfully found a new sea route to India by sailing around Africa, opening up direct trade between Europe and India.

The invention of the compass, astrolabes, and gunpowder played a crucial role in enabling European exploration and discovery of new sea routes. These tools aided navigation and provided a military advantage.

The Portuguese, French, and British were among the European powers that established trading posts in India for various reasons, including access to valuable spices and textiles.

Pondicherry was the French capital in India, and it served as a center for French trade and administrative activities.

French officer Dupleix actively participated in Indian politics and played a significant role in influencing power dynamics during the 18th century.

The Battle of Plassey, fought in 1757, marked a significant turning point in British dominance in India. The British East India Company defeated Siraj-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Bengal.

The British East India Company's desire to expand its trade and territory, coupled with Siraj-ud-Daula's opposition to their activities, led to the Battle of Plassey.

The Battle of Plassey resulted in a British victory, leading to the expulsion of Siraj-ud-Daula and the strengthening of the British East India Company's power in Bengal.

Robert Clive led the British forces to victory in the Battle of Plassey, demonstrating his military prowess and contributing significantly to the British rise in India.

Following their victory in the Battle of Plassey, the British East India Company gained the Dewani rights over Bengal. This gave them control over revenue collection and effectively made them the de facto rulers.

Robert Clive implemented a dual government system in Bengal. This arrangement allowed the British to control the province's finances and military while maintaining the Nawab as a symbolic ruler, effectively giving them indirect control.

The Second Carnatic War was another significant conflict between the British and the French in India. This war led to the defeat of Chandsaheb, the French-backed Nawab of Carnatic, by Robert Clive.

The Treaty of Pondicherry ended the Second Carnatic War. The French were forced to withdraw their support for Chandsaheb, signaling a significant loss of influence in South India.

The Battle of Buxar, fought in 1764, pitted the combined forces of Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, and Shah Alam II against the British army led by Hector Munro. The British decisively defeated the opposing forces, further solidifying their dominance in India.