History Chapter 1: Advent of Europeans to India Class 10

The Advent of Europeans to India

Constantinople and Trade Routes

• In 1453, the Ottoman Turks occupied Constantinople, affecting trade routes between India and Europe.
• Arab merchants carried Asian merchandise into Constantinople, which Italian merchants would buy and sell in European countries.
• Constantinople was the center of international business, considered the 'Gate of European Trade'.

Discovery of a New Sea Route

• The capture of Constantinople led to Turkish control over trade routes and high taxes on goods, making trade unprofitable.
• Spain and Portugal encouraged sailors to find a new sea route to India, leading to the discovery of a new route by Vasco-da Gama.
• The invention of the compass, astrolabes, and gunpowder aided this venture.

European Arrivals in India

• Europeans who arrived in India for business included:
  • Portuguese
  • French
  • British

French in India

• The capital of French in India was Pondicherry.
• French officer Dupleix played a significant role in Indian politics.

Battle of Plassey

• The Battle of Plassey took place in 1757 between the British and the young Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula.
• Reasons for the battle:
  • Siraj-ud-Daula was not in favor of the British East India Company.
  • The British wanted to expand their trade and territory.
• Outcomes:
  • The British declared war over Siraj-ud-Daula.
  • Robert Clive led the British army to victory.
  • The Dewani rights over Bengal were handed over to the British by Shah Alam-II.

Dual Government Policy

• The dual government policy was implemented by Robert Clive in Bengal.
• This policy allowed the British to exercise control over Bengal through the Nawab, while also gaining economic benefits.

Second Carnatic War

• The Second Carnatic War resulted in the defeat of Chandsaheb, the Nawab of Carnatic, by Robert Clive of the East India Company.
• The war ended with the Treaty of Pondicherry, and French recalled Dupleix.

Battle of Buxar

• The Battle of Buxar took place in 1764 between the British army led by Hector Munro and the combined forces of Mir Qasim.
• Mir Qasim was defeated, and Shah Alam-II surrendered, leading to the failure of the combined forces to stop the British.

Practice questions and answers on the advent of Europeans to India for Karnataka State Board Class 10 Social Science students. Revise and score more marks in your examinations.