India's Trade with the West

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Questions and Answers

What were the primary goods that India traded with the West before the rise of the Turks in 1453?

Spices, textiles, sugar, indigo, and saltpetre.

How did the rise of the Turks affect trade between India and Europe?

It disrupted the overland trade routes, making them unsafe for transporting goods to Europe.

Who was Vasco da Gama and what was significant about his voyage in 1498?

Vasco da Gama was the first European explorer to reach India by sea, marking the discovery of a direct sea-route to India.

What was the Mughal emperors' initial attitude towards European explorers and traders?

The Mughal emperors did not consider them a threat and did not pay much attention to their naval development. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of European trading companies in India's regional politics during the 18th century?

They began to side with local powers to strengthen their trade and political influence. Signup and view all the answers

Which European nation was the first to set up a trading company in India, and why were they able to monopolize trade?

The Portuguese were the first, and they monopolized trade due to their strong navy and military strength. Signup and view all the answers

What friendly relations did Vasco da Gama establish upon reaching India?

He established friendly relations with the zamorin, the ruler of Calicut. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the establishment of European colonies have on the Mughal Empire?

The establishment of European colonies ultimately challenged and destroyed the might of the Mughals. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Albuquerque's capture of Goa in 1510?

Albuquerque's capture of Goa established it as the headquarters of the Portuguese establishment in India. Signup and view all the answers

How did the decline of Portuguese power in India occur by the end of the 16th century?

The decline was due to the corruption of viceroys, lack of inland territories, and competition from the Dutch and British. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Dutch East India Company play in breaking the Portuguese monopoly?

The Dutch East India Company, founded in 1602, established trading centres in India and challenged Portuguese dominance. Signup and view all the answers

What important concession did Aurangzeb grant to the English East India Company in 1691?

Aurangzeb granted the Company the right to trade in Bengal free of duties for a token annual payment. Signup and view all the answers

How did the city of Calcutta develop from the villages of Sutanati, Kalikata, and Gobindapur?

These villages grew into Calcutta following the English East India Company's acquisition of tax collection rights in 1698. Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the French East India Company's governance compared to the English East India Company?

The French East India Company was controlled by the French government, while the English East India Company was privately owned. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the acquisition of Bombay by the British in 1668?

Bombay was given to the British as part of the marriage treaty between Catherine of Braganza and King Charles II. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did colonization influence the architectural landscape of Indian cities?

Colonization led to the construction of distinct European-style buildings and monuments, as seen in Calcutta and Pondicherry. Signup and view all the answers

What geographical feature contributed to the significance of Bombay during the colonial era?

Bombay is made up of seven islands, making it a vital location for maritime trade. Signup and view all the answers

How did the nature of trading activities change for the English East India Company over time?

Initially a trading entity, the Company evolved into a political power, seeking to establish an empire in India. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Trade Patterns and European Exploration

India’s trade with the West included spices, textiles, sugar, indigo, and saltpetre, primarily controlled by Arab traders.
Key trade routes involved transport through the Persian Gulf and Red Sea until the Ottoman Turks disrupted land routes in 1453.
European nations sought maritime paths to India, prompting voyages by explorers like Bartolomeo Dias and Vasco da Gama.

Vasco da Gama’s Voyage

Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498, becoming the first European to do so via sea by navigating around the Cape of Good Hope.
His arrival established a direct sea-route to India, facilitating trade for other European nations including the Dutch, British, and French.
Mughal emperors initially did not perceive European traders as threats, allowing them to gain privileges and establish trading posts along the coasts.

The Portuguese Dominance

First to establish a trading company in India, the Portuguese maintained a monopoly on Indian trade throughout the 16th century via their naval strength.
Key figures include Vasco da Gama, who formed alliances with local rulers such as the zamorin of Calicut and the ruler of Cochin.
Albuquerque captured Goa in 1510, making it the headquarters of Portuguese operations.
Decline began by the end of the 16th century due to weak leadership and competition from Dutch and British traders.

The Dutch East India Company

Founded in 1602, the Dutch East India Company broke the Portuguese monopoly in the Indian Ocean by establishing trading centers in Surat, Chinsurah, Nagapatnam, and Cochin.
Though they were initially a strong trading power, the Dutch focused more on Southeast Asia, allowing the British to gradually overshadow them in India.

The British East India Company

Established in 1600, gaining royal permission from Queen Elizabeth I to trade in India with profits shared with the crown.
Sir Thomas Roe represented the Company at Jahangir's court in 1615, gaining trading rights in Surat.
Key developments included the establishment of Fort St. George in Madras and a factory in Hooghly by 1668.
Transition from traders to rulers occurred as Sir Josiah Child aimed for an empire, with significant gains following the defeat of Aurangzeb's forces and tax rights in Bengal.

Emergence of Calcutta

In 1698, the East India Company acquired rights to collect taxes in Sutanati, Kalikata, and Gobindapur which later became Calcutta.
British fortified Hooghly, developing Fort William, leading to urbanization and commerce growth in colonies, attracting Indian merchants.

French Presence in India

The French East India Company was established in 1664, directly controlled by the French government unlike the British counterpart.
Key possessions included fortified trading centers at Pondicherry, Chandernagore, and Mahe, but they entered the Indian market later than the British.

Acquisition of Bombay

The British gained Bombay through a royal marriage arrangement, receiving it as a dowry in 1668 and transferring it to the East India Company.

Colonial Legacy

Indian cities reflect the influence of European colonizers with notable architecture like the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata and other French structures in Pondicherry.
Colonial segregation is notable in urban planning with distinct areas for local and European populations.

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Description

Explore the historical trade routes from India to the West, focusing on key commodities such as spices, textiles, and sugar. Learn how the rise of the Turks in 1453 disrupted these vital trade connections. Delve into the impact on European seafaring nations and their response to shifting trade dynamics.