Questions and Answers
Which European country was the first to establish trade relations with India?
Portugal
Who was the last powerful emperor of the Mughal dynasty?
Aurangzeb
What were the valuable products that made Indian trade lucrative to Europeans?
Spices, cotton, and textiles
Where did Vasco da Gama first land in India?
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In which century did the British first arrive in India?
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How did the rivalry between England and France in Europe affect their relationship in India?
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Why was the conquest of Bengal significant for the British?
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What privileges were granted to the merchants of the East India Company?
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Study Notes
The Mughal Collapse
- Aurangzeb was the last powerful emperor of the Mughal dynasty, after whom his successors proved to be incompetent and infighting started.
- The Mughal Empire fragmented into smaller territories due to revolts from the Sikhs, Jats, and Marathas.
- Maratha raiders contributed to the Mughal Empire's decline.
- The Mughal Empire's collapse was also due to internal discord, external Persian incursions, and regional divisions.
Westerners in India
- The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish trade relations with India, followed by the Dutch, French, and British.
- European traders were attracted to India due to its rich resources of spices, cotton, and textiles, which were in high demand in Europe and America.
- The Portuguese established trade along the western coast of India, particularly in Calicut, Kochi, and Kannur.
- The Dutch and British eventually began to rival the Portuguese, leading to conflicts over trade control.
The Rise of British Power in India
- The British arrived in India in the 17th century as traders, with the East India Company being established on December 31, 1600, with monopoly privileges on all trade with the East Indies.
- The British East India Company's ships first arrived in India at the port of Surat.
- The British eliminated their rivals and established their rule in India, with the conquest of Bengal being a significant milestone.
- The British-French rivalry in Europe spilled over to India, contributing to the British desire to control the trade.
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Description
Learn about the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of British power in India, including the role of European trading powers and Indian regional kingdoms.
