A concise history of modern India, Metcalfs

advantages of the English east India company being a joint-stock enterprise

The advantages of the English East India Company being a joint-stock enterprise included limited liability for its investors, which allowed for greater capital accumulation and risk-sharing, enabling it to finance extensive trade networks and military ventures in India.

24 member court of directors

responsible for overseeing the operations and policies of the English East India Company, ensuring accountability and strategic decision-making.

dutch east India company / VOC

A major trading corporation established in 1602, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) played a crucial role in the spice trade and became one of the world's first multinational corporations.

Early Mughal English relationship

The early relationship between the Mughal Empire and the English involved initial trade agreements, diplomatic exchanges, and collaboration, which allowed the English to establish a foothold in India while the Mughals sought to enhance their trade networks and revenue. were also invited in to offset the Portuguese and Dutch.

development of India English trade

The progression of commerce between India and England, marked by evolving trade policies, the establishment of the East India Company, and increasing competition with other European powers. in 1670 360,000 —> 1740 2 million pounds.

grant awarded in 1617

to the East India Company by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, allowing them to establish a factory in Surat and enhancing their trading privileges in India.

Jagangir

Mughal Emperor who granted trading rights to the East India Company. Jahangir was the fourth Mughal Emperor, ruling from 1605 to 1627, known for his role in expanding trade with European powers and endorsing the establishment of European trading companies in India.

factories

Commercial trading posts established by European companies in India to facilitate and regulate trade. Acted as warehouses.

Surat in Gujarat

A major port city on the west coast of India, Surat was integral to international trade during the Mughal era, serving as a key location for European trading companies.

early benefits of Indian trade to eroupe

Created 80,000 jobs in Bengal, a paybill of 17,000 cavalrymen, and early competition between European powers secured reasonable returns for Indian producers.

1660s Mughal power falters

Due to internal strife, economic difficulties, and the rise of regional powers, the Mughal Empire began to decline in the 1660s, weakening its control over India and impacting trade.

the two raids of surat by Shivaji

In the late 17th century, Shivaji led two significant raids on Surat, targeting the wealthy port city to weaken Mughal influence and assert his strength. These attacks disrupted Mughal trade and demonstrated Shivaji's naval capabilities. And led to the British policy of armed defense.

Policy of armed defense

A British strategy implemented to protect trade interests in India against threats, particularly from local powers and piracy, by maintaining a strong military presence.

1686 conflict between English and Mughal

A military confrontation initiated by the English East India Company, seeking to expand its influence and trade rights, leading to increased tensions between the English and Mughal authorities. Ended in a humiliating defeat for the Mughals.

three presidency capitals

The three major capitals established by the British East India Company in India: Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay, which served as centers of British administration and trade.

madras

City on the southeastern coast of India, now known as Chennai, which was a major British trading port and administrative center during colonial rule.

Bombay

City on the western coast of India, now known as Mumbai, which became an important trade center and one of the largest cities during British colonial rule.

calcutta

City in eastern India, now known as Kolkata, that served as the capital of British India and a major center for trade and politics during colonial rule.

fort st George

The first British fortress in India, located in Madras (Chennai), established in 1639. It served as the headquarters of the British East India Company and played a crucial role in the expansion of British influence in India.

Missionaries & the English east trade company

The missionaries were involved in spreading Christianity and education in India, while the English East India Company was a trading entity that played a crucial role in establishing British colonial rule and economic interests in the region. And through the 18th century missionaries were refused residence in English settlements.

1661 English take over of Bombay

The acquisition of Bombay occurred when the British East India Company took control of the island, which was ceded to them by the Portuguese as part of the dowry for Catherine of Braganza, who married King Charles II of England.

pondicherry

A former French colony in India, known for its unique cultural heritage and architecture, established as a trading post by the French East India Company in the 17th century.

Aurangzeb

The last of the great Mughal emperors, Aurangzeb ruled from 1658 to 1707 and is known for his expansion of the empire and implementation of strict Islamic policies. His death led to the weakening of the Mughal empire.

Farrukhsiyar

Mughal emperor who ruled from 1713 to 1719, known for his inability to maintain control over the empire and reliance on influential nobles. in 1717 gave the british duty free export rights of there goods from bengal.

1717 duty-free export rights

A significant trade concession granted by Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar to the British East India Company, allowing them to export goods from Bengal without paying duties, which enhanced British commercial interests in India.

war of Austrian succession 1744 - 8

A conflict that involved multiple European powers, including Britain and Austria, primarily over territorial disputes and succession issues. This war played a significant role in reshaping alliances and territorial control in Europe. modern nationalism whould become a common driver in globl conflicts like this one.

Francois Dupleix

French governor of Pondicherry who played a key role in expanding French influence in India during the mid-18th century. He is known for his military and diplomatic efforts in the Carnatic Wars against the British East India Company. He whould often play indian rulers against each other to strengthen French positions.

Arcot and Hyderabad

Key regions in southern India that were significant centers of power during the Carnatic Wars. Arcot was crucial for British control in the area, while Hyderabad was an important princely state and played a major role in the regional politics of India.

carnatic wars

A series of military conflicts in the 18th century between the French and British East India Companies for control over southern India. These wars involved various local rulers and were pivotal in establishing British dominance in the region.

Dupliex siege of the Madras 1746

An early military engagement during the Carnatic Wars, where Francois Dupleix laid siege to Madras, attempting to seize control from the British East India Company. This siege highlighted the strategic rivalry between the French and British in India.

1749 treaty

A formal agreement that ended the first Carnatic War, recognizing British control over Madras and confirming French influence in certain areas.

military inovation and the role of nationlism

The emergence of modern military strategies and tactics influenced by nationalism, which transformed armies and warfare in India, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries.

seven year war effect on India

A global conflict that took place from 1756 to 1763, involving most of the great powers of the time, and significantly affected colonial dynamics, including British control in India. The Seven Years' War led to the strengthening of British dominance in India, particularly following the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which ceded Canada and Florida to Britain and reaffirmed British claims in the Indian subcontinent.

Importance of Bengal to English East trade company

Bengal played a crucial role in the English East India Company's trade due to its rich resources, particularly textiles and spices, making it a significant economic hub in colonial India.

British abuse of free trade rights

The English began giving their free trade passes to Indian favorites

Gran Nabob

refers to the position of the Nawab of Bengal, a title given to the ruler who had significant autonomy over Bengal during the British East India Company's expansion, often associated with corruption and manipulation by British officials.

Nawab Siraj ud daula

was the last independent Nawab of Bengal, known for resisting British expansion and facing defeat in the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

Colonel Robert Clive

was a British officer and the first British administrator of Bengal, playing a crucial role in establishing British control in India after the victory at the Battle of Plassey. He is often credited with the expansion of British rule in India.

Jaget Seth

a prominent Indian banker and businessman in Bengal during the 18th century, known for his immense wealth and influence, particularly during the British East India Company's rule. Conspired with Clive and played a crucial role in the political intrigues that led to the downfall of Nawab Siraj ud Daula.

Mir Jafar

was a key figure in the Battle of Plassey, acting as a traitor to Nawab Siraj ud Daula. He became the first puppet Nawab of Bengal under British control after his betrayal.

Battle of Plassey

was a decisive battle fought in 1757 between the British East India Company and the forces of Nawab Siraj ud Daula. This victory marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India.

revenue collecting rights

granted by the British to certain Indian zamindars and landlords, allowing them to collect taxes from peasants. This policy significantly altered land ownership and agricultural practices in India.

nabobs

were British officials in India who returned to Britain with large fortunes, symbolizing the wealth gained from colonial exploitation and trade. comes from Mughal term nawab meaning govenor.

Nawab prestige goods

refers to luxury items imported and consumed by Indian nobility and elite, often signifying status and wealth during the Mughal and colonial periods.

Mir Kasim

was the Nawab of Bengal known for his efforts to resist British control and for his conflict with the British East India Company, which ultimately led to the Battle of Buxar.

Battle of Buxer

was a decisive battle fought in 1764 between British forces and a coalition of Indian rulers, leading to British domination in India, specficaly Bengal, and led to gaining the right to collect revenue.

treaty of 1765

was an agreement that established British control over Bengal, granting the East India Company the right to collect revenue and exercise administrative authority in the region.

diwani

refers to the rights granted to the British East India Company to collect revenue in Bengal following their victory in the Battle of Buxar.

nizamat

refers to the administrative powers and responsibilities granted to the British over Bengal after the Battle of Buxar, including maintaining law and order.

reasons for British 1772 to stand forth as diwan

Included financial instability in Bengal and the need for effective revenue collection. This was especially driven by the need to finance their fast-growing army.

diwan

the title for the chief revenue officer or administrator in charge of tax collection in a territory.

military fiscalism

a system implemented by the British in India to secure financial resources for military expenditures, ensuring the army's growth and maintenance.

Reasons for British dominance over India

Military fiscalism, connections to well established Indian economic powers like Jagat Seth, modern professional infantry, commitment to securing India at all cost due to being an island nation, and the early conquest of India’s richest province, Bengal enabled much of this.