Modern period in indian History

Beginning of the modern period in India:

• Mughal empire disintegrated, cause of the emergence of smaller regional states.

• British, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands established their trading posts.

• The English and French saw political opportunities in India, therefore the

  Anglo-French war.

• Britain won and dominated India. They slowly expanded their territory, Starting with the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the Battle of Buxar (1764).

Industrial Revolution:

• 18th century, took place in England.

• Product manufacturing (in mass) accelerated with the help of machines.

• People started looking for exporting/selling markets.

• Could be found in colonies like India.

The Renaissance movement:

• Europe, 14th to 17th century.

• It encouraged independent thinking and reasoning, which had a worldwide impact.

Nationalism:

• Defined by the feelings of love and loyalty towards one’s own country.

• Started in the 19th century in Europe.

• The British centralized rule in India brought a sense of political unity and fostered nationalism amongst Indians, late 19th century.

Sources of the modern period:

• Books, newspapers, and magazines:

  • By the 18th century, the printing press was in full use in India.

  • Ideas and thoughts were documented.

  • The Bengal Gazette - 1780, was India’s first newspaper from Calcutta.

• Government Records:

  • The archival records of the Government of British India are available in the National Archives of India, New Delhi, and the India Office Records, London.

• Diaries and accounts of travelers:

  • Many travelers, traders, missionaries, and civil servants who came to India left behind accounts in the 18th to 19th centuries.

  • However, caution is necessary as they might be biased.

• Historical Structures:

  • Monuments like India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, and Parliament House give good insight into the art and architecture of the period.

Key terms:

• Renaissance - A cultural movement that took place in Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries.

• Industrial Revolution - The production of goods in large numbers with the help of machines in factories.