How did British Empire Conquer India? Brief History of British Rule in India
Mighty Monk・2 minutes read
During their 200 years of rule, the British looted 45 trillion dollars in Indian Rupees. The East India Company's conflicts and alliances with Indian rulers ultimately led to British political power in India, culminating in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the transfer of control from the East India Company to the British Crown through the 1858 India Act.
Insights
- The British looted 45 trillion dollars in Indian Rupees during their 200 years of rule, establishing dominance through conflicts with various powers like the Mughals, French, and Marathas, leading to the eventual transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown after the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- The East India Company's strategic expansion and conflicts in India, including alliances with local rulers like Mir Jafar against Siraj-ud-Daula and the subsequent Battle of Buxar, solidified British control, culminating in the Doctrine of Lapse and the Indian Rebellion of 1857, ultimately resulting in the direct rule of India by the British Crown through the 1858 India Act and the appointment of Lord Canning as Viceroy.
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Recent questions
How did the British gain control in India?
Through strategic alliances and military victories.
What led to the Indian Rebellion of 1857?
Introduction of the Doctrine of Lapse and unrest among Indian rulers.
Who were the key players in the Battle of Buxar?
Mir Qasim, Shah Alam II, and the British.
What was the impact of the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765?
Transfer of Bengal's power to the British Crown.
How did the British Crown establish control in India?
Through the 1858 India Act and direct governance.
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Summary
00:00
British Empire's Economic Exploitation of India
- British looted 45 trillion dollars in Indian Rupees during their 200 years of rule
- Alexander faced defeat in capturing India
- Mughals struggled to establish power in India
- Portuguese traders reached India in 1498 through sea routes
- Dutch East Indies Company established presence in India in 1602
- East India Company entered Surat in 1608 for trading
- East India Company formed in London on December 31, 1600
- East India Company faced conflict with Spanish traders in Indonesia
- East India Company defeated Portuguese traders in Swali village
- East India Company established a permanent factory in Surat in 1613
14:49
Rise of British Power in India
- In 1690, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb imposed a limit of Rs 50 lakh on the East India Company due to the significant tax revenue they were generating from India.
- After Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the Mughal Empire fragmented, leading to the rise of powers like the Jats and Marathas who took advantage of the weakened Mughals.
- The East India Company expanded its power by establishing new factories and trading within its boundaries, while other European traders like the Dutch, Spanish, and French also sought dominance in India.
- Wars erupted between France and Britain, with Joseph Francois occupying East India Company trading areas in India, leading to the Carnatic War from 1746 to 1763.
- Siraj-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Bengal, clashed with the East India Company, resulting in the Black Hole Tragedy of Calcutta, prompting the British to align with Mir Jafar and Jagat Seth against Siraj-ud-Daula.
- The British defeated Siraj-ud-Daula in 1757, making Mir Jafar the puppet Nawab of Bengal and expanding their control over French territories.
- Mir Jafar's discontent with British policies led to his removal, and subsequent conflicts with Mir Qasim and Shah Alam II culminated in the Battle of Buxar in 1764, solidifying British dominance.
- The Treaty of Allahabad in 1765 transferred Bengal's power to the British Crown, with Robert Clive becoming the Governor of Bengal, marking the beginning of British political power in India.
- Internal conflicts among the Marathas, including the assassination of Narayan Rao and subsequent wars, weakened their position, leading to the Second and Third Anglo-Maratha Wars, ultimately abolishing the Peshwa post.
- The British's victory in the Third Anglo-Maratha War solidified their control over India, leading to the introduction of the Doctrine of Lapse in 1848, causing unrest among Indian rulers and eventually culminating in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
28:26
Indian Revolt: Impact and British Takeover
- The Indian revolt against the British was planned for May 30, 1857, led by Bahadur Shah Jafar, but the soldiers of Meerut initiated the attack on May 10, 1857, due to impatience. Despite initial success, limited resources led to the British gaining the upper hand, suppressing the revolt and resulting in the deaths of key figures like Rani Laxmibai and Tatya Tope.
- Following the revolt, the British Crown took direct control of India through the 1858 India Act, transferring all assets and administration from the East India Company to the British Government. The Viceroy, Lord Canning, was appointed to oversee British India, with the authority to collect taxes given to landlords, leading to significant changes in governance and land ownership in India.
