Advent of Europeans in India | Indian Modern History | UPSC | Lecture 1 | GS History by Aadesh
GS History for UPSC by StudyIQ IAS・10 minutes read
European companies like the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French played key roles in India's trade history, with each establishing dominance at different points and facing various challenges and conflicts with local rulers and each other. The pursuit of new trade routes, the desire for monopoly control, and battles for dominance shaped the landscape of Indian trade during this period.
Insights
- European countries like Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, England, and France competed for control over trade routes to India, leading to a complex web of colonial dominance and rivalry in the region.
- The establishment of various European East India Companies, such as the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French, marked a significant shift in India's trade dynamics, shaping the course of history through monopolies, conflicts, and power struggles.
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Recent questions
Why did European companies come to India?
European companies came to India for trade, primarily due to the high demand for Indian goods like textiles and spices in the European market. The Portuguese were the first to establish their authority in India, followed by other European powers seeking to capitalize on the lucrative trade opportunities.
Who established trade dominance in India first?
The Portuguese established trade dominance in India first, with Vasco Da Gama's successful voyage to Calicut in 1498 marking the beginning of their control over Indian trade. Their unfair trade demands and establishment of the Blue Water Policy solidified their power in the region.
What led to the decline of Portuguese power in India?
The decline of Portuguese power in India began in the 16th century due to various events like the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan handing over Hooghly to Noble Qasim Khan and the Marathas conquering Bombay. These events, along with increasing competition from other European powers, contributed to their downfall.
Which company followed the Portuguese in India?
The Dutch East India Company followed the Portuguese in India, establishing their monopoly on spice trade in the region. However, they eventually faced decline after encountering the English in the Battle of Bedra in 1759.
When was the English East India Company established?
The English East India Company was established in 1599, gaining a monopoly on trade with the East Indies from England. Key events like Captain William Hawkins' naval battle near Surat in 1600 solidified their presence in India, leading to conflicts with other European powers like the French.
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Summary
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European Powers' Trade Dominance in India
- European companies came to India for trade, with the Portuguese being the first to establish their authority due to the demand for Indian goods like textiles and spices in the European market.
- The Ottomans' control over trade routes led to the search for new routes by West European states, with Portugal and Spain taking the initial steps, leading to Vasco Da Gama's successful voyage to India in 1498.
- Vasco Da Gama's arrival in Calicut marked the beginning of Portuguese trade dominance in India, with their unfair trade demands leading to hostilities with local rulers like Zamorin.
- The rise of Portuguese power in India was characterized by their Blue Water Policy, establishing control over the Indian Ocean and requiring trade passes for all traders in the region.
- The decline of Portuguese power in India began in the 16th century, with various events like the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan handing over Hooghly to Noble Qasim Khan and the Marathas conquering Bombay.
- The Dutch East India Company followed the Portuguese, establishing their monopoly on spice trade in India but eventually declining after facing the English in the Battle of Bedra in 1759.
- The English East India Company, established in 1599, gained a monopoly on trade with the East Indies from England, with key events like Captain William Hawkins' naval battle near Surat in 1600.
- The French East India Company, formed in 1664, established factories in Surat, Pondicherry, Chandernagore, Mahi, and Karaikal, engaging in conflicts with the English in India.
