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Advent of the Europeans in India FULL CHAPTER | Spectrum Chapter 3 | Modern History

OnlyIAS UPSC・104 minutes read

European powers, including the Portuguese, English, and French, vied for control of Indian trade routes, leading to the establishment of colonial empires and conflicts in the region. The Carnatic Wars between the English and the French in India culminated in English dominance, ending French influence in the area and shaping the political landscape.

Insights

  • The Advent of Europeans in India, particularly the Portuguese, English, and French, shaped trade routes crucial for states' prosperity.
  • The competitive spirit among European nations for Indian goods drove advancements in navigation and trade, sparking the Age of Exploration.
  • The decline of Portuguese dominance in India was influenced by factors like the rise of strong Indian states, leading to a shift in focus towards Brazil.
  • The Carnatic Wars between the English and the French in India, influenced by conflicts in Europe, ended with the English establishing dominance and French influence diminishing.

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Recent questions

  • What sparked the Age of Exploration?

    Prince Henry aimed to find a direct sea route to India, sparking the Age of Exploration.

  • What led to the decline of Portuguese dominance in India?

    Various factors, including the rise of strong Indian states like Marathas, led to the decline of Portuguese dominance in India.

  • Who played a crucial role in establishing British factories in India?

    Captain Hawkins played a crucial role in establishing British factories in Surat, Mussoorie Patna, and securing permissions.

  • What marked the end of French influence in India?

    The Battle of Wandiwash in 1758 marked the end of French influence in India.

  • What was the impact of the Treaty of Paris on France's presence in India?

    The Treaty of Paris allowed France to conduct business in Pondicherry but limited their military capabilities.

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Summary

00:00

European Advent in India: Trade, Exploration, Empire

  • The discussion in the Modern India course focuses on the Advent of Europeans in India, particularly the Portuguese, English, and French.
  • The Portuguese were the first to arrive in India, followed by the English and then the French.
  • The trade routes between India, China, and Europe were crucial for the prosperity of various states and kingdoms.
  • The decline of the Roman Empire led to shifts in global power dynamics, with Europe emerging as a dominant force.
  • The growth of agriculture and animal husbandry in Europe led to increased prosperity and a demand for spices from India.
  • The demand for Indian spices and textiles in Europe fueled the need for better navigation and shipping routes.
  • The Portuguese, led by Prince Henry, aimed to find a direct sea route to India, sparking the Age of Exploration.
  • European countries like Spain, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the UK became key players in the quest for Indian trade routes.
  • The desire for Indian goods led to a competitive spirit among European nations, driving advancements in navigation and trade.
  • The search for a direct route to India led to the discovery of new lands and the establishment of colonial empires.

14:55

"Exploring Vasco da Gama's Impact in India"

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  • Find out the way to motivate two prince families to die before D finds out.
  • Investigation starts with two people in a big event in Portugal and Spain in 1492.
  • Columbus discovers America thinking it's India, leading to a significant event.
  • Vasco da Gama reaches India in 1498, marking a crucial world-changing event.
  • Vijay Nagar umpire rules in South India during Vasco da Gama's arrival.
  • Small states like Bijapur and Ahmednagar emerge in South India during this period.
  • Vasco da Gama's successful trade in Calicut leads to the establishment of trading centers in Calicut, Cochin, and Connaught.
  • Portugal appoints an official governor in response to the successful trade route, aiming to dominate the region.
  • The timeline of events starts with Vasco da Gama's arrival in 1498, followed by the appointment of the first official governor in 1505.

30:52

Portuguese Trade Dominance in India

  • The tenure is for three years till 15008 Francisco de Album is sent to Yadav Sir
  • The Indian trade route should be regulated to avoid harm
  • A governor is sent for three years to oversee trade and control routes
  • The Portuguese aim to control the Indian Ocean for trade dominance
  • The Portuguese focus on fortifying Goa, Cochin, and Kalwa for control
  • The Blue Water Policy is established to dominate trade routes and water territories
  • Goa falls to the Portuguese in 1510 after defeating Bijapur
  • The Portuguese aim to integrate Goa into Portugal's territory
  • New crops and technologies are introduced by the Portuguese in India
  • Tensions arise with Muslim merchants leading to conflicts and demands for prosecution

51:24

Bahadur Shah's Death Sparks Political Turmoil

  • Bahadur Shah fell into water and died, leading to uncertainty about the gear falling.
  • It is speculated that Bahadur Shah slipped and fell into the water, failing to get back on his feet.
  • Following Bahadur Shah's death, a war ensues, with people providing differing views.
  • The Hooghly side in Bengal also becomes relevant to Bahadur Shah's story.
  • The connection is established with Minodi Kunda in relation to Bahadur Shah.
  • A question is posed regarding the rulers of Gujarat and Diu, with Portuguese involvement.
  • The discussion delves into the Gujarat Dynasty, focusing on Mohammed Badra and Bahadur Shah.
  • The Portuguese's survival is attributed to their navy and technological advantage.
  • The Portuguese's religious policy emphasizes the spread of Christianity and enmity with Muslims.
  • Atrocities, such as the Goa Inquisition, were carried out to enforce religious conversion.

01:08:24

"Trade, religion, and power in Mughal India"

  • Akbar's reign saw attempts at religious conversion, with Jahangir continuing the trend but allowing religious freedom in Agra.
  • Akbar's death in 1605 marked the end of his rule, lasting over 100 years without significant challenges.
  • Captain William Hawkins arrived in 1608, seeking trading opportunities with Jahangir, leading to a three-year stay.
  • Jahangir granted permission for the English to establish a factory in Surat in 1611, after initial resistance from the Portuguese.
  • The British faced opposition from the Portuguese but eventually gained Jahangir's approval for trade in 1613.
  • Shahjahan succeeded Jahangir, ruling until 1658, with a significant event in 1632 involving the Hooghly region in Bengal.
  • The Hooghly region saw the British establishing a monopoly in trade, including the controversial slave trade.
  • Shahjahan's construction of the Taj Mahal for Mumtaz Mahal is mentioned, along with a conflict involving Commander Qasim Khan in Hooghly.
  • The decline of Portuguese dominance in India is attributed to various factors, including the rise of strong Indian states like Marathas.
  • Portugal's focus shifted to Brazil due to declining profits in India, leading to their sidelining in Indian affairs.

01:24:55

Early Dutch Trade Expansion in India

  • The story begins in 1602, with the idea of starting a business inspired by the success of others.
  • The first company, DK India Company, was established in 1605, with the shock of Portugal's dominance in Indonesia.
  • The first factory was set up in Mussoorie Patna in 1605, followed by further establishments in various locations.
  • Surat became a significant location for factories, with a grouping of touch factories in Gujarat and Agra.
  • Trade focused on silk, cotton, and indigo, with each group having a director leading the operations.
  • Conflict with the British began early, with significant events like the fight in 1623 leading to tensions.
  • The British and Dutch had a major conflict in 1667, leading to a separation of their trading paths.
  • The Dutch attempted to establish themselves in India in 1759, facing challenges and battles.
  • Captain Hawkins played a crucial role in establishing factories in Surat, Mussoorie Patna, and securing permissions.
  • Major developments in Madras, Bombay, and Kolkata occurred in 1630, 1660, and 1690 respectively, expanding trade operations.

01:47:36

British and French Expansion in India

  • The company received two big areas, Madras and Mumbai, with plans to create important centers in both cities.
  • The story of Kolkata's establishment involves negotiations with local officials and the British setting up a factory in 1651.
  • The British faced challenges in Bengal due to local officers demanding money for trade permissions.
  • The conflict between the British and the Mughals led to a battle in 1651, with Aurangzeb's reign lasting until 1707.
  • Kolkata's fortification and establishment near the Sultan river led to the creation of Fort William in 1690.
  • The British obtained trading rights in Bengal by paying 3000 rupees and securing permissions from Farooq Siyar in 1717.
  • The merger of two East India Companies in 1708 led to the formation of the East India Company.
  • France entered the trading scene by establishing a company in 1640, with Pondicherry becoming a significant center in 1673.
  • The French faced challenges in expanding their influence, with conflicts arising in Madagascar, Mauritius, and Reunion.
  • The French government reorganized governance in the 1740s to focus on expanding their sphere of influence and control in India.

02:06:31

"English Triumphs Over French in India"

  • The text discusses the political dynamics and conflicts in India during the Carnatic Wars.
  • The battles between the English and the French in India are referred to as the Carnatic Wars, occurring three times between 1749 and 1763.
  • The conflict between France and Britain in Europe influences their actions in India during the Carnatic Wars.
  • The British and the French engage in strategic maneuvers and battles in regions like Madras and Pondicherry.
  • The Nawab of Karnataka, Anwaruddin, plays a significant role in the conflict, with alliances shifting between the British and the French.
  • The British military leader Robert Clive emerges as a key figure in the conflict, leading successful attacks against the French.
  • The French leader Dupleix faces challenges and is eventually recalled by France due to internal disputes and losses in battles.
  • The English gain the upper hand in the Carnatic Wars, leading to the defeat of the French forces in India.
  • The final battle in 1758, known as the Battle of Wandiwash, results in the decisive victory of the English over the French.
  • The Carnatic Wars conclude with the English establishing dominance in India, marking the end of French influence in the region.

02:25:58

Treaty of Paris: France's Business Limits

  • The Treaty of Paris was signed, allowing France to conduct business in Pondicherry but limiting their military capabilities.
  • The narrative spans from 1605 to 1760, detailing the shift from trade to political discussions between Britain and France.
  • The East India Company emerged victorious, eliminating competition from Portugal and France in the region.
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