How did British Empire take over India? | Fall of Mughal Empire | Dhruv Rathee

Summary

This video script narrates the rise of the British East India Company from a small trading entity to a dominant power in the Indian subcontinent. It details the Company's initial setbacks, strategic alliances, military conquests, and political maneuvering that led to its control over vast territories and populations. The narrative covers key events like the Battle of Plassey, the implementation of the Doctrine of Lapse, and the eventual dissolution of the Company, leading to the establishment of British Raj after the Revolt of 1857.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The British East India Company (EIC) initially faced defeat against the Mughal army in 1686 due to their small and weak forces.
• 🌍 Despite early setbacks, the EIC eventually established control over the Indian subcontinent, becoming more powerful than modern-day giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook.
• 📜 The EIC began as a joint-stock company focused on spice trade in Southeast Asia but shifted focus to India due to Dutch dominance in the spice trade.
• 🤝 The EIC sought permission to trade in India by establishing friendly relations with local rulers, leading to the establishment of their first factory in Machlipatnam in 1611.
• 🛡️ The EIC's initial strategy in India was to avoid conflict with the powerful Mughal army and instead focus on trade and diplomacy.
• 💡 The EIC's success in India was marked by gaining exclusive trading rights and territories through royal edicts from Mughal emperors, starting with Jahangir.
• 🛂 The EIC's influence grew with the granting of Diwani Rights in 1765, which allowed them to collect taxes directly from Bengal, significantly increasing their revenue.
• 🤬 The EIC's arrogance and disregard for local rulers led to conflicts, such as the declaration of war by Josiah Child against Aurangzeb in 1686, which ended in defeat and humiliation.
• 🔄 The weakening of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb's death in 1707 provided the EIC with opportunities to expand their influence and control in India.
• 🤝🏽 The use of Residents and Subsidiary Alliances allowed the EIC to indirectly control and interfere in the politics of various Indian states, further expanding their power.
• 🗡️ Military force and the Doctrine of Lapse were employed by the EIC to annex territories and solidify their rule over the Indian subcontinent by 1818.

Q & A

Why did the British East India Company declare war on the Mughals in 1686?

The British East India Company declared war on the Mughals in 1686 due to their arrogance and newfound power, which led them to believe they could challenge the Mughal Empire despite having a much smaller and weaker army.

What was the outcome of the war between the British East India Company and the Mughals in 1686?

The Mughals defeated the East India Company easily, seized their factories in India, arrested many officials, and forced the incumbent Governor of the company to bow down to Emperor Aurangzeb.

How did the East India Company manage to establish control over the entirety of the Indian subcontinent despite their initial military weakness?

The East India Company gradually established control by forming alliances, investing in new technologies, and recruiting more soldiers. They also took advantage of the weakening Mughal Empire and regional conflicts to expand their influence and power.

What was the significance of the Battle of Swally in 1612?

The Battle of Swally marked a significant victory for the East India Company against the Portuguese traders, leading to a decline in Portuguese influence and establishing the East India Company as the dominant player in the Indian subcontinent.

What role did Sir Thomas Roe play in the East India Company's early relations with the Mughals?

Sir Thomas Roe was a diplomat sent by King James I on behalf of the English Crown to the Mughal emperor Jahangir. He successfully impressed Jahangir with gifts, leading to the issuance of a royal edict granting the East India Company permission to set up factories in Surat and exclusive trading rights in certain territories.

What were the Diwani Rights granted to the East India Company by the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765?

The Diwani Rights granted the East India Company the right to collect all taxes and revenue from Bengal, effectively making them the new rulers of the region with significant financial power.

What was the impact of the East India Company's monopoly and fortified bases on the economic prosperity of the cities where their factories were established?

The East India Company's monopoly and fortified bases led to significant economic prosperity in the cities where their factories were established, attracting more people and resources to these areas.

How did the East India Company's private army, known as Sepoys, contribute to their expansion and control in India?

The Sepoys, who were local Indians trained by the East India Company, played a crucial role in the company's expansion and control in India. They bolstered the company's military strength and allowed them to exert influence and power over local rulers and regions.

What was the significance of the Battle of Plassey in 1757?

The Battle of Plassey was a turning point in history, as it marked the beginning of British political power in India. The victory allowed the British to install a puppet ruler, Mir Jafar, as the Nawab of Bengal, effectively giving them control over the region.

What were the administrative reforms introduced by the East India Company to better regulate and control the territories they governed?

The East India Company introduced several administrative reforms, such as the Regulating Act of 1773, which established the position of the Governor General of Bengal. These reforms helped to streamline governance and maintain control over the vast territories under their rule.

What was the Doctrine of Lapse, and how did it contribute to the East India Company's territorial expansion?

The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy introduced in 1847 that stated if an Indian ruler died without a natural male heir, their kingdom would automatically become part of the East India Company's territory. This policy allowed the company to annex several regions, further expanding their control in India.