Why did the East India Company (EIC) become interested in India? [7]

1. Wealth and Resources:
   • India was known for its immense wealth and valuable resources such as spices, cotton, and silk, which were in high demand in Europe.
   • The Industrial Revolution in Britain increased the demand for raw materials like cotton, which was abundant and cheap in India.
   • The EIC saw an opportunity to buy goods at low prices in India and sell them at high profits in Europe.
2. Competition with European Powers:
   • European nations like the Portuguese and Dutch had already established trading bases in India.
   • The British wanted to compete with these powers and dominate trade in the region.
   • After being pushed out of the East Indies (modern-day Indonesia) by the Dutch, the British turned their attention to India as an alternative trading hub.
3. Large Population and Market Potential:
   • India’s large population offered a vast market for British manufactured goods.
   • The EIC aimed to exploit this market to sell their products and secure cheap raw materials for their industries.

WHY WERE BRITISH SUCCESSFUL IN EXPANDING THEIR CONTROL OF SUBCONTINENT IN 1750 - 1850? [7]

Explain.why Britain was so successful extending its control of the.sub-continent between 1750 and 1850•

Why was Britain successful in maintaining its control of the-sub-continent in the years1750 to 1850? [7]

Why were the British able to take control of India by 1850? • [7] Why were. the British able to.take over such a vast land?

1. Weak and Divided Indian Rulers:
   • After Aurangzeb’s death, Mughal rulers were weak, pleasure-seeking, and disinterested in governance.
   • Regional powers like the Nawabs and Marathas were divided and often fought among themselves, making it easier for the British to exploit these divisions.
   • The absence of a clear law of succession led to costly wars and the loss of capable leaders and soldiers, weakening Indian resistance.
2. Superior Military and Technology:
   • The British had a well-trained army, modern weapons, and advanced military tactics.
   • They could efficiently defeat Indian forces, which were often poorly organized and outdated.
   • The Industrial Revolution gave Britain economic superiority, allowing it to fund military campaigns and maintain a strong presence in India.
   • The EIC’s control over trade and resources further strengthened its position.
3. Strategic Diplomacy:
   • The British used treaties, alliances, and diplomacy to gain control over Indian territories.
   • They gradually expanded their influence by annexing regions like Bengal, Punjab, and Awadh.
   • The British exploited divisions among Indian rulers, forming alliances with some to defeat others.
   • They took advantage of infighting among regional powers like the Marathas, Sikhs, and Nawabs.

BATTLE OF PLASSEY 1757

The battle took place on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, near Calcutta, between Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, and the British East India Company (EIC).

Siraj-ud-Daulah had become Nawab in 1756 and opposed the EIC’s fortification activities.

Encouraged by the French, Siraj-ud-Daulah attacked and captured Calcutta in 1756, but the British retaliated under Robert Clive.

Robert Clive bribed Mir Jafar, Siraj-ud-Daulah’s commander, to betray the Nawab during the battle.

Despite having a larger army of 50,000 soldiers, 40 cannons, and 10 war elephants, Siraj-ud-Daulah’s forces were defeated by Clive’s 3,000 troops.

Siraj-ud-Daulah was killed after the battle, and his body was found in a river.

The EIC gained control over Bengal’s trade and revenue, marking the beginning of British dominance in India.

Robert Clive was appointed Governor of Bengal, and Mir Jafar was installed as a puppet Nawab.

The battle consolidated British power in Bengal, which later expanded across India over the next century.