Brief Summary
This lecture provides a comprehensive overview of the advent of Europeans into India and the establishment of British dominance. It covers the arrival and influence of various European powers such as the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British, detailing key battles, treaties, and policies that shaped the colonial landscape. The lecture also explores the dynamics between the British and Indian powers, including the Bengal Nawabs, the Mysore Kingdom, the Maratha Empire, and the Sikh Kingdom, highlighting the strategies and conflicts that led to British supremacy.
- Portuguese arrival and Blue Water Policy
- British East India Company and key battles (Plassey, Buxar)
- Anglo-Mysore and Anglo-Maratha Wars
- Sikh Kingdom and Anglo-Sikh Wars
Introduction
The lecture begins by introducing the Free Revision Batch (FRB) and its focus on revising subjects using mind maps. The current week is dedicated to Modern History, starting with the advent of Europeans into India and the establishment of the British Empire. The instructor addresses technical issues from a previous recording and encourages viewers to utilize the mind maps available on the Parmar SSC Telegram channel and participate in the daily quiz.
Arrival of Europeans
The arrival of various European powers, including the Portuguese, French, Dutch, and Danes, is discussed, with a focus on how the British ultimately gained dominance. The initial European interest in India was driven by trade, particularly in spices. Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India via the Cape of Good Hope in 1498 is highlighted, along with the Portuguese establishment in Calicut. The lecture also touches on Columbus's voyage and his discovery of America while seeking a direct route to India.
Portuguese and Dutch Influence
The lecture details the Portuguese influence in India, including the Blue Water Policy introduced by Vice Roy Alami to establish maritime dominance. Afonso de Albuquerque's capture of Goa in 1510 is mentioned, emphasizing that the Portuguese were the first to arrive and the last to leave India, departing in 1961 through Operation Vijay. The Dutch presence is also discussed, noting their first factory in Masulipatnam in 1605.
British East India Company
The establishment of the British East India Company in 1599 and its reception of the Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth in 1600, granting a monopoly over trade with India, is explained. The visits of William Hawkins in 1608 and Thomas Roe in 1615 to Jahangir's court are mentioned, highlighting initial difficulties in establishing a permanent factory due to Portuguese resistance. The British victory in the Battle of Swali in 1612 is noted as a turning point, leading to the establishment of a permanent factory in Surat in 1613.
Battles Against European Rivals
The lecture outlines the battles through which the British eliminated their European rivals. The Battle of Chinsura in 1759, where the British defeated the Dutch, is discussed, along with the Battle of Colachel in 1746, where the Travancore kingdom, led by Marthanda Varma, defeated the Dutch. The Carnatic Wars between the British and French are detailed, including the First Carnatic War (1744-1748) as part of the Austrian War of Succession, the Second Carnatic War (1749-1754), and the decisive Third Carnatic War (1756-1763), which included the Battle of Wandiwash in 1760, leading to British dominance.
Conflict in Bengal
The lecture shifts focus to Bengal, explaining the transition of power from Mughal governors (Subedars) to independent Nawabs. The first Nawab of Bengal, Murshid Quli Khan, and subsequent rulers like Ali Vardi Khan and Siraj-ud-Daula are mentioned. Siraj-ud-Daula's conflict with the British over tax payments and fortification of Fort William is described, leading to the Black Hole Tragedy. Robert Clive's arrival and his alliance with Mir Jafar, Siraj-ud-Daula's military commander, are discussed, culminating in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where the British gained significant political power.
Battle of Buxar and Treaty of Allahabad
The Battle of Buxar in 1764 is highlighted as a decisive victory for the British, solidifying their rule in India. The alliance of Mir Qasim, Shah Alam II (Mughal ruler), and Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh) against the British is mentioned. The Treaty of Allahabad in 1765 is explained, through which the British gained civil rights (Diwani rights) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, along with a war indemnity of ₹50 lakhs. The lecture also touches on the monopoly system and the practice of Jare Dari.
Anglo-Mysore Wars
The focus shifts to the Anglo-Mysore Wars, detailing the conflict between the British and the Mysore Kingdom, ruled first by the Wadiyar dynasty and later by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-1769), which ended with the Treaty of Madras, and the Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-1784), during which Hyder Ali died and Tipu Sultan took over, are discussed. The Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-1792) and the Treaty of Seringapatam are mentioned, along with the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1798-1799), in which Tipu Sultan was defeated and killed, leading to the British gaining control of Mysore.
Subsidiary Alliance and Annexation of Awadh
The lecture explains the Subsidiary Alliance, a policy introduced by Governor-General Wellesley, which required Indian rulers to station British Residents in their courts, maintain British troops, and seek British approval for agreements with other powers. Hyderabad was the first to adopt this alliance in 1798. The annexation of Awadh in 1801 is also mentioned, further expanding British control.
Anglo-Maratha Wars
The Anglo-Maratha Wars are discussed, starting with the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Peshwa system. The First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782), which ended with the Treaty of Salbai, the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1806), and the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818), which led to the end of the Maratha Empire, are detailed. The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 between the Marathas and Ahmed Shah Abdali is also mentioned, highlighting its role in weakening the Maratha power.
Sikh Kingdom and Anglo-Sikh Wars
The lecture moves on to the Sikh Kingdom under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, with the Treaty of Amritsar in 1809 establishing the Sutlej River as the boundary between the Sikh and British territories. The First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846) and the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-1849) are discussed, leading to the annexation of Punjab by the British and the deportation of Maharaja Dilip Singh, along with the seizure of the Kohinoor diamond.
Anglo-Afghan Wars
The Anglo-Afghan Wars are briefly covered, focusing on the British concerns about Russian influence in Afghanistan. The First Anglo-Afghan War, Auckland's leadership, and the subsequent seating of Dost Mohammad are mentioned. The lecture notes the Treaty of Gandham and the final resolution in 1919 under Charles Ford, marking the end of Afghan conflicts with no direct threat to British India.
Conclusion
The lecture concludes by emphasizing the importance of the Battles of Plassey and Buxar, as well as the Treaty of Allahabad. Viewers are directed to the Parmar SSC Telegram channel for the PDF of the mind map in both English and Hindi. The next lecture will cover the Revolt of 1857.
