The period from the 18th to the mid-19th century was marked by the decline of the Mughal Empire, the rise of regional powers, and the growing dominance of European trading companies in India. This era witnessed political instability, economic exploitation, and gradual transformation of India into a British colony.
Table of Contents
Decline of the Mughals and Rise of Regional Powers
-
After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the Mughal Empire weakened rapidly.
-
Regional states like Awadh, Bengal, Hyderabad, Mysore, Punjab, and Marathas asserted independence.
-
Frequent invasions by Nadir Shah (1739) and Ahmad Shah Abdali (1748–1767) devastated northern India.
-
Political fragmentation created opportunities for the Europeans.
Expansion of the Europeans
-
Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive, but their power declined by the 17th century.
-
Dutch dominated the spice trade but lost to the English and left India for Indonesia.
-
French and English became the most important rivals for political and economic control in India.
Anglo-French Rivalry
-
Carnatic Wars (1746–1763): Series of conflicts between the English East India Company and the French East India Company.
-
First Carnatic War (1746–1748): French gained initial success under Dupleix, but war ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.
-
Second Carnatic War (1749–1754): Rivalry between Nawabs of Carnatic; English (Clive) gained influence.
-
Third Carnatic War (1757–1763): Decisive English victory at Wandiwash (1760) ended French political ambitions in India.
-
-
The French were confined to small settlements like Pondicherry, Mahe, and Chandernagore, while the British became dominant.
British Expansion in India
-
Battle of Plassey (1757): Robert Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, Nawab of Bengal; marked beginning of British political power.
-
Battle of Buxar (1764): British defeated the combined forces of Bengal, Awadh, and Mughal Emperor; secured Diwani rights (revenue collection) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
-
Gradual conquest of Mysore (Anglo-Mysore Wars), Marathas (Anglo-Maratha Wars), and Sikhs (Anglo-Sikh Wars) expanded British territory.
Economic Impact
-
Traditional Indian industries, especially textiles, declined due to British imports.
-
Heavy taxation and land revenue systems like Permanent Settlement and Ryotwari burdened peasants.
-
India became an exporter of raw materials (cotton, indigo, opium) and importer of British goods.
Social and Cultural Changes
-
Western education spread through the efforts of missionaries and reformers like Macaulay.
-
English language became the medium of higher education.
-
Social reforms like abolition of sati (1829) and promotion of widow remarriage were introduced under British influence.
Key Takeaway
-
Between the 18th and mid-19th century, India shifted from Mughal decline to British supremacy.
-
The French challenge was defeated, and the British East India Company became the dominant power.
-
Economic exploitation and political subjugation laid the groundwork for Indian resistance, which culminated in the Revolt of 1857.