The East India Company began trade in Bengal through various stages. Here is an explanation of the same:

Establishment of a trading post
- The East India Company established a trading post in the 1650s in Hugli, Bengal, to facilitate trade with the Mughal Empire.
- The Company's first factories or trading posts were established under the permission of the Mughal emperor, Jahangir.

Expansion of trade
- The Company expanded its trade in Bengal by setting up more factories in other places, including Calcutta, Balasore, and Patna.
- The Company engaged in the trade of silk, cotton, indigo, and saltpetre from Bengal to Europe.

Conflict and competition with other European powers
- The Company faced competition from other European powers, such as the Dutch and the French, who were also involved in trade in Bengal.
- The Dutch had established a factory in Chinsurah, and the French had set up factories in Chandannagar and Mahe.

Acquisition of political power
- The Company's desire to establish political power in Bengal led to the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where they defeated the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah.
- The Company gained control of the region and became the de facto ruler of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Establishment of a colonial administration
- The Company established a colonial administration in Bengal and introduced various policies, such as the Permanent Settlement, which had a significant impact on the region's economy and society.
- The Company's rule in Bengal continued until the Indian Rebellion of 1857, after which the British Crown took over control of India.

In conclusion, the East India Company began trade in Bengal through the establishment of a trading post, expansion of trade, conflict with other European powers, and acquisition of political power, leading to the establishment of a colonial administration.

The first Indian factory was set up in the banks of the river hugli in Bengal 1651. Their extended the East India company convinced merchants and traders to come and settle near the factory. By 1686the company began building the fort around the Hugli settlement