In the mid 18th century, European trading com-panies in India became f...
The correct option is D.
France and Britain were on opposite sides of the camp at the War of Austrian Succession that had broken out in Europe in 1740. This Anglo-French rivalry led to their trading companies in India vying with each other for supremacy.
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In the mid 18th century, European trading com-panies in India became f...
The correct answer is option 'D' - both (a) and (b). Let's explore why.
The mid 18th century was a crucial period in India's history, marked by the rise of European trading companies such as the British East India Company and the French East India Company. These companies had initially come to India for trade, but they soon realized the political opportunities that lay open to further their own economic interests.
a) The Mughal central government had weakened:
The Mughal Empire, which had been the dominant power in India for centuries, was in a state of decline during the mid 18th century. The empire had become weak due to internal conflicts, succession disputes, and a decline in centralized authority. The weakened Mughal government provided an opportunity for the European trading companies to expand their influence and establish their own political power in India.
b) The growing power of the Maratha confederacy:
The Marathas, a regional power in western India, had been steadily gaining strength during this period. They had successfully challenged the authority of the Mughal Empire and had expanded their control over large parts of the Indian subcontinent. The Marathas were known for their military prowess and efficient administration. The European trading companies saw the growing power of the Marathas as an opportunity to align with them and use their influence to further their own economic interests.
c) France and Britain were at war in the Carnatic:
During the mid 18th century, France and Britain were engaged in a series of wars in South India, particularly in the region known as the Carnatic. The Carnatic Wars were fought between the French-supported Nawab of Carnatic and the British-supported Nawab of Arcot. These wars provided an opportunity for the European trading companies to intervene in local politics and establish their own influence. They supported different factions and used their military and economic power to gain political advantages.
In conclusion, the European trading companies in India became fully aware of the political opportunities to further their own economic interests due to the weakening of the Mughal central government, the growing power of the Maratha confederacy, and the ongoing wars between France and Britain in the Carnatic. These factors created a favorable environment for the European trading companies to expand their political influence and establish their dominance in India.