The European companies were gaining power by securing a variety of concessions from the local courts.

(ii) Some of the European companies got the monopoly rights to trade. All this resulted in the decline of Surat Port by the end of the eighteenth century. In the last years of the seventeenth century, the gross value of trade that passed through Surat had been ` 16 million. By the 1740s, it had slumped to ` 3 million. With the passage of time, Surat and Hoogly decayed, while Bombay (Mumbai) and Calcutta (Kolkata) grew. 

(iii) It was very difficult for the Indian merchants and traders to face the competition as most of the European countries had huge resources. 

That's all🙂

Decline of Bristol in the 18th Century
Bristol, once a thriving port town in England, experienced significant decline during the 18th century due to various economic and social factors.
Economic Factors
- Loss of Trade: Bristol was heavily reliant on the transatlantic trade, particularly in tobacco and sugar. However, as competition increased from other ports like Liverpool, Bristol lost its market share.
- Industrial Changes: The rise of the Industrial Revolution shifted economic power towards the Midlands and Northern England, where new industries and factories emerged. This industrial boom drew investment and labor away from Bristol.
Social and Political Factors
- Population Decline: As opportunities diminished, many residents migrated to more prosperous areas. This decline in population further strained local economies and services.
- Political Turmoil: The 18th century was marked by political upheaval, including the American Revolution, which affected trade routes and economic stability, particularly for port cities reliant on colonial goods.
Infrastructure Challenges
- River Navigation Issues: The River Avon, which Bristol depended on, faced silting and navigational challenges, making it harder for large ships to dock. This limitation pushed trade towards more accessible ports.
- Urban Decay: As wealth and commerce dwindled, parts of Bristol became neglected, leading to a decline in property values and urban decay.
Conclusion
In summary, Bristol's decline in the 18th century was attributed to a combination of economic competition, industrial changes, social migration, political instability, and infrastructure challenges. This transformation marked a significant shift in the landscape of British port towns during this era.