Notes: The Establishment of Company Power | Social Studies & Pedagogy Paper 2 for CTET & TET Exams - CTET & State TET PDF Download

India during the 18th century witnessed the decline of the Mughal Empire and the emergence of various crises. The death of Aurangzeb in 1707 marked the beginning of this period of instability, exacerbated by conflicts in the Deccan and invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmed Shah Abdali. Successive Mughal emperors faced challenges, leading to the rise of regional powers.

India During the 18th Century

Three prominent Mughal provinces in the 18th century were Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad, each established by former Mughal nobility who had served as governors of large provinces. Hyderabad, under the rule of Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah, emerged as a significant power during this period.

Hyderabad

Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah, a prominent figure at the court of Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar, founded the Hyderabad state in 1724. Asaf Jah, known as the Nizam of Hyderabad, became one of the most powerful rulers in the region.

Throughout history, India's wealth and resources have attracted foreign invaders. The 15th century, marked by significant geographical discoveries, witnessed increased activities by European powers in India.

Portuguese

Portuguese Arrival

• The first European voyage to India was led by Vasco da Gama in 1498.
• The Portuguese Empire established the first European trading center at Kollam, Kerala in 1502, marking the beginning of the colonial era in India.
• In 1662, Portuguese princess Catherine was married to Charles II of England, and as part of her dowry, the Portuguese ceded the island of Bombay to the British.

Question for Notes: The Establishment of Company Power

Try yourself:

Who established the Hyderabad state in 1724?

• A.

  Aurangzeb
• B.

  Nadir Shah
• C.

  Asaf Jah
• D.

  Ahmed Shah Abdali

Explanation

- Asaf Jah, also known as the Nizam of Hyderabad, established the Hyderabad state in 1724.
- He was a prominent figure at the court of Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar.
- Asaf Jah became one of the most powerful rulers in the region during the 18th century.
- His establishment of the Hyderabad state marked the rise of Hyderabad as a significant power in India.

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Dutch

Dutch East India Company

• The Dutch East India Company was established in 1602.
• They set up trading posts along various parts of the Indian coast and captured Ceylon from the Portuguese.

English

English East India Company

• The English East India Company, initially known as the Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East Indies, was founded in 1600.
• In 1611, they established a factory in Masulipatnam and obtained permission from Mughal Emperor Jahangir to establish a factory in Surat in 1612.
• They established a second factory in Madras in 1640 after receiving permission from the Vijayanagar ruler.
• Victories in the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the Battle of Buxar (1764) consolidated the company's power, leading to its appointment as the revenue collector of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa by Emperor Shah Alam II.
• The Anglo-Mysore wars (1766-99) and the Anglo-Maratha wars (1772-1818) further expanded British control over large areas of India.

French

• The French also established trading bases in India following the footsteps of the Portuguese, English, and Dutch.

• The first French establishment in India was in Pondicherry on the Coromandel coast in 1674.

• Subsequent French settlements included Chandernagore in Bengal, Yanam in Andhra Pradesh, Mahe, and Karaikal.

• Between 1744 and 1761, the British and French engaged in repeated attacks and conquests of each other's forts and towns in South Eastern India and Bengal.