PPT: Expansion & Consolidation of British Power in India | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Expansion and 
Consolidation of 
British Power in 
India
Page 2


Expansion and 
Consolidation of 
British Power in 
India
The British Imperial 
History
The entire imperial history of Britain can be divided into 
two phases: the 'first empire' stretching across the 
Atlantic towards America and the West Indies, and the 
'second empire' beginning around 1783 (Peace of Paris) 
and swinging towards East Asia and Africa.
Flag of the British Empire
The imperial history of Britain started with the conquest 
of Ireland in the sixteenth century.
The English then sprang up as the new Romans, charged 
with civilising so-called backward races throughout the 
world.
Page 3


Expansion and 
Consolidation of 
British Power in 
India
The British Imperial 
History
The entire imperial history of Britain can be divided into 
two phases: the 'first empire' stretching across the 
Atlantic towards America and the West Indies, and the 
'second empire' beginning around 1783 (Peace of Paris) 
and swinging towards East Asia and Africa.
Flag of the British Empire
The imperial history of Britain started with the conquest 
of Ireland in the sixteenth century.
The English then sprang up as the new Romans, charged 
with civilising so-called backward races throughout the 
world.
Was British Conquest Accidental or 
Intentional?
The Accidental Conquest Theory
"Our acquisition of India was made 
blindly... so unintentionally and so 
accidentally. " 4 John Seeley
Some historians argue the British came 
solely to trade but were drawn into Indian 
political turmoil, which compelled them to 
acquire territories.
The Intentional Empire Theory
Others argue the British deliberately 
sought to build an empire, motivated by 
profit, ambition, and European political 
competition.
B.L. Grover notes: "Lord Wellesley applied 
the subsidiary alliance system 
aggressively to extend British dominion as 
a defense against France and Russia's 
imperialistic designs. "
Page 4


Expansion and 
Consolidation of 
British Power in 
India
The British Imperial 
History
The entire imperial history of Britain can be divided into 
two phases: the 'first empire' stretching across the 
Atlantic towards America and the West Indies, and the 
'second empire' beginning around 1783 (Peace of Paris) 
and swinging towards East Asia and Africa.
Flag of the British Empire
The imperial history of Britain started with the conquest 
of Ireland in the sixteenth century.
The English then sprang up as the new Romans, charged 
with civilising so-called backward races throughout the 
world.
Was British Conquest Accidental or 
Intentional?
The Accidental Conquest Theory
"Our acquisition of India was made 
blindly... so unintentionally and so 
accidentally. " 4 John Seeley
Some historians argue the British came 
solely to trade but were drawn into Indian 
political turmoil, which compelled them to 
acquire territories.
The Intentional Empire Theory
Others argue the British deliberately 
sought to build an empire, motivated by 
profit, ambition, and European political 
competition.
B.L. Grover notes: "Lord Wellesley applied 
the subsidiary alliance system 
aggressively to extend British dominion as 
a defense against France and Russia's 
imperialistic designs. "
1
1 7 4 0
British rule in India began after the Anglo-
French struggle in the War of Austrian 
Succession.
2
1 7 5 7
The British gained major control in India after 
defeating the Nawab of Bengal at Plassey.
3
1 7 6 1
The Marathas' defeat by Ahmad Shah Abdali 
at Panipat weakened a major obstacle to 
British expansion.
Page 5


Expansion and 
Consolidation of 
British Power in 
India
The British Imperial 
History
The entire imperial history of Britain can be divided into 
two phases: the 'first empire' stretching across the 
Atlantic towards America and the West Indies, and the 
'second empire' beginning around 1783 (Peace of Paris) 
and swinging towards East Asia and Africa.
Flag of the British Empire
The imperial history of Britain started with the conquest 
of Ireland in the sixteenth century.
The English then sprang up as the new Romans, charged 
with civilising so-called backward races throughout the 
world.
Was British Conquest Accidental or 
Intentional?
The Accidental Conquest Theory
"Our acquisition of India was made 
blindly... so unintentionally and so 
accidentally. " 4 John Seeley
Some historians argue the British came 
solely to trade but were drawn into Indian 
political turmoil, which compelled them to 
acquire territories.
The Intentional Empire Theory
Others argue the British deliberately 
sought to build an empire, motivated by 
profit, ambition, and European political 
competition.
B.L. Grover notes: "Lord Wellesley applied 
the subsidiary alliance system 
aggressively to extend British dominion as 
a defense against France and Russia's 
imperialistic designs. "
1
1 7 4 0
British rule in India began after the Anglo-
French struggle in the War of Austrian 
Succession.
2
1 7 5 7
The British gained major control in India after 
defeating the Nawab of Bengal at Plassey.
3
1 7 6 1
The Marathas' defeat by Ahmad Shah Abdali 
at Panipat weakened a major obstacle to 
British expansion.
Causes of British Success in India
1
Superior Military Technology
English firearms, including muskets and 
cannons, were superior to Indian arms both in 
firing speed and range, giving British forces a 
significant battlefield advantage.
2
Disciplined Military Organization
Regular payment of salaries and strict 
discipline ensured loyalty among officers and 
troops. Selection was based on reliability and 
skill rather than hereditary or caste ties.
3
Exceptional Leadership
Leaders like Clive, Warren Hastings, and 
Marquess of Dalhousie displayed rare 
leadership qualities. They were supported by 
capable secondary leaders such as Sir Eyre 
Coote, Lord Lake, and Arthur Wellesley.
4
Strong Financial Support
The Company's substantial income paid 
shareholders handsome dividends while 
financing English wars in India, creating a 
cycle of conquest and profit.