Class 8 Exam  >  Class 8 Notes  >  Social Studies (SST) Class 8  >  Introduction - From Trade to Territory

Introduction - From Trade to Territory | Social Studies (SST) Class 8 PDF Download

Introduction

This chapter is about how a British company came to India for trade purposes. Later to protect and grow its business interests how it gradually acquired administrative and political control of India. Ultimately it became a colonial ruler for a vast country like India.

Introduction - From Trade to Territory | Social Studies (SST) Class 8

Decline of the Mughal Rule

In 1707 after the death of Aurangzeb, powerful regional kingdoms emerged in various parts of India. Delhi was no longer the center of power. After 1750s the British power started to emerge in India.AurangzebAurangzeb

Test: From Trade to Territory (The Company Establishes Power)- 1
Start Test
Start Test

Arrival of East India Company

In 1600, the East India Company acquired a charter from the ruler of England, Queen Elizabeth I, granting it the sole right to trade with the East. This meant that no other trading group in England could compete with the East India Company. With this charter the Company could venture across the oceans, looking for new lands from which it could buy goods at a cheap price, and carry them back to Europe to sell at higher prices.




Introduction - From Trade to Territory | Social Studies (SST) Class 8  A typical day in the East India company

The royal charter, however, could not prevent other European powers from entering the Eastern markets. By the time the first English ships sailed down the west coast of Africa, around the Cape of Good Hope, and crossed the Indian Ocean, the Portuguese had already established their presence in the western coast of India and had their base in Goa. In fact, it was Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, who had discovered this sea route to India in 1498. By the early seventeenth century, the Dutch too were exploring the possibilities of trade in the Indian Ocean. Soon the French traders arrived on the scene.

This doc is part of
66 videos|428 docs|46 tests
Join course for free

Competition and Reduction of Profit:

The problem was that all the companies were interested in buying the same things. The fine qualities of cotton and silk produced in India had a big market in Europe. Pepper, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon too were in great demand. Competition among the European companies inevitably pushed up the prices at which these goods could be purchased, and this reduced the profits that could be earned.

Cotton farmCotton farm

Download the notes
Introduction - From Trade to Territory
Download as PDF
Download as PDF

Eliminating Rivals of Trade  

The only way trading companies could flourish was by eliminating rival competitors. The urge to secure markets, therefore, led to fierce battles between the trading companies. Through the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, they regularly sank each other’s ships, blockaded routes, and prevented rival ships from moving with supplies of goods. Trade was carried on with arms and trading posts were protected through fortification.

This effort to fortify settlements and carry on profitable trade also led to intense conflict with local rulers. The company, therefore, found it difficult to separate trade from politics. 

The document Introduction - From Trade to Territory | Social Studies (SST) Class 8 is a part of the Class 8 Course Social Studies (SST) Class 8.
All you need of Class 8 at this link: Class 8
Are you preparing for Class 8 Exam? Then you should check out the best video lectures, notes, free mock test series, crash course and much more provided by EduRev. You also get your detailed analysis and report cards along with 24x7 doubt solving for you to excel in Class 8 exam. So join EduRev now and revolutionise the way you learn!
Sign up for Free Download App for Free
66 videos|428 docs|46 tests

Up next

FAQs on Introduction - From Trade to Territory - Social Studies (SST) Class 8

1. What was the primary goal of the East India Company when it first arrived in India?
Ans. The primary goal of the East India Company when it first arrived in India was to establish trade. They aimed to trade in spices, silk, cotton, tea, and other valuable commodities with the Indian subcontinent.
2. How did the East India Company transition from being a trading entity to a territorial power in India?
Ans. The East India Company transitioned from a trading entity to a territorial power through a series of military conquests and political maneuvers. After establishing trading posts, they began to assert control over regions by defeating local rulers and expanding their influence, ultimately leading to direct governance over large parts of India.
3. What were some of the key factors that contributed to the East India Company’s success in India?
Ans. Key factors that contributed to the East India Company’s success included their advanced military technology, strategic alliances with local rulers, effective use of diplomacy, and the ability to exploit rivalries among Indian states. Their strong naval power also played a crucial role in securing trade routes.
4. What role did the Battle of Plassey play in the East India Company’s expansion in India?
Ans. The Battle of Plassey, fought in 1757, was a pivotal moment for the East India Company as it marked the beginning of their dominance in India. The victory over Siraj-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Bengal, allowed the Company to gain control over Bengal, which was a wealthy province, and set the stage for further territorial expansion.
5. How did the arrival of the East India Company impact the local economy and society in India?
Ans. The arrival of the East India Company significantly impacted the local economy and society in India. It led to changes in trade patterns, the introduction of cash crops, and disruption of traditional industries. The Company’s policies often resulted in economic exploitation and contributed to social changes, including the introduction of Western education and legal systems.
66 videos|428 docs|46 tests
Download as PDF

Up next

Explore Courses for Class 8 exam
Related Searches

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

ppt

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

Objective type Questions

,

pdf

,

past year papers

,

MCQs

,

Summary

,

practice quizzes

,

mock tests for examination

,

video lectures

,

Introduction - From Trade to Territory | Social Studies (SST) Class 8

,

Sample Paper

,

Semester Notes

,

Introduction - From Trade to Territory | Social Studies (SST) Class 8

,

study material

,

Viva Questions

,

Extra Questions

,

Introduction - From Trade to Territory | Social Studies (SST) Class 8

,

Important questions

,

Exam

,

Free

;