The Colonial Era in India

Overview

The colonial era describes the period when European trading companies, especially the British East India Company, gradually turned trade into political control over India. By the mid-19th century most of the subcontinent was under British rule.

Key points

• European companies (Portuguese, Dutch, French, English) came to trade in spices and textiles.
• The English East India Company was founded in 1600 and set up trading posts called factories.
• The Battle of Plassey (1757) gave the Company control over Bengal.
• Policies like the Doctrine of Lapse and heavy land taxes increased British control and Indian discontent.
• British rule drained wealth, damaged Indian handicrafts and changed the economy to serve Britain.
• The Revolt of 1857 was a major uprising; afterwards India came under direct rule of the British Crown in 1858.

Important terms / dates

• 1600: English East India Company founded.
• 1757: Battle of Plassey.
• 1857: Revolt against Company rule.
• Doctrine of Lapse: policy allowing the British to annex states without a natural heir.

Important questions

1. How did a trading company become a ruling power in India?
2. Why was the Battle of Plassey important?
3. What was the Doctrine of Lapse?
4. What changes did British rule bring to the Indian economy?

Quick revision

The British East India Company turned trade into rule after Plassey in 1757, using policies like the Doctrine of Lapse. The Revolt of 1857 led to direct Crown rule from 1858.