After discovering new trade routes, various trade companies from different countries made their way toward the Indian subcontinent for a profitable market. First among them was the Portuguese, followed by the Europeans, and finally the British. The history of East India Company is quite salient if viewed in the light of the British Raj over the Indian subcontinent. The government of India act of 1858 was the most important reason that led to the end of east India company rule in India. This article will share details about the entry of East India Company British, the rise of East India Company and finally its fall.
The Rise And Fall Of East India Company British
The East India Company British initiated its trading roots from Bengal and slowly distributed them towards Patna. The people of India witnessed the struggle of Anglo-French for the Indian market marking famous historical events, including the three Carnatic Wars in 1746-1748, 1749-1754 and 1756-1763, respectively. The Battles of Plassey in 1757 and the Battle of Buxar in 1764 were the key moments that saw the rise of East India Company and the British rule in India.
The East India Company British started to take control of the Indian governance. The Government of India Act of 1858 transferred the Indian governance powers from the East India Company to the British Crown. This act came into being after the revolt of 1857, which marked the end of East India Company rule in India with acceptance of the government act.
The History Of East India Company
The European countries that followed the Portuguese to control the Indian market were the first to develop their strong roots in the Indian subcontinent. Later after the invasion of European countries, the East India Company British came to India in 1600 with a charter approved by Queen Elizabeth for English trade.
In the history of East India Company, the court of Jehangir was where the company was seen first to get permission to set up factories. While the trade process was going on, the company also took care of their rival countries for control and ownership.
The establishment of Fort St. George in Madras city protected the rights of their trades and ownership. The company successfully initiated its trading in Bengal in return for an agreement to Aurangzeb for an annual payment of 3,000 INR for all duties. The establishment of Fort William was considered a defence action in the history of East India Company.
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Rise of East India Company – The Fight for Power And Supremacy
With constant alliance formation with the then rulers of India, struggles between Anglo-French began for supremacy and control of the Indian market.
1. First Carnatic War
The First Carnatic War, which took place from 1746 to 1748, observed the British Navy seize French ships and resulted in the Treaty of Aix-La Chapelle, where the British got Madras, the French got territories of North America.
2. Second Carnatic War
In the Second Carnatic War, from 1749 to 1754, the French wanted to regain control but failed abruptly. The Treaty of Pondicherry concluded the war with no involvement of the British and French in governance but only limited to trade.
3. Third Carnatic War
The Third Carnatic War from 1756 to 1763 established British supremacy and concluded with the Treaty of Paris.
4. Battle of Plassey in 1757
The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was when the British defeated the Nawab of Bengal, established their sole trade rights in Bengal and appointed a puppet Nawab Mir Jafar.
5. Battle of Buxar in 1764
The Battle of Buxar in 1764 proved the company as undefeated power in the north as the Great Mughal reign ended. This war helped the company to expand its colonial ambitions throughout the Indian subcontinent and marked the rise of the East India Company British.
The rise of East India Company was also a result of its military advantages making it a powerful player in local conflicts and disputes.
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End Of East India Company Rule In India
The victorious rule of the East India Company British flourished in 1800, whereas turbulence started with the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The employment of new rifles containing cartridges made of animal flesh, especially cow and pig, hurt the religious sentiment of deployed Indian sepoys in the company’s infantry. The revolt spread throughout the country, causing waves of disturbance in the peaceful sea of the company’s rule and the beginning of the end of east India company rule in India.
The company was solely held accountable for such a rebellion by the British Government. The revolt ignited the nationalist movements in India, along with affecting trade. The British Government did not accept the blunder.
The Government Of India Act Of 1858
The Government of India Act of 1858 was released soon after. Initially, Lord Palmerston presented the Government of India Act of 1858 bill regarding the transfer of governance powers to the Crown for the defects in the company’s governance.
On 2nd August 1858, the Government of India transferred from the East India Company to the British Crown. It marked the end of East India Company rule in India and a new era of British power which took on from then. The Government of India Act of 1858 was also known as “An Act for the Better Government of India 1858” sometimes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did East India Company arrive in India?
In 1608, the East India Company British first made its presence in the court of Jehangir in Surat for permission to set up factories.
2. What is the present name of East India Company?
The East India Company is often called the English East India Company.
3. Who permitted East India Company for trade?
A royal charter was signed by Queen Elizabeth, enforcing the East India Company with trading rights.
4. Who founded the East India Company?
It was a combined venture founded by Thomas Smythe, Sir George White, John Watts and Royal Charter in 1600.
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