European influence in India

1. Introduction

• India had contacts with Europe since time immemorial through land routes, which affected both India and Europe culturally and materially.
• However, the advent of European powers into India by discovering a sea route had far-reaching consequences on the shape and course of Indian society and history from the middle of the 15th century.

2. Arrival of European Powers

• The first European powers to come to India as traders were the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, the British, and the French.
• These powers subsequently developed designs to become the political masters of India.
• Of all the European powers, the British succeeded in becoming the political masters of India in the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Indians continued their struggle against the European powers, and India became independent after the partition of the subcontinent in the mid-20th century.

3. Factors Contributing to European Dominance in India

• Internal Weakness of Indian States: India underwent a transition from a feudal, conservative, exclusive social system to a capitalistic, progressive, and inclusive social system during this period. However, the existing Indian states, particularly the Later Mughals and regional powers, were fragmented and lacked unity, making them vulnerable.
• Self-Assertion based on Introspection and External Stimuli: The European powers, particularly the British, were driven by ideals of equality, liberty, fraternity, and people's rule instead of monarchy. This ideological strength gave them an edge.
• Factors in Europe:
  • Emergence of nation-states, Renaissance and Reformation, agricultural and industrial revolution, and new economic doctrine of mercantilism.
  • Competition between nation-states for breaking the mercantile monopoly.
  • Advances in navigational technologies gave strong impetus for geographical discoveries, leading to the finding of new worlds and new sea routes.
• Discovery of New Sea Route: A new route to the east via the Cape of Good Hope was discovered, leading to European monopoly over the seas and the advent of Europeans into India in search of trade and commerce in spices.
• Military Superiority: European powers, particularly the British, had superior military organization, discipline, and modern weaponry (e.g., muskets, cannons) compared to Indian armies.
• Owing to the rivalry among European powers, India became the actual theatre of conflicts by the middle of the 18th century (e.g., Carnatic Wars).

4. The Portuguese Power in India

• India maintained long-distance trade with South-East Asia and West Asian countries but never had direct contact of maritime trade with European nations bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
• Prince Henry, the Navigator, promoted seafaring activity.
• During King John II's reign, Bartholomew Diaz crossed the Cape of Good Hope.
• Vasco da Gama started his expedition in 1497 and landed in Calicut in May 1498, ushering a new chapter of far-reaching consequences.
• Vasco da Gama was cordially received by Zamorin of Calicut.
• He returned to Portugal in 1503 after establishing trading centers at Calicut, Cochin, and Cannanore.
• Francisco de Almeida was appointed as the first viceroy in India in 1505 and initiated the 'Blue Water Policy', aiming to assert Portuguese naval supremacy in the Indian Ocean.
• Alfonso de Albuquerque followed as the second viceroy (1509-1515) and laid the foundation of Portuguese power by conquering Goa in 1510. He also encouraged Portuguese men to marry Indian women.
• The Portuguese obtained Diu and Bassein in 1534 and conquered Daman in 1538.
• Their power declined from the beginning of the 17th century due to factors like their zeal to convert Indians to Christianity, their harsh religious policy (Inquisition), and the defeat of Portugal by Spain (union of crowns from 1580-1640, impacting their autonomy).
• The present European contact revolutionized the outlook of Indians significantly with far-reaching impacts on the future course of Indian society.

5. The Dutch Influence (Value Added)

• The Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie - VOC) was formed in 1602.
• Their main interest was the spice trade of the Indonesian archipelago.
• They established factories at Masulipatam (1605), Pulicat (1610), Surat (1616), Chinsura (1653), and Nagapattinam (1658).
• They challenged the Portuguese supremacy.
• Their influence in India declined due to their focus on the Spice Islands, the Battle of Chinsura (1759) against the British, and Anglo-Dutch rivalries.

6. The British Influence (Value Added)

• The English East India Company was formed in 1600.
• Initial focus on trade in textiles (cotton, silk), indigo, and saltpetre.
• Established first factory at Surat (1613).
• Key Events Leading to Political Dominance:
  • Battle of Plassey (1757): Defeat of Siraj-ud-Daulah, establishing British political power in Bengal.
  • Battle of Buxar (1764): Defeat of combined forces of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah, and Shah Alam II, solidifying British control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
  • Anglo-Mysore Wars and Anglo-Maratha Wars led to the subjugation of major Indian powers.
• Impact on India:
  • Led to India's transformation from feudalism towards a colonial capitalist system.
  • Imposed a system based on economic exploitation, extracting raw materials and creating markets for British goods.
  • Despite foreign domination from the British from 1757 to 1947, there was a tendency of continuity and change in all spheres affecting human activity on Indian soil.
  • Introduced Western education, legal systems, and administrative structures.
  • Though initially for economic gain, it inadvertently sowed the seeds of nationalism and self-rule among Indians.

7. The French Influence (Value Added)

• The French East India Company (Compagnie des Indes Orientales) was formed in 1664.
• Established trading centers at Pondicherry, Chandernagore, Mahe, Karaikal, and Yanam.
• Anglo-French Rivalry (Carnatic Wars - 1740s-1760s):
  • These wars were fought for commercial and political supremacy in India.
  • The British emerged victorious, largely due to their superior naval power and financial resources, and the leadership of Robert Clive.
  • The Treaty of Paris (1763) largely ended French ambitions in India, limiting them to trading posts.

8. Danish Influence (Value Added)

• The Danish East India Company (1616) was a minor player.
• Established factories at Tranquebar (1620) and Serampore (1755).
• Eventually sold all their settlements in India to the British in 1845.

9. Overall Impact and Legacy of European Influence

• Political: Fragmentation of Indian states, rise of British paramountcy, establishment of a centralized colonial administration.
• Economic: Exploitation of Indian resources, destruction of traditional industries, integration into the global capitalist system as a raw material supplier and market.
• Social and Cultural: Introduction of Western education, scientific thought, new legal systems, missionary activities leading to social reform movements (both indigenous and induced).
• Technological: Introduction of railways, modern communication (telegraph, postal service), printing press.
• Revolutionized the outlook of Indians significantly, with far-reaching impacts on the future course of Indian society, ultimately leading to the struggle for independence.