‘Bengal was one of the richest provinces in India.’ So, how did the British succeed in establishing their rule in Bengal?
Answers
Look at the map of Europe. You will find many big and small states on it. When
the industrial revolution started in Europe these small states did not have sufficient
raw materials for their industries, or markets for their finished goods. These countries
now started looking for markets in Asia and Africa. England succeeded in controlling
trade with India and established the East India Company in 1600. This company
was supported by the British government. With its help England was able to extend
her territorial frontiers to the Indian subcontinent. The first factory was established
at Surat in 1613. In 1615, Sir Thomas Roe got permission from the Mughal emperor
Jahangir to open more factories at Agra, Ahmadabad and Broach. Their most
important settlement on the southern coast was Madras where they built a fortified
factory called Fort St. George. This was the first proprietary holding acquired by
the company on Indian soil. Gradually the company expanded its trading network.
By that time the company was well established in India. It had also succeeded in
eliminating the other rival European powers from India. They also started interfering
in the political affairs of the Indian rulers.