Question

Which commercial centre declined after mid 18th century in india?

Answer 1

The commercial power that started to decline in India after mid-18th century was the Dutch East India Company, otherwise known as VOC (in Dutch).

It was a Dutch government founded corporation, to trade with India and other countries in South-East Asia in 1602. As early as 1600, it issued bonds and shares of stock to the public, just like a modern corporation.    

By early 18th century, social and economic changes swept over Europe. This, coupled with a financial downslide due to war, led to the slow decline of the Dutch East India Company. By 1799 it had completely ceased operations.