Question

Why did the European trading companies maintain armies in India what role did these armies play in the business of the companies

Answer 1

Previously, India was the hub of exotic marketing goods such as spices, colorful garments, and diamonds.  There was Muslin cloth which could be kept inside a small matchbox. This kind of talent the Indians had back then.

Also, the pottery, sculpture art and the culture attracted people just the way it draws now. These were the few things that attracted the Europeans to take control over the country.

Since India was divided into small sections, and communication was not too much secure that time, the Europeans kept the armies who controlled the Indians for the benefit of their European master in Trade, etc.