Question

What instigated Imperialism in India?
A)Rivalry among the native rulers
B)Might of the British
C)Strong business
D)None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Imperialism can be defined as an ideology of taking control over the weaker nation by a stronger nation. The word Imperialism comes from the Latin word “Imperium” means to rule.

Complete answer: Indian wealth was world-famous, like spices, cloth, precious metals like gold and silver. With an interest in trade, many invaders wanted to explore India around the early 1600s when Vasco da Gama arrived in Calicut, India. At this time India was ruled by Mughals from Turk-Mongol background, hence a bond developed between Nawabs and Europeans as Nawab received military support and protection from Europeans. It was the rivalry between the native Hindu and Mughal rulers that motivated the British that instigated imperialism in India. Mughals, gained revenues from agricultural taxes, were least concerned about the trade at the sea-shore of India hence they left it unguarded which gave way to British to strengthen their roots in India.
The economic interest of the British started developing in India, as the East India Company set up three trading posts at Bombay, Madras and Calcutta respectively. By 1707, the decline of the Mughal empire paved the way for the British to acquire Indian territories. With war and alliances, East India Company started expanding with the aim of profit maximization. India was the hub of raw materials therefore it became the most valuable market for British colonization, under which they tried to curb the Indian economy as Indian goods were not allowed to compete with British items.
Options B, C and D can be eliminated.
Option A is the correct answer.

Note: British imperialism in India is the greatest example of imperialism where one country took advantage and exploited the other to its advantage. By the 1850s entire India was under the control of the British, both economically and politically and was ruled by the British for nearly a century.