Where did colonial rule first established in India?
VerifiedAnswer: Bengal
Explanation:
Colonial rule in India began in Bengal, marking the start of British dominance over the Indian subcontinent. This process started gradually in the early 18th century when the British East India Company transformed from a trading organization into a political power.
The British East India Company first established trading posts in Bengal during the 1650s, with their main settlement in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Initially, they operated under the permission of the Mughal Empire, paying taxes and following local rules. However, their ambitions grew beyond mere trade as they witnessed the declining power of the Mughal rulers.
The turning point came with the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where Robert Clive led the British forces against Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal. Though the British army was smaller, they won through strategic alliances and betrayal by some of the Nawab's own commanders, including Mir Jafar. This victory gave the British significant control over Bengal's politics and economy.
Following Plassey, the British gradually increased their power in Bengal. The Battle of Buxar in 1764 further strengthened their position when they defeated the combined forces of the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor. This victory was even more decisive than Plassey in establishing British supremacy.
The formal establishment of British colonial rule can be traced to 1765 when the Mughal Emperor granted the East India Company the Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This meant the British now had the right to collect revenue and administer civil justice in these regions, effectively making them the rulers rather than just traders.
Bengal was strategically chosen for several reasons: • It was one of the richest provinces in India with fertile land and thriving trade • The region had excellent river networks, particularly the Ganges, facilitating transportation • It served as a gateway to inner India • The political situation was unstable, making it easier for the British to exploit divisions among local rulers
From Bengal, the British gradually expanded their control to other parts of India through various means including military conquest, diplomatic alliances, and the Doctrine of Lapse. Bengal remained the center of British administration in India, with Calcutta serving as the capital of British India until 1911 when it was shifted to Delhi.
