Explore the major historical events and reasons behind the success of British rule in India. Learn about the decline of Indian powers and the rise of British dominance.
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When did the British Period Begin in India?
Mid-18th Century India
Various historical forces were at work, leading the country towards a new direction.
Some historians regard 1740, when the Anglo-French struggle for supremacy in India began, as the start of the British period.
Others see 1757, when the British defeated the Nawab of Bengal at Plassey, as the beginning.
Some consider 1761, the year of the Third Battle of Panipat, as the starting point.
However, these chronological landmarks are somewhat arbitrary.
The political transformation began around that time and took about eighty years to complete.
1761 - Political Considerations
In 1761, the British victory over the Nawab of Bengal at Plassey and over the French comes to mind.
However, the Marathas and Haidar Ali were also significant forces.
Interpreting this period solely based on present knowledge might be a mistake.
The British succeeded under unclear circumstances, and their few bottlenecks were not serious.
This paradox makes the causes of British success in establishing an empire in India interesting.
Expansion and Consolidation
The process of British expansion and consolidation in India took almost a century.
The English used many diplomatic and military tactics to emerge as rulers of India.
Both war and administrative policies were used to impose their power over various kingdoms.
The British exploited situations and regional rulers to their advantage.
Various factors contributed to their success.
Superior Arms, Military, and Strategy
The English firearms, including muskets and cannons, were superior to Indian arms in speed and range.
Many Indian rulers imported European arms and employed European officers, but their military couldn't match the English.
Indian military officers and armies became mere imitators, lacking originality.
Better Military Discipline and Regular Salary
The English Company ensured loyalty through a regular system of payment and strict discipline.
Most Indian rulers lacked funds to pay salaries regularly.
The Marathas diverted military campaigns to collect revenue for troop payments.
Indian rulers relied on personal retinues or mercenaries who were undisciplined and could turn rebellious.
Civil Discipline and Fair Selection System
Company officers and troops were selected based on reliability and skill, not on hereditary or caste ties.
They were subject to strict discipline and aware of campaign objectives.
Indian administrators and officers were appointed based on caste and personal relations, often disregarding merit.
Indian officers' competence was doubtful, and they often pursued personal interests, leading to rebellion and disloyalty.
Brilliant Leadership and Support of Second Line Leaders
Leaders like Clive, Warren Hastings, Elphinstone, Munro, and Dalhousie displayed rare leadership qualities.
Secondary leaders like Sir Eyre Coote, Lord Lake, and Arthur Wellesley fought for the cause and glory of their country.
Indian leaders like Haidar Ali, Tipu Sultan, and others lacked a team of trained second-line personnel.
Indian leaders fought against each other as well as against the British, lacking a united cause.
Support for the British against neighboring rulers was common among Indian leaders.
The consciousness of 'India' was lacking among Indian rulers.
Strong Financial Backup
The Company's income was enough to pay shareholders dividends and finance English wars in India.
England earned fabulous profits from trade with the rest of the world.
The British had access to vast resources in money, materials, and men, thanks to their sea power superiority.
Nationalist Pride
An economically thriving British people, proud of their national glory, faced weak, divided Indians.
Indians lacked a sense of unified political nationalism and materialistic vision.
This lack of vision among Indians contributed to the success of the English Company.
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