2.2 - Company Rule Expands

The expansion of British rule in India was a gradual process, and it involved a series of events that shaped the political and social landscape of the country. After the establishment of the British East India Company in 1600, the company's influence and power began to grow steadily, largely due to the commercial profits it made from trade. Over time, the Company started playing an active role in governance, and eventually, British control over large parts of India was established. The subtopic "Company Rule Expands" discusses the key events and methods used by the British to expand their control.

1. The Early Expansion (1757 - 1765):

The key turning point in the expansion of British rule was the Battle of Plassey (1757), which marked the beginning of British political control in India. After the victory over Siraj-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Bengal, the British East India Company gained control over the region. This allowed the Company to consolidate its power and start expanding its territories in India.

2. The Battle of Buxar (1764):

The British East India Company, after its victory at the Battle of Buxar in 1764, further secured its hold over Bengal. The victory over the combined forces of Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Oudh, and the Mughal Emperor’s army gave the Company a significant advantage. The Battle of Buxar was important as it laid the foundation for British control over Bengal, and it helped the Company secure the Diwani (right to collect revenue) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa in 1765.

3. Role of the Nawabs and Rajas:

As the British East India Company expanded, it came into contact with various local rulers. Some rulers, like the Nawabs of Bengal, initially resisted British power, while others, like the Marathas and the Rajputs, sometimes allied with the Company. However, the Company used a combination of military force, diplomacy, and alliances to defeat many of these rulers and expand its territories. The system of "subsidiary alliances" was used to prevent local rulers from gaining too much power, while also securing British influence in their courts.

4. Expansion through Wars and Treaties:

The British expanded their empire in India through a series of wars and treaties. Wars with the Marathas, Mysore, and the Kingdom of Oudh helped the British establish control over more regions. After the Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1805), the Marathas were significantly weakened. The Anglo-Mysore Wars (1767-1799) were also crucial, with the defeat of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, marking the end of strong resistance to British rule in South India.

5. The Doctrine of Lapse:

In the early 19th century, the British East India Company, under Lord Dalhousie, introduced the "Doctrine of Lapse" to expand its territories. According to this policy, if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, the British could annex his kingdom. This policy was applied to annex several states, such as Satara (1848), Jhansi (1854), and Nagpur (1854). The Doctrine of Lapse angered many Indian rulers and contributed to growing resentment against the British.

6. The British Economic Exploitation:

During the expansion of the Company's rule, British policies led to significant economic exploitation. The Company imposed heavy taxes on Indian farmers, causing widespread poverty. The British also controlled India's trade, exporting raw materials like cotton and indigo while importing finished goods back to India. This resulted in the deindustrialization of many Indian industries and the growth of British industry.

7. Cultural and Social Impact:

The expansion of British rule had a profound cultural and social impact on Indian society. The British introduced Western education, legal systems, and modern infrastructure, such as railways and telegraphs. However, these changes often ignored traditional Indian practices and values, leading to social tensions. Additionally, British policies promoted the exploitation of India's resources and labor for the benefit of the British Empire.