East India Company: How Traders Became Rulers
Analyzing Role of East India Company on Indian History The story of the East India Company is not just about trade; it is about how a private venture transformed into a ruling power in India. Understanding this shift is essential to grasp how a nation’s destiny can be reshaped by commerce, politics, and strategy. Watch the Educational Video on the subject From Humble Beginnings to Ambitions Beyond Trade Founded in 1600 with a simple charter, the East India Company began by buying and selling spices, silk, and textiles. Early settlements in Surat, Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta were commercial hubs, not political capitals. Yet, over time, these trading posts became stepping-stones for ambitions much larger than commerce. Political Openings in a Fragmented Land After the decline of the Mughal Empire, India became a patchwork of competing rulers. The Company used this fragmentation to secure military and political footholds. By training Indian sepoys under European officers...