India Flashcards
When was the East India Company established?
In 1600.
Why was the East India Company initially established?
To trade exotic goods from India like spices, dyes, and silks.
Who were nabobs?
They were men who joined the EIC after realising that they could make fortunes through it, and some became very successful at it.
Who were the two most well-known nabobs?
- Robert Clive
- Warren Hastings
How did the East India Company protect itself?
It set up an army to protect itself from other European powers trying to take over the profitable trade in India.
This army also helped the EIC later take over more and more Indian territory.
Who was Robert Clive?
He began working with the EIC as a small-scale trader but went to work for the EIC’s army, becoming an officer.
What happened in the Battle of Plassey?
Robert Clive defeated the ruler of Bengal, which was India’s most populated state.
The EIC gained a lot of wealth and power through the state of Bengal.
When did the Battle of Plassey happen?
1757.
Why was Robert Clive significant?
During his role as an officer, he helped expand the EIC’s territory in India. This success also led to the signing of the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765.
What was the Treaty of Allahabad and when was it signed?
It was signed in 1765.
The Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II was forced to allow the EIC to collect Diwani (taxes) from the people in Bengal.
This Treaty transformed the EIC from traders to rulers.
Who was Warren Hastings?
- He came from a poor background but migrated to India to work for the EIC.
- Through the EIC, he became one of the wealthiest men in Britain.
- After serving the EIC for 20 years, he became the first Governor of Fort William in 1773.
What attitudes did Warren Hastings have towards the Indian people?
- He disapproved of harsh treatment of the Indian people by some in the EIC.
- As Governor, he promoted cultural mixing, and built a Muslim school in Calcutta and encouraged the study of Indian culture and language.
Why was Warren Hastings significant?
- He became the first Governor of Fort William, therefore he practically ruled the parts of India that Britain had control over.
- He vastly extended British power in India by using the army to gain power over more Indian states.
How powerful were nabobs?
- They became very rich and powerful in India.
- Their power also reflected in the parliament back in Britain because they could use their wealth to buy seats in parliament.
How many nabobs were in parliament in 1767 compared to 20 years later.
In 1767, there were five nabobs in parliament, however, twenty years later, there were 45.