• During the 14th century, Europeans trade with India had Arabs as middlemen. 
• Their monopoly led to less profit and many issues in the trade.
• Therefore, Europeans started searching for alternative trade routes to India.
• Economic prosperity of the European region was another factor.
• Finding an ocean route to India became an obsession for Prince Henry of Portugal, who was called a ‘Navigator’. 

 

PORTUGUESE

 

Vasco da Gama

 

• May 1498- 3 ships.
• Led by Gujarati pilot Abdul Majid.
• Arabs did not want the Portuguese to get a hold on their business in Malabar coast.
• Within 50 years of Vasco da Gama’s arrival, Portuguese had come to power in coastal parts.
• Portuguese were first Europeans to come to India, were last to leave this land (1961- Goa – operation Vijay).

 

Portuguese Fall & Rise

 

• 1498: Vasco da Gama arrived at Calicut, received a warm welcome by king Zamorin of Calicut.
• 1503: First Portuguese fort @ Kochi; second @ Cannanore. 
• 1510: Portuguese captured Goa and Bijapur.
• 1530: Goa becomes Portuguese capital.
• 1663: Dutch won all Portuguese forts on Malabar coast and oust the Portuguese. 

 

Factor For Decline of Portuguese

 

• Emergence of powerful dynasties in Egypt, Persia and North India.
• Rise of Marathas.
• Religious intolerance and antagonism, particularly towards Muslims.
• Policy of conversion to Christianity. 
• Discovery of Brazil shifted their focus towards west 
• Dutch and English came to know about oceanic routes & had better military resources.

 

Significance Of Portuguese Rule

 

• Led to emergence of Naval power.

Ex: Chola had a huge navy. 

• Indians learned ship building. 
• System of Drilling group of infantries – Later adopted by English, Marathas and Sikhs. 
• Portuguese started slave trade by selling and purchasing Hindu & Muslim children. 

 

DUTCH

 

• First factory @ Masulipatnam (Andhra) in 1605.
• Trade items – Indigo, Textile (silk), saltpetre, cotton, opium and rice etc. 

 

Anglo-Dutch Rivalry

 

• After a long war in Indonesia, in 1667, the British agreed to withdraw all claims on Indonesia and Dutch retreated from India to concentrate on Indonesia.
• They monopolised trade in black pepper and spices.
• Battle of Bidara/Battle of Chinsurah (1759)- English defeated Dutch. 

 

ENGLISH

 

• 1600: EIC established. 
• 1609: William Hawkins at Jahangir’s court. 
• 1611: Obtained permission to trade from Mughal Governor of Surat. 
• 1613: EIC factory at Surat. 
• 1615: Thomas Roe @ Jahangir court got a free trade pass with inland toll exemptions.
• 1616: EIC first factory in South at Masulipatnam.
• 1633: First factory in eastern India at Balasore (Odisha).
• 1651: Company got permission to trade in Hooghly. 
• 1652: British king, Charles II was given Bombay as dowry for marrying a Portuguese princess. 
• 1667: Aurangzeb allowed trade in Bengal. 
• 1717: Farrukhsiyar issues Farman called ‘Magna Carta of company’ 

• The company was exempted from custom duty in Bengal.
• Company was permitted to issue dastaks (pass).
• Allowed to rent more land near Kolkata. 
• Coins of company minted at Bombay were declared currency throughout the Mughal empire.

• Fort St. George (Madras) was made an English HQ on the east coast. 
• However, Fort William (Kolkata) remained the seat of British power till 1911.

 

DANES

 

• Established in 1616.
• Factory at Tanjore. 
• Sold it to the British in 1845.
• Better known for their missionary activities than commercial ones.

 

FRENCH

 

• Last to come India for trade purposes. 
• 1664: Colbert, a minister under Louis XIV, laid the foundation.
• Pondicherry developed as HQ. 
• 1667: factory at Surat. 

 

Anglo-French rivalry in India coincided with the wars between English and France in Europe for protection and expansion of commercial interests.  

 

First Carnatic Wars

 

• Extension of Anglo-French war in Europe.
• ‘Treaty of Aix – la – Chapelle’ 

 

Second Carnatic War (1749 – 54)

• Under-mine French power in South India. 
• Though inconclusive. 

 

Third Carnatic War (158-63)

 

• Decisive war. 
• Battle of Wandiwash (1760-61).
• An echo of Anglo-French struggle in Europe. 
• Treaty of Paris, 1763:

• French were allowed to use Indian settlements for commercial purposes only and fortification of settlements was banned.

 

Advent of Europeans in India: A Turning Point in History

The arrival of Europeans in India marked a significant era of exploration, trade, and eventual colonial domination. From the Portuguese to the British, the advent of Europeans reshaped India’s socio-economic and political landscape. This article delves into the timeline, impact, and legacy of European powers in India.

Timeline of European Arrival in India

1. Portuguese Arrival (1498):
   Vasco da Gama’s arrival at Calicut in 1498 was the first European interaction with India. The Portuguese established trading posts along the western coast and dominated the spice trade.
2. Dutch Invasion (1602):
   The Dutch East India Company focused on the lucrative spice trade. They established strongholds in Kerala and other parts of southern India but were eventually overshadowed by the British and French.
3. British Entry (1600):
   The British East India Company secured a royal charter in 1600 and established its first factory in Surat in 1613. Over time, they became a dominant force, transforming India’s economic framework.
4. French Arrival (1664):
   The French East India Company focused on trade and formed alliances with Indian rulers. They competed with the British for supremacy but eventually lost influence after the Carnatic Wars.
5. Danish and Other European Powers:
   The Danish and other European traders also tried to establish a foothold but failed to make a significant impact compared to the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and French.

Impact of European Arrival in India

The arrival of Europeans had far-reaching consequences:

1. Economic Changes:
   • Shift from traditional barter systems to cash-based economies.
   • Exploitation of India’s natural resources for European benefit.
   • Introduction of new crops, techniques, and maritime technology.
2. Cultural Exchange:
   • Exchange of art, architecture, and culinary traditions.
   • Influence of European education systems and languages.
3. Political Transformation:
   • Decline of local kingdoms due to alliances and conflicts with European powers.
   • Establishment of colonial rule by the British.

Why Did Europeans Come to India?

• Trade: India was a treasure trove of spices, silk, cotton, and precious gems.
• Strategic Location: India’s position made it a critical hub for trade between Europe and Asia.
• Missionary Goals: Many European powers aimed to spread Christianity.

Portuguese Legacy in India

The Portuguese introduced significant cultural and architectural influences. Goa remains a testament to their colonial heritage, with its churches, cuisine, and festivals still reflecting Portuguese traditions.

Rise of the British Empire

The British East India Company gradually eclipsed other European powers through military might and political manipulation. Key events like the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the Battle of Buxar (1764) marked the beginning of British supremacy in India.

Conclusion

The advent of Europeans in India was a defining chapter in Indian history. While it brought trade and cultural exchange, it also led to exploitation and colonial domination. Understanding this era helps us appreciate the complexities of India’s past and the resilience of its people in the face of foreign influence.

 

Keywords:
Advent of Europeans in India, Portuguese in India, British East India Company, Dutch traders, French influence, European colonization, colonial India.