The East India Company (EIC) ruled India from 1757 to 1858, transforming from a trading company to a colonial power. The Company’s rule ended with the Revolt of 1857, after which the British Crown took direct control of India.
1. Establishment and Early Expansion
✔ Founded: 1600 (as a trading company by Queen Elizabeth I).
✔ First factory: Surat (1613) after permission from Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
✔ Major rivals: Portuguese, Dutch, and French.
✔ Battle of Plassey (1757): Defeated Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, marking the start of British rule in India.
✔ Battle of Buxar (1764): Defeated Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. They gained Diwani rights, allowing revenue collection in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
2. Administrative Changes
✔ Regulating Act (1773):
- First attempt to control EIC’s administration.
- Governor of Bengal made Governor-General of India (Warren Hastings – first Governor-General).
✔ Pitt’s India Act (1784):
- Dual control: EIC managed trade, British government controlled policies.
✔ Charter Act (1833):
- EIC lost trading monopoly; became only an administrative body.
- Governor-General of Bengal became Governor-General of India (Lord William Bentinck).
✔ Doctrine of Lapse (1848):
- Introduced by Lord Dalhousie.
- Annexed states without a natural male heir (e.g., Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur).
3. Major Wars under the Company Rule
✔ Anglo-Mysore Wars (1767–1799): Defeated Tipu Sultan in the Fourth War (1799).
✔ Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818): Defeated Marathas, gaining control over most of India.
✔ Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845–1849): Defeated Sikhs, annexed Punjab.
✔ Revolt of 1857: First war of Indian Independence, led by Bahadur Shah Zafar, Rani Lakshmibai, Tantia Tope, Nana Saheb.
4. Economic and Social Impact
✔ Land Revenue Systems:
- Permanent Settlement (1793): Introduced by Lord Cornwallis in Bengal.
- Ryotwari System (Madras & Bombay): Introduced by Thomas Munro.
- Mahalwari System (North India): Introduced by Holt Mackenzie.
✔ Exploitation of Resources:
- Heavy taxation on Indian farmers.
- Destruction of Indian industries (handicrafts declined).
- Forced cultivation of cash crops (indigo, opium).
✔ Social Reforms:
- Abolition of Sati (1829): Lord William Bentinck, with the help of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
- Widow Remarriage Act (1856): Passed under Lord Dalhousie.
- Introduction of English education (1835): Lord Macaulay’s education policy.
5. End of East India Company Rule
✔ Revolt of 1857:
- Sparked by greased cartridge incident.
- Widespread rebellion but crushed by British forces.
✔ Government of India Act (1858):
- End of Company rule.
- India brought under direct rule of the British Crown.
- Governor-General became Viceroy (Lord Canning – First Viceroy of India).
6. MCQs on East India Company Rule
- Which battle marked the beginning of British rule in India?
- (a) Battle of Buxar
- (b) Battle of Plassey
- (c) Battle of Wandiwash
- (d) Anglo-Mysore War
- Answer: (b) Battle of Plassey
- Which law ended the East India Company’s rule in India?
- (a) Regulating Act, 1773
- (b) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
- (c) Charter Act, 1833
- (d) Government of India Act, 1858
- Answer: (d) Government of India Act, 1858
- Who was the first Governor-General of India?
- (a) Lord Dalhousie
- (b) Lord William Bentinck
- (c) Warren Hastings
- (d) Lord Canning
- Answer: (b) Lord William Bentinck
- Which Governor-General introduced the Doctrine of Lapse?
- (a) Lord Wellesley
- (b) Lord Cornwallis
- (c) Lord Dalhousie
- (d) Lord Canning
- Answer: (c) Lord Dalhousie
- Who led the Revolt of 1857 in Kanpur?
- (a) Tantia Tope
- (b) Nana Saheb
- (c) Rani Lakshmibai
- (d) Bahadur Shah Zafar
- Answer: (b) Nana Saheb
7. Subjective Questions on East India Company Rule
- Discuss the economic impact of the East India Company’s rule in India.
- Explain the significance of the Battle of Plassey in the British conquest of India.
- Describe the various land revenue systems introduced by the British.
- How did the British policies lead to the Revolt of 1857?
- Evaluate the role of Governor-Generals in shaping British rule in India.
8. Conclusion
✔ The East India Company’s rule transformed India politically, economically, and socially.
✔ Exploitation, high taxes, and British policies led to resentment and ultimately the Revolt of 1857.
✔ The Company’s rule ended in 1858, marking the beginning of British Crown rule over India.
This topic is important for UPSC, SSC, State PSC, and other competitive exams. Let me know if you need mind maps, timelines, or more details! 🚀
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