Advent of Europeans in India

The advent of Europeans in India was a decisive phase in Indian history that eventually led to British colonial rule. European powers came mainly for trade, but over time they became deeply involved in Indian politics, administration, and warfare.

Portuguese in India

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India.

• In 1498, Vasco da Gama came to Calicut, thereby discovering the sea route to India.
• In 1505, Francisco de Almeida became the first Portuguese Viceroy and was the Governor of Vasco da Gama.
• He introduced the Blue Water Policy, which emphasized control of the seas.
• In 1509, Alfonso de Albuquerque became the Portuguese governor.
• He captured Goa in 1510, making it the Portuguese capital in India.
• He also abolished the practice of Sati.

Dutch in India

The Dutch were the people of the Netherlands.

• They established their first factory at Masulipatnam in 1605.
• Their power declined after defeat by the British.
• In 1759, the Dutch were defeated in the Battle of Chinsurah, also known as:
  • Battle of Biderra
  • Battle of Hoogly

French in India

• The French established their first factory at Surat in 1668.
• Anglo-French rivalry resulted in the Carnatic Wars (Britishers vs French):

Carnatic Wars

• First Carnatic War (1744–1748)
  Ended with Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle
• Second Carnatic War (1749–1754)
  Ended with Treaty of Pondicherry
  Famous for the Battle of Ambur
• Third Carnatic War (1756–1763)
  Decided by the Battle of Wandiwash (1760)
  British defeated the French and captured Pondicherry
  Ended with Treaty of Paris

British in India

• In 1599, the East India Company was established.
• In 1600, it received a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I.
• In 1608, William Hawkins visited Jahangir’s court.
• In 1611, the British set up their first temporary factory at Masulipatnam.
• In 1613, the first permanent factory was established at Surat.
• In 1615, Thomas Roe visited Jahangir’s court.
• In 1612, the British defeated the Portuguese in the Battle of Swally, also called the Battle of Suvali.

British Expansion in Bengal

• Murshid Quli Khan was the first Nawab of Bengal.
• The British obtained the Golden Farman from Farrukhsiyar.
• The Black Hole Tragedy occurred at Calcutta.
• In 1757, the Battle of Plassey was fought between:
  • Shuja-ud-Daulah and the British
• In 1764, the Battle of Buxar was fought between:
  • Mir Qasim, Shah Alam II and Shuja-ud-Daulah vs British
• The British won and in 1765, Shah Alam II and Shuja-ud-Daulah signed the Treaty of Allahabad.

Mysore Wars

• Dynasty: Wodeyar dynasty
• Ruler: Hyder Ali

Wars:

• First Mysore War (1767–1769)
  Mysore won; ended with Treaty of Madras
• Second Mysore War (1780–1784)
  Tipu Sultan became king; ended with Treaty of Mangalore
• Third Mysore War (1790–1792)
  Tipu Sultan defeated
• Fourth Mysore War (1798–1799)
  Death of Tipu Sultan
• Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Wellesley in 1798
  • Hyderabad (1798) – first to adopt
  • Mysore (1799)
  • Tanjore (1799)
  • Awadh (1801)
  • Peshawar (1802)

Marathas

• First Maratha War (1775–1782)
• Second Maratha War (1803–1806)
• Third Maratha War (1817–1818)

Punjab

• In 1809, the Treaty of Amritsar was signed
• It was between Britishers and Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Sindh

• Sindh was acquired by the British in 1843

Afghan Wars

• First Afghan War (1839–1842)
  John Lawrence was the Governor-General
• Second Afghan War (1879–1880)
  Treaty of Gandamak signed
• Third Afghan War (1919)

Conclusion

The advent of Europeans transformed India from a trading destination into a colonized territory. Starting with the Portuguese and ending with British supremacy, this period laid the foundation of British imperial rule through wars, treaties, and administrative control .