Table of Contents

Introduction:.................................................................................................................................................. 2
Background ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Aim and Objective: ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Methodology ................................................................................................................................................. 3
BRITISH EAST INDIA COMPANY ........................................................................................................... 4
Factors Contributing to the Decline of British East India Company: A Strategic Analysis ......................... 7
Analysis and Overview ................................................................................................................................. 7
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................... 7
References ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Introduction:
In the 17th and 18th centuries, European powers were competing to take over colonies and gain
power in new areas around the world. This was a very important time in world history. The British
East India Company was one of these imperial projects that became a major player in the Indian
subcontinent. Bengal was the center of its economic and political goals. This study goes into great
detail about the complicated historical relationship between the British East India Company and
Bengal. It looks at how important this area was in shaping the Company's path and, by extension,
Indian history. (Amin, 2012)
Established in 1600, the British East India Company was granted a royal charter by Queen
Elizabeth I, empowering it to engage in trade with the East Indies. Over time, the Company
evolved from a mere trading enterprise to a powerful political entity, shaping the destinies of the
regions it touched. Bengal, with its rich resources, strategic location, and economic significance,
became a key theater for the Company's activities.
This report seeks to unravel the
multifaceted relationship between the
British East India Company and
Bengal, examining the economic,
social, and political transformations
that unfolded as a result of their
interactions. From the initial trade
agreements to the eventual
establishment of British rule, the
narrative will trace the complex
journey that led to the Company's
ascendance in Bengal. (Clegg, 2017)
To comprehend the impact of this historical chapter, it is essential to explore the motivations and
strategies employed by the British East India Company. The economic motives behind the
Company's presence in Bengal, including the lucrative trade in textiles, indigo, and opium, will be
scrutinized, shedding light on the intricate web of commerce that connected East and West.
Furthermore, the report will delve into the socio-political consequences of the British East India
Company's engagement with Bengal, including the establishment of a dual administration, the
introduction of new legal systems, and the resultant socio-cultural transformations. The impact of
the Battle of Plassey in 1757 and the subsequent events leading to the Company's increasing
control over Bengal will be explored in detail, providing a nuanced understanding of this historical
juncture. (Rai, 2018)
In summary, this report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the historical dynamics
between the British East India Company and Bengal, unraveling the economic, social, and political
threads that wove the fabric of this complex relationship. By delving into the nuances of this
historical narrative, we can gain valuable insights into the broader context of colonialism and its
lasting repercussions on the Indian subcontinent.
Background
The East India Company was a monopoly, licensed by the state.1 Under its Charter, granted by
the Crown in December 1600, the merchants who constituted the East India Company enjoyed a
monopoly on the direct trade in goods between England and East Asia. The East India Company
was founded initially as an import/export company. From the headquarters in London
‘supercargoes’ were dispatched as the basis for trade under the control of the ‘factors’ that
accompanied them, to be traded either from the ships that set sail or from ‘factories’ that were
established on land as trading posts. The British East India Company, transitioned from a trading
entity to a powerful political force in the 17th and 18th centuries. Bengal, with its economic
potential and strategic location, became a focal point for the Company's expansion. This report
explores the historical dynamics between the British East India Company and Bengal, analyzing
the economic motives, socio-political changes, and lasting impacts that characterized their
relationship. Key events, such as the Battle of Plassey in 1757, shaped Bengal's trajectory under
British influence, contributing to a significant chapter in colonial history. (Britannica, 2023)

Aim and Objective:

This report aims to comprehensively analyze the historical factors and events leading to the
emergence of Bangladesh, with a primary focus on the influence of the East India Company (EIC)
during pivotal periods such as the Battle of Palashi in 1757, the Colonial Annexation, the Bengal
Famine of 1770, the Permanent Settlement Act of 1793, and the Sepoy Revolution of 1857 and
how they used Bengali people for a long period of time. Also, Investigation of Socio-Political
Dynamics Post-Sepoy Revolution, Trace the Roots of Bangladesh's Identity, Understand Peasant
Uprisings and Alliances, shedding light on the complex interplay of colonial policies, socio-
economic transformations, and local resistance movements.

Methodology
The research methodology for this report is primarily grounded in the examination and analysis of
secondary sources, given the historical nature of the subject matter. Since the focus is on the
emergence of Bangladesh and events related to the East India Company, historical records,
scholarly articles, academic books, and reputable online sources will form the foundation of the
research. Various research paper, slides, online database, journals are used as well.
 BRITISH EAST INDIA COMPANY
The East India Company was a monopoly, licensed by the state.1 Under its Charter, granted by
the Crown in December 1600, the merchants who constituted the East India Company enjoyed a
monopoly on the direct trade in goods between England and East Asia. The East India Company
was founded initially as an import/export company. From the headquarters in London
‘supercargoes’ were dispatched as the basis for trade under the control of the ‘factors’ that
accompanied them, to be traded either from the ships that set sail or from ‘factories’ that were
established on land as trading posts.
Early Engagements and Expansion (1600-1756):
• Establishment in Bengal: The British East India Company's journey in Bengal began in
1633, with the establishment of a factory at Hariharpur on the Mahanadi delta. The original
charter, granted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1600, conferred exclusive trading rights in the
eastern waters.

• Unique Privileges: By 1633, the Company had obtained unique privileges from Emperor
Shahjahan and Bengal Subahdar Shah Shuja, allowing trade without customs duties in
exchange for an annual lump sum.
• Founding of Calcutta: The founding of Calcutta in 1690 by Job Charnock marked the
completion of the Company's factory settlement in Bengal.

Battle of Plassey (1757):

• The Battle of Plassey marked a turning point,
allowing the British to gain control over Bengal.
• The victory was facilitated through alliances and
manipulations, raising questions about the fairness
of the Company's ascent to power.
Indigo Cultivation and Forced Farming:
18th to 19th Century - Indigo as a Cash Crop:
The East India Company promotes indigo cultivation as a cash crop, leading to
increased demand for indigo dye in Europe.
Forced Cultivation Practices:
The Company, in collaboration with local landlords (zamindars), enforces indigo
cultivation on farmers.
Farmers are often forced into cultivating indigo, facing harsh working conditions and
low returns.
Resistance and Consequences:
Peasants resist indigo cultivation due to its
adverse impact on soil fertility and the
displacement of food crops.
The indigo resistance movement (1859-61)
reflects the hardships faced by farmers,
contributing to the broader socio-economic
challenges in Bengal.
Late 19th Century - Peasant Uprisings:
The peasant uprisings of the late 19th century, including the indigo resistance
movement, demonstrate the agrarian discontent and the exploitative nature of British
policies.

1765 - Acquisition of Territories:

The East India Company acquires the zamindari of
Calcutta, Sutanuti, and Govindapur, laying the foundation
for political power. The Battle of Buxer in 1764 further
consolidates the Company's control, leading to the
appointment as the diwan or revenue collector of Bengal,
Bihar, and Orissa. (Dalrymple, 2015)

1773 - Regulating Act:

The Regulating Act of 1773 marks a shift in control, with the British government gaining increased
influence over the Company's affairs.
1793 - Permanent Settlement Policy:
The Permanent Settlement Policy is implemented in 1793, fixing land revenue permanently and
making zamindars absolute proprietors, leading to estranged relationships with peasants.
1857 - Sepoy Revolution:
The Sepoy Revolution begins in 1857, triggered by the introduction of the new Enfield rifle and
resulting in significant tension throughout East Bengal.

1858 - Consolidation of Power:

After the Sepoy Rebellion, the East India Company consolidates its grip on the subcontinent,
annexing various regions through wars and treaties.
Late 19th Century - Peasant Uprisings:
Peasant uprisings, triggered by land-related issues, occur in various parts of Bengal during the late
19th century, highlighting the impact of British policies on the agrarian landscape. (World History
Encyclopedia, 2012)
Factors Contributing to the Decline of British East India Company: A Strategic Analysis
A complexly formed colonial era came to an end in 1947 with the British exit from India and
Bangladesh. Britain's economy was stressed by growing debt from World War II, which made
them reevaluate its imperial commitments. The geopolitical environment following the war, the
emergence of nationalist movements—most notably, those led by Mahatma Gandhi in India—and
the call for the establishment of Pakistan also increased pressure on the British to leave. Prime
Minister Clement Attlee's British government accelerated the decolonization process because of
the high level of debt in the United Kingdom and the growing calls for independence. After India
was divided into Pakistan and India in 1947, the British left India and Pakistan became independent
nations. This momentous day not only signaled the end of colonial rule but also cleared the path
for Bangladesh and India to become independent states.

Analysis and Overview

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical dynamics between the British East
India Company and Bengal, focusing on key aspects such as economic motivations, socio-political
changes, and the lasting impact of their relationship. Beginning with the Company's establishment
in 1600, the report traces its gradual transition from a trading entity to a political force, culminating
in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 and subsequent events that solidified British dominance in Bengal.
The examination of economic policies, including the Permanent Settlement and coercive indigo
cultivation, sheds light on the exploitative nature of British rule. The study also delves into pivotal
moments like the Sepoy Revolution in 1857 and the subsequent consolidation of power. Through
a concise historical narrative, the report navigates the intricate web of events that defined this
colonial period, offering insights into the economic, social, and political dimensions of the British
East India Company's impact on Bengal. (Whitworth, 2023)

Conclusion
In conclusion, the historical interaction between the British East India Company and Bengal is a
nuanced tapestry woven with economic interests, political maneuvering, and enduring
consequences. From its establishment in 1600 to the Battle of Plassey in 1757 and beyond, the
Company's trajectory in Bengal reflects the complexities of colonial dynamics. The economic
exploitation, highlighted by the Permanent Settlement and coercive indigo cultivation, left a lasting
impact on the socio-economic fabric of Bengal. As British dominance solidified, events like the
Sepoy Revolution in 1857 underscored the people's resistance against oppressive policies. The
eventual departure of the British in 1947 marked the culmination of a historical epoch, shaped not
only by the Company's economic interests but also by the resilience and aspirations of the people
of Bengal. By navigating through this historical narrative, the report aims to contribute to a
comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between the British East India Company
and Bengal, shedding light on its multifaceted dimensions and enduring legacy.
References
Amin, A. H. (2012). How the English East India Company Conquered India. Retrieved from
ResearchGate:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318793229_How_the_English_East_India_Company_C
onquered_India
Britannica, T. E. (2023). East India Company. Britannica.
Clegg, S. (2017). The East India Company: The First Modern Multinational? Retrieved from
ResearchGate:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313869431_The_East_India_Company_The_First_Mod
ern_Multinational
Dalrymple, W. (2015). The East India Company: The original corporate raiders. The Guardian.
Rai, R. (2018). PRIVATEERS AND EAST INDIA COMPANY IN BENGAL. Jstor, 412-420.
Whitworth, E. (2023). The East India Company in Bengal: Overseers of Crisis. Retrieved from
Shortform: https://www.shortform.com/blog/east-india-company-in-bengal/
World History Encyclopedia. (2012). East India Company Timeline. Retrieved from World History
Encyclopedia: https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/East_India_Company/