CONTENT

Impact Of Renaissance On European Exploration ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Decline Of The Mughals ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
British Period In India ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Bengal ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Mysore’s Resistance To The Company .....................................................................................................................................................10
The Marathas ......................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Bengal Conquest (1740s To 1770s) ..........................................................................................................................................................12
Anglo-Mysore Relations .................................................................................................................................................................................14
The Marathas (1720s-1820s) ......................................................................................................................................................................16
Conquest Of Sindh ............................................................................................................................................................................................17
Conquest Of Punjab .........................................................................................................................................................................................17
Maharaja Ranjit Singh And The English ..................................................................................................................................................18
Anglo-Burma Relations ..................................................................................................................................................................................19
Anglo-Nepal Relations ....................................................................................................................................................................................19
Anglo-Tibet Relations ......................................................................................................................................................................................20
Anglo-Bhutanese Relations ..........................................................................................................................................................................20
Anglo-Afghan Relations..................................................................................................................................................................................20
Resistance Against The British Before 1857 ..............................................................................................................................................21
Tribal Revolts .....................................................................................................................................................................................................22
Peasant Movements .........................................................................................................................................................................................22
Tribal Revolts .....................................................................................................................................................................................................22
Sepoy Mutinies ..................................................................................................................................................................................................23
Major Causes Of The Indian Rebellion Of 1857 ........................................................................................................................................24
Socio-Religious Reform Movements ..............................................................................................................................................................27
Foundation And The Moderate Phase Of Indian National Congress ................................................................................................33
Era Of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) ...................................................................................................................................................34
Swadeshi And Boycott Movement (1905-1911) ......................................................................................................................................35
Revolutionary Activities .....................................................................................................................................................................................36
First Phase Of Revolutionary Activities (1907-1917) .......................................................................................................................38
Response To World War I ..............................................................................................................................................................................38
First World War And Nationalist Response Home Rule Leagues ......................................................................................................39
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Emergence Of Gandhi, Gandhi In South Africa ..........................................................................................................................................40
Government Of India Act 1919 ...................................................................................................................................................................46
Non-Cooperation Movement And Khilafat Andolan...........................................................................................................................47
Spread Of Marxist And Socialist Ideas ..........................................................................................................................................................54
Revolutionary Activities During The 1920s ...............................................................................................................................................55
Simon Commission And Indian Response ..............................................................................................................................................55
Civil Disobedience Movement And Round Table Conference..............................................................................................................61
Government Of India Act, 1935 ..................................................................................................................................................................69
Nationalist Response In The Wake Of World War Ii................................................................................................................................71
Quit India Movement, Demand For Pakistan, And The Ina ..................................................................................................................74
The Indian National Army (Ina) And Subhas Chandra Bose ...............................................................................................................78
Post-War National Scenario ..............................................................................................................................................................................80
Independence And Partition .............................................................................................................................................................................86
Mountbatten Plan - June 3, 1947................................................................................................................................................................87
British Policies In India .......................................................................................................................................................................................88
Indian Renaissance ..........................................................................................................................................................................................90
British Retreat (Post-1858) ..........................................................................................................................................................................90

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3
IMPACT OF RENAISSANCE ON EUROPEAN EXPLORATION

The Renaissance era, flourishing in the fifteenth century, played a pivotal role in propelling Europe towards
exploration.

It prompted advancements in shipbuilding, crop rotation, plowing techniques, and the meat industry, laying
the groundwork for voyages and spice trade necessities.

RIVAL OF THE PORTUGUESE IN INDIA

Prince Henry of Portugal (Navigator)

• Nicknamed "Navigator," Prince Henry of Portugal strongly supported sea route exploration.
• He was a key figure in the Portuguese Royal family endorsing and financing maritime exploration.

Voyages To India

Discovery of Sea Route

• In 1487, Bartholomew Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope, thinking he had reached India, but the actual
sea route was discovered in 1498.
• In May 1498, Vasco da Gama reached Calicut, facilitated by a Gujarati pilot, Abdul Majid, and engaged in
profitable trade with the Zamorins.
Subsequent Expeditions
• In 1500, Pedro Alvarez Cabral established a spice trade factory in Calicut.
• Vasco da Gama returned in 1501, forming friendly treaties and establishing trading posts at Cannanore,
Calicut, and Cochin.

Expansion Of Portuguese Rule

Governor Generals and Policies

• Francisco de Almeida (1505) Implemented the Blue Water Policy, consolidating Portuguese trade and
defeating opposition from the Zamorin and the Mamluk Sultan.
• Alfonso De Albuquerque (1509) Introduced a permit system, acquired Goa, abolished sati, and
encouraged intermarriage with Indians.
• Nino Da Cunha (1529) Shifted headquarters to Goa, assisted Gujaratis against the Mughals, and expanded
into Bengal.

Favorable Conditions for Portuguese

• Superior navy with cannons, efficient ships, and a strategic geographical advantage.
• Lack of shipbuilding capabilities in Egypt and the Middle East.
• No major global powers contesting Portuguese influence in India.

Geographical Expansion
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 • Portuguese presence expanded to Mangalore, Cannanore, Calicut, Cochin, San Thome in Chennai,
Nagapattinam in Andhra Pradesh, and Hooghly in West Bengal.

Relations with the Mughals

• Despite initial challenges, the Mughals were impressed by the Portuguese navy.
• Efforts to convert the Mughals to Christianity failed, but the Portuguese obtained permission to build
churches and roads, establishing a complex yet evolving relationship.

English discovery and Portuguese decline

• 1608 William Hawkins arrives at Jahangir’s court, initiating English trade.

• Despite Portuguese retaliation, English trade begins. Mughals negotiate with the Portuguese to halt English
ships.
• 1612 English ships finally enter India, and during Shahjahan's reign, the Portuguese lose their rule.

Reasons for Portuguese decline

• Emergence of powerful kingdoms in Egypt, North India, and Marathas.

• Entry of the English resulting in trade losses.
• Religious policies and spiritual pressure create enemies.
• Rampant corruption within Portuguese administration.
• Discovery of Brazil diverts attention.
• Dutch overpower them in spice trade.

Significance of Portuguese rule

• Opens a new era of global trade.

• Introduces modern warfare and navy techniques.
• Build churches and roads.

ARRIVAL OF THE DUTCH IN INDIA

• 1602 Dutch arrive due to commercial interests.

• 1605 First factory established at Masulipatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Important trading posts and factories were established at various locations.

Anglo-Dutch rivalry

• Commercial interests in India and Indonesia.

• Dutch capture regions in Indonesia.
• Dutch withdraw from India, and the British withdraw from Indonesia.

Decline in India

Dutch defeat in the Anglo-Dutch rivalry, and their attention shifts to the Malay Archipelago.

Important wars include the 3rd Anglo-Dutch war (1672-74) where Dutch capture English ships, and the Battle of
Bidara (1759) where the English defeat the Dutch.
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Arrival of the English in India

• 1600 Queen Elizabeth grants a charter to the East India Company for trade.
• 1608 William Hawkins reaches Jahangir’s court.
• 1612 Captain Thomas Best defeats the Portuguese, impressing Jahangir.
• 1613 First factory established at Surat.
• 1615 Thomas Roe gets permission to set up factories at Agra, Ahmedabad, and Broach.
• 1632 Receives Golden Farman from Sultan of Golconda for trade.
• 1639 Gets permission to fortify at Madras.
• 1662 Receives Bombay as a dowry gift from the Portuguese.

English expansion and rivalry

• Permission to trade in Bengal by paying duties but not to fortify.

• 1717 Farruksiyar’s farman, known as the Magna Carta, grants permission to mint coins and duty-free trade.

ARRIVAL OF THE DANES IN INDIA

• Enter in 1616, focusing on missionary activities.

• Important locations include Tranquebar near Tanjore and Serampore near Calcutta.
• Many factories eventually sold to the British in 1845.

ARRIVAL OF THE FRENCH IN INDIA

• 1664 Monopoly of trade in India granted by the King.

• 1667 First factory set up at Surat.
• 1673 First township established at Chandernagore near Calcutta.
• 1674 Settlement at Pondicherry, the nerve center of French power.

Anglo-French rivalry

• Coincides with wars in Europe.

• Causes include protection and expansion of commercial interests, political developments in South India
and Europe.

Carnatic wars

• First Carnatic War (1740-48): English seize French ships; French seize Madras. Ends with the Treaty
of Aix-La-Chapelle.
• Second Carnatic War (1749-54): French suffer heavy financial losses. Treaty of Pondicherry prevents
future interference.
• Third Carnatic War (1758-63): Linked to the Seven Years War in Europe. Battle of Wandiwash (1760)
marks the French defeat. Treaty of Paris establishes English supremacy.

Reasons for English success

• Sound commercial base.

• More stable government.
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 • Excellent military and navy.
• Industrial revolution.
• Less religious zeal.
• Never undermine trading activities.

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DECLINE OF THE MUGHALS

Aurangzeb (1658-1707) Marks the beginning of the decline, attributed to poor policies.

External challenges

1738-39 Nadir shah, Persian emperor, invades India (Lahore, Kabul, Karnal), seizing valuable treasures.

1748-67 Ahmad shah Abdali, Durrani empire, invades India, leading to Maratha control after his departure.

1761 Abdali returns, avenging Marathas, resulting in the third battle of Panipat where the Marathas face defeat.

Internal challenges - Weak Rulers after Aurangzeb

Rulers after Important Points

Aurangzeb
Jahandar Shah Zulfikar Shah aids his rule, introduces the ijarah system, abolishes Jaziya.

Farrukhsiyar Sayyid brothers, known as King Makers, support him. Abolishes jaziya and pilgrimage tax.
Sayyid brothers dethrone him with Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath's assistance.
Mohammed Known as Rangeela for his luxurious lifestyle. Kills Sayyid brothers with Nizam-ul-Mulk's
Shah help. Marathas invade Delhi in 1737. Nadir Shah invades during his reign in 1739.
Independent states emerge
Alamgir 2 Faces Abdali's invasion. The Battle of Plassey occurs during his reign.

Shah Alam 2 Experiences the Battle of Panipat (1761) and Battle of Buxar (1764). Grants Diwani rights to
the British.
Akbar 2 Bestows the title of Raja upon Ram Mohan Roy. Stops minting coins with the Mughal ruler's
name
Bahadur Shah The last Mughal ruler. Mughal empire ends in 1858 with Queen Victoria's declaration.
Zafar

Causes of Mughal decline

Historians debate two major reasons weak rulers and empire politics, and instability in different parts of the
empire.

Factors include shifting allegiance of zamindars, Jagirdari crisis, economic and administrative problems, weak
rulers post-Aurangazeb, lack of clear succession, Aurangazeb's non-secular policies, army degeneration,
Aurangazeb's failed Deccan Policy, and rise of regional aspirations.
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Survey of regional states

• Successor States Bengal, Awadh, Hyderabad.

• Independent Kingdoms Mysore, Kerala, Rajput.
• New States Marathas, Sikhs, Jats.

Regional states overview

• Hyderabad: Dream of Zulfikar Khan was fulfilled by Nizam-ul-Mulk.

• Awadh Founded by Saadat Khan (Burhan-ul-Mulk).
• Bengal Succession - Murshid Quli Khan, Shujauddin, Sarfaraz Khan, Alivardi Khan.
• Mysore Wodeyar dynasty, later Haider Ali, Tipu Sultan.
• Kerala Marthada Varma, capital at Travancore, spanning Kanyakumari to Cochin.
• Jats Agriculturists, zenith during Suraj Mal's rule, regions include Agra, Meerut, Mathura, Aligarh.
• Sikhs Led by Guru Gobind Singh, Banda Bahadur, later divided into 12 misls, with Ranjit Singh as a notable
leader.
• Marathas Under the Peshwas, ruling regions like Gujarat and Malwa, losing the Third Battle of Panipat to
Ahmad Shah Abdali.

Nature and limitations

• Provinces maintain ties with the Mughal imperial authority, but lack sound financial, administrative, and
military organization.
• Backward in science and technology, constant warfare with neighboring regional powers.

Socio-economic conditions in India

• Agriculture Stagnant and technologically backward, compensated by labor-intensive practices.

• Trade and Industry Exports exceed imports.
• Education Elementary education through pathshalas and maktabs, higher learning in Chatuspathis or Tols
among Hindus and madarsahs among Muslims. Absence of science, technology, and geography studies.
• Society Patriarchal, divided into 4 varnas, with traditional and conservative lifestyles. Women's roles vary
based on class, with practices like purdah, sati, polygamy, child marriage, and widespread dowry.
• Slave Trade Spreads across India after European advent.

Art and Architecture Notable constructions like Bada Imam bara in Lucknow and Pink City of Jaipur. Painting
schools like Kangra and Rajputana emerged. Growth of Urdu language and poetry in northern India. Regional
languages develop, and significant cultural contributions occur in various regions.

BRITISH PERIOD IN INDIA

Commencement

1740 Anglo-French struggle begins for supremacy in India.

1757 British defeat the Nawab of Bengal at Plassey.

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1761 Third Battle of Panipat, where the Marathas are defeated by Abdali.

Accidental or pre-planned

• Initially, British came for trade but faced rivalry.

• The need for a well-maintained army arose for protection.
• Fear of European competition.
• Construction of permanent posts across the country.
• Shift from trade to invading due to threats from Indian rulers.

Causes of British success

• Superior arms, military strategy.

• Better military discipline and regular salary.
• Civil discipline, fair selection system.
• Brilliant leadership and support of second-line leaders.
• Strong financial backup.
• Nationalist pride.
• Bengal Conquest

Pre-conquest situation

• Strong Nawab Alivardi Khan (1741-1756).

• Not prone to attacks from the West, Marathas, or Jats.

Challenges before Siraj-ud-Daula

• Rebel relatives, internal court rebels, expanding British.

• Lack of experience (20 years old when Nawab).

Bengal

1757 - BATTLE OF PLASSEY

Present-day West Bengal, Bangladesh, Bihar, and Orissa (1740s to 1770s).

Reason for Conquest Richest province; 60% of Asian trade.

• Company officials misuse trade privileges.

• Fortification of Calcutta without permission.
• Asylum to political fugitive Krishna Das.
• Black Hole Tragedy 146 English captured, 123 died of suffocation.
• Robert Clive leads English forces, allies with Mir Jafar, captures Nawab. Result Mir Jafar made Nawab, Treaty
of 1760.

1761 - BATTLE OF BUXAR

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