The British Presence in India in the 18th Century

Inscription on a stone laid by the Honourable Warren Hastings

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/east_india_01.shtml


Overview:

The British Presence in India in the 18th Century, written by Professor Peter Marshall, discussed the growing power of the East India Company. According to Marshall the East India Company, at the mid 18^th century, transitioned from a powerful trading presence to an imperial ruler of India. The East Indian Company was established as a trading company in 1600. It was given a royal grant which gave the company a monopoly over trade in Asia. In the year of 1750 the company began, through military means, conquered eastern and southern India during the Anglo-French conflicts. The capture the wealthy province of Bengal mark a huge victory, and over the next fifty years the East India Company established there rule all the way to Delhi and eventually to rest of India. English Governors replaced the leaders of the province or the Indian leaders were control by the company.

Cotton cloth that was woven by Indian weavers was their main product. There was a great demand, throughout the world, for cheap fabrics. Also India agricultural goods for example sugar, indigo dye and opium. The British also began to collect taxes. There system of taxes was corrupt everyone involved felt entitled to take a share for them-selves.

Robert Clive 

Argument:

Marshall Perspective of the East India Company as they were corrupt business men that forced there rule and influence over India. In the text he states that the British even made their Indian clients kings, and where paid handsomely for it like Robert Clive for example. They taxed the people harshly and gave them nothing in return. As I read this source I feel that Marshall takes the side of the Indian people, however he does write about the efforts of the British to keep their rules and traditions and the improvements to education in India.    

 source: 

Peter Marshall, the author of The British Presence in India in the 18th Century, was a professor at London University. I feel that Marshall is a reliable source, he taught Imperial history for twelve years. In addition Marshall has several books published about British India occupation. Also Marshall was an editor of The Cambridge Illustrated history of the British Empire. Peter Marshall devoted his life to this period of history. Marshall passion for British history is reveal through his works. I did not since any bias, I felt that Marshall represented both sides of the story.