Cultural and Political Background to the Pakistan Movement: Section 1
Q: What was the East india Company?
East india Company was a Trading Company founded by a Group of British Merchants. In 1600 the Company was Granted Permission by British
Government to Trade with Eastern Countries. The first traded trading ship landed at Surat in 1608, but the Permission from Mughal was Given in 1612.
The Trade proved very Profitable and Trading Posts were setup at Madras (1640) at Bombay (1664) and at Calcutta (1690). The Company started keeping
an army of indian soldiers to protect their trading interest. During the 18th Century the East india company gradually grew into a military and Political Power.
Q: Describe the Battle of Plassey?
In 1756 the French encouraged the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah to attack the EIC Base at Calcutta. He Captured the city, but was unable to keep
control of it. In 1757 Clive arrived with a force of EIC Soldiers and Defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah troops in the Battle of Plassey. The Nawab’s body was founded
in a river after the Battle.
Clive’s Victory was made easy by the Trechery of Siraj-ud-daulah’s general, Mir Jafir. The eic rewarded him by making him Nawab Of Bengal.
Q: Describe the Annexaion of Sindh?
The British were fearful of the Russian expension into Afghanistan so much that the British agreed with the ruler of Punjab Ranjit Sindh that afghanistan should
remain independent.The british hoped the ranjit would help them establish a Pro-british rule in Kabul but that did not Happen. So British went ahead of their own
and the rebillion resulted in all british troops in country being killed. British felt that their pride was hurt so they decided to annex sindh. In 1843 British General, Sir
Napier proved the amir so much that they attacked the british recidency, and the british defeated them and annexed sindh.
Q: What was the charter act 1833?
In 1833 British tired to give indian a more important part in running their own country. The charter act of 1833 said that indians could be part of the civil administering india.
But in practice there was little change. The indian civil service employed about 1000 administrators. They were chosen by open public examiniation, but those exams were taken in england, in English.
So in reality india was governed by an able, but entirely British group of officials.
Q: Why did the East India Company Become involved in The Indian Sub-continent? [7]
East india Compnay was Founded in 1600 and its Main purpose was to trade. Cotton Cloth, Slik, Indigo, Spices and Salt-petre were main items Sent from India. In 1615 the Compnay got Permission Emperor Jahangir to Establish Trading
Posts. Trading posts were opened at Surat (Near Bombay), Madras and Calcutta.
The main reason for the involvement of the east India Compnay in the conquest of India was the Continuation and
Promotion of Trade. The British Found it Difficult to get all the goods they wanted at the Price at Which they wanted
them. Therefore, The british Started to Capture Territories in India to ensure Regular Suppy of Goods for Export to
Europe. The british also had to Face Competition of other foreign traders specially the french. However, The French were Eliminated after their
defeat in the Three Carnatic Wars in which the British defeated the French. Fear of French was Another Reason for the British involvement in India.
After the Death of Aurangrzeb (1707) the Mughal Power Declined Fast and Rapidly. Later Mughals Lack Reponsibility of Rule and their Weakness Let
the British to Take over the Rule in the Sub-continent.
