In this podcast Dr Jon Wilson of King’s College London looks at the origins of the British Empire in India, the importance of the East India Company, Anglo-French rivalry in India, the significance of relations between the British and the Indian princes for the expansion of British rule, the Governor Generals, Missionaries and discusses some current debates.

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See the Historical Association to listen to the podcast. Contents:

• Growing trade and commercial concern in India. Global conflict with rivals France.
•  The decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of the East India Company.
•  The British attitude to Indian sovereigns: distrust, conflict and the acquisition of territory.
•  Conclusion: Reasons for the British Empire’s growth in India.
•  The conquest of India: an unplanned ad hoc process.
•  The Governor Generals: the change from nominal to real control and the establishment of military rule.
•  Missionaries in India.
•  Colonial knowledge: British efforts to understand Indian society.

Further historical writing entitled: From the first European settlements to the founding of the English East India company, by Sir W.W. Hunter is a fascinating read available here (particularly from page 216 ‘The Constitution of the First English East India Company.’)

See also:

• The British Empire
• The Dishonourable Company: How the East India Company Took Over India
• In Our Time: The Dutch East India Company
• Birth of the Anglo-Indian Community I: the Portuguese Empire
• Birth of the Anglo-Indian Community II: the British Empire
• The Presidencies of British India
• Wrecked or Captured, the East India Company Ships that Failed to Arrive

Cover picture credit: HEIC Flag

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