Conquest of Sindh - Punjab - Doctrine of Lapse

Sindh Conquest

• Hyderabad, Pakistan was the capital.
• Sher Mohammed was king during British annexation in 1843. He was already a signatory of Subsidiary Alliance and loyal to its provisions but due to its economical aspects and other features British have conquered it using the subsidiary forces that are supposed to protect. This was an act of gross misuse of the subsidiary alliance.
• Annexation of Bengal, Mysore and Maratha were given justification. But annexation of Sindh was a naked example of British imperialism and there was universal condemnation of this act.
• Charles Napier was the resident of who was a good friend of Sher Mohammad. On orders of the then Governor General Ellen Borough he has to conquer the territory using the forces against his friend. He describes this act as treachery. Later he wrote a letter to Ellen Borough in a very diplomatic way saying 'I have Sindh', which gives two meaning that he has conquered Sindh and he has 'sin'.

Punjab Conquest 

• During disintegration of Mughal Empire, 12 small Sikh kingdoms emerged in Punjab which was known as Misel and the rulers were called 'Miseldars'.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh

• Miseldar of Sukherchekia who little later took a title Maharaja who ruled from 1792 to 1839.
• He conquered all other Misels and created a huge Sikh state with Lahore as capital.
• He was a very good administrator and possessed a huge army which is 2nd most powerful after British.
• He donated gold to 'Harmandir Sahiba' and got it plated with gold, since then it is known as 'Golden Temple'.
• He was a man of religious tolerance.

           -->His Foreign Minister was Azeez-ud-din, a Muslim
           -->His Prime Minister was Pandit Dinanath, a Brahman
           -->His Governor of Peshawar was Avitabile, an Italian

• He has maintained the cordial relationship with British so there were no revolts against him. His relations were not only political but also personal relations.
• In less than 10 years after his death, Sikh state was annexed by British.
• After his death in 1839 his minor son 'Dalip Singh' came to power and defacto authority was his mother 'Jindan'. During this period two wars were fought between Sikhs and British knew Anglo-Sikh wars.

First Anglo-Sikh War 

• In this war the Governor General Hardinze I fought against Sikh forces in which Sikhs were defeated.
• This war concluded with a truce 'Treaty of Lahore'.

Second Anglo-Sikh War

• In this war, the then Governor General Dalhousie defeated Sikh forces and annexed Sikh state.
• Dalip Singh and his mother Jindan were sent to London as pensioners. Later this family settled in London and descendants of Ranjit Singh are still seen in London.
• This was the last war fought by British in India this means Punjab was the last kingdom to be conquered by means of war. This doesn't put an end to the conquest of British but only means changed. Hereafter they annexed Indian territories through diplomatic ways. By this time British became so powerful and Indian Kings who were not so powerful were not in a position to offer resistance so they simply bent down for British.

Doctrine of Lapse

• Dalhousie an imperialist developed an imperial scheme to annexe diplomatically called '
• The doctrine of Lapse'.On this pretext, territories were annexed.
• This says, if there was no any natural born heir to the throne (Born to King and Queen, not adapted) then British were empowered to annexe such state. Few kingdoms which were annexed on this pretext were annexed

            -->1848 - Satara, MP

            -->1849 — Sambhalpur (Orrisa), Jaipur (Bundelkhand)

            -->1850 Bhagat (Punjab)

            -->1852 — Udaipur (Rajasthan)

           -->1863 —Jhansi (MP) - widow Jashi Lakshmi Bhai adopted a son as her successor.

           -->1854 —Nagpur (Maharastra)

• In 1856 Dalhousie wanted to annex 'Avad state' but the then King 'Wajid Ali Shah', a very old man and has a natural born legal heir. So Dalhousie who wanted Avad badly at any cost developed another scheme called 'Mis-Governance'. On the pretext of Mis-governance, the king was dethroned and territory was annexed. Deposed king was sent to Calcutta as a pensioner but soon king died heart Sobbing.

This was the last kingdom to be conquered by British in India by any means with this British conquest In India came to an end.

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Maratha conquest

Maratha conquest

• Chatrapathi Sahu ruled Maratha from 1707 to 1749. During his reign, he was only a dejure King in actual power was really enjoyed by his de facto Prime Ministers. This peshwas made this position hereditary.

1. Balaji Vishwanath 1713 -1720
2. Bajirao I (Son and successor of Balaji) 1720 - 1740 
3. Nana Saheb (Moniker for Balaji BajiRao) 1740 -1761 

• Eventually, Chatrapathi died in 1749 childless i.e. no legal heir to the throne. So Peshwa of that period Nana Saheb ascended the throne and continued as dejure power. By this Shivaji, the family came to end. Alter assuming power Nana Saheb shifted capital from Satara to Pune.
• For fist fifty years of 18th Century Maratha's were very powerful and formidable empire but their administration, revenue, military policies which were defective eventually led to annexation by British of late.
• A blunder by Maratha's was during conquest and plundering they moved towards North-West in 1760-1761, where they attacked a town 'Attock' in Afghanistan. During this the King of Afghanistan was a powerful ruler 'Ahmed Shah Abdali' and governor of Attock was his son 'Timur Shah'. Maratha's expelled Timur Shah and looted Attock which aired Abdali so immediately in retaliation he declared war against Maratha's.

Third  Battle of Panipat

• This third battle of Panipat (1760-61)was  fought between Afghans and Maratha's where Marathas were out rightly defeated and this proved to a national disastrous to them. A historian Jatana Sarkar describes after effects of this war and loss very beautifully as

       ->  Two pearls dissolved, means two powerful commanders of Maratha army were killed and they were

1. Vishwasa Rao (Son of Nana Saheb) 
2. Sadashiva Rao (Cousin of Nana Saheb)

       ->  27 Gold Mohurs were lost; means 27 great leaders of Marathas belonging to different families were also killed. Few important families of Marathas were

1. Bhonsle Family -- In charge of Nagpur region
2. Sindiya Family -- In charge of Gwalior region
3. Holkar Family -- In charge of Indore region
4. Gaekwad Family --  In charge of Baroda region 

      ->  Count of silver and copper coins was uncountable. No family in entire Maratha kingdom that didn't mourn the loss of at least one person.

• Abdali scored a terrific victory teaching Marathas lesson. Nana Saheb after the war news died in the same year broken heart. After this Marathas gradually became less powerful and the task of British conquering become easy. A scholar says that the final fruits of this war were inadvertently enjoyed by British,  In the conquest of Maratha Kingdom British fought three wars called Anglo-Maratha wars.

First Anglo-Maratha War

• This war fought from 1775 to 1782 between then Governor General Warren Hastings and Peshwa Madhava Rao II.
• Though British were in the position of winning they concluded this war with a truce 'Treaty pf Salbe'. This is a status quo treaty. Hastings did so because during the war they were also fighting 2nd Anglo-Mysore war so no matter he didn't want Marathas to join Mysore which will be a disastrous and formidable threat to British. So by diplomatic means, he concluded war with a ceasefire.

Second  Anglo-Maratha War

• This war was fought from 1803 to 1805 between Governor General Lord Wellesley and last Peshwa BajiRao II. 
• In this War, Marathas were defeated completely however territory was not annexed but only a certain type of command was enforced. Many treaties were concluded between families and etc.

Third Anglo-Maratha War

• This war was fought from 1817 to 1818 between Governor General. Lord Hastings and Baji Rao II. This war is also called 'Pindari war' because British targeted Pindaris primarily.
• Pindaris were robbers and looters and ferocious warriors. These accompanied Marathas in various wars and more over loot the annexed villages. These people caused huge law and order problem.
• After this war, Peshwaish was terminated and Baji Rao II was sent to Kanpur as a pensioner.

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Mysore conquest and Anglo Mysore wars

Mysore conquest

• Mysore province was initially part of Vijayanagara Empire created by 'Sri Krishna Devaraya' with Srirangapatnam as capital. Mysore was under the control of Nayakas (Governor of Vijayanagara of Mysore region are called Nayakas).
• Wadeyar; a nayaka declared independence after the end of Vijayanagara Empire. From 1610 to 1947 Mysore was ruled by Wadeyar dynasty, of course, there were two interruptions in the rule from 1761 to 1799 by Hyder Ali and his son Tippu Sultan and 1831 to 1881 by British.

Hyder Ali

• Hyder Ali ruled Mysore from 1761 to 1782. Hyder Ali had very humble background was very poor and illiterate person. He joined the wadeyar army as a petty soldier. Due to his efficiency and his skills displayed in various wars, he was appointed as 'Faujdar of Dindigal' (Dist level post). At Dindigal, he started a modern arsenal and increased his muscle thereafter dismissed then Wadeyar King 'Chikki Krishnaraya Wadeyar' and establishing Muslim rule in Mysore province. King was not killed but put in a sort of house arrest.
• During Hyder Ali reign Mysore region was expanded in leaps and bounds. He followed a policy of annexation fighting many wars in the process of conquering. He conquered Krishna-Tungabhadra region from Marathas, Rayalaseerna up to Tirupati from Nizams and other territories in Tamil Nadu also. He was a man of religious tolerance. He gave large endowments to Balaji temple in Tirupati. He continual printing of Shiva and Parvati on the coins as done by Wadeyars earlier. Somehow there was a dispute between Hyder Ali and British which led to two Anglo-Mysore wars.

First anglo Mysore war

• This war was fought from 1766 to 1769 among Hyder Ali and then Madras governor 'Lord McCartney'. Many battles were fought either losing or winning by one another. Both parties got exhausted and war concluded with 'Treaty of Madras' which says Prewar status quo to be maintained. After this, there was a certain relief in either party till next war was fought.

Second Anglo-Mysore war

• This war was fought from 1780 to 1784 among Hyder Ali and First Governor General 'Warren Hastings'. During the course of war in 1782, Hyder Ali died due to Cancer, a natural death. So his son Tippu Sultan continued war. Both parties again got exhausted and war was concluded with a ceasefire 'Treaty of Mangalore' which says to maintain pre-war status quo.

Tippu Sultan

• Tippu Sultan inherited the throne immediately after the death of his father and came to power in 1782 ruled till 1799. He was the most formidable enemy to British. He gave tough resistance to British than any other ruler. So he is popularly known as 'Sher-e-Mysore' (Tiger of Mysore).
• He abolished Zamindari system; introduced a new calendar; and also printed a new gold coin (Mohur); also, set up modern industries; a network of highways was built especially in Malabar region. He  suppressed all Polegars (warlords); [Polegars are initially maintained Vijayanagara rulers in RayalaSeema region. Polegars are expected to maintain a certain army and these shall fight for the king. Initially, this was good but of late there were differences between each polegar and group rivalry, started that is factionalism. Each group attacked either of them in the process of retaliation. This is even now flourishing in this region].
• Mangalore has become chief port of export for Spices of Kerala and Sandalwood of Mysore region. To promote foreign trade he sent his envoys to China, Iran, Turkey, Burma, France and etc.
• He maintained very cordial relationships with French of Mahe as well as France. With their help, he started modernizing and strengthening the military. He became a member of Jacobin political party which in 1789 led French revolution. Being a monarch he didn't support a co-monarch but he supported people of France. He also celebrated the triumph of revolution by planting a tree named 'Liberty' at Srirangapatnam.
• He was a literate and scholar in many languages, unlike his father. He had a great library in his palace where books of various languages across the world are shelved. British were astonished by his intellect skills and books were little later taken away by them to Calcutta.
• He was also a religious tolerant man just like his father. He followed a policy of secularism. One best example was he had built his palace in the vicinity of Ranganatha temple (built by Vijayanagara rulers) so that the chanting of sanctum santorum could reach his ear in the dawn which is very good way to start a day. He also gave huge donations to Sringeri Sarada temple which were looted by Maratha kings later. Somehow there were no friendly relations between Tippu Sultan and British Which led to two more Anglo-Mysore wars.

Third Anglo-Mysore war

• This was fought from 1790 to 1792. Tippu Sultan on one side and another side a confederation of Govern general Lord Cornwallis along- with Nizam Ali, Nawab of Nizam and Maratha King were fighting.[Nizmas were supporting British its - their territory was occupied by Hyder Ali and same with Marathas. This has been the with every ruler of Indian states who were rivals among themselves non-supporting to each other which turned advantage to British]. Tippu Sultan gave tough resistance but could not withstand finally defeated. Then war was concluded with a 'Treaty of Sriranzanatnam'. This is no status quo treaty but a humiliating treaty to 'Sher-e-Mysore'.
• Few provisions were

- 50% of the kingdom was taken away and shared among the confederation. [Krishna-Tungabhadra region to Marathas, Rayalaseerna to Nizams and rest of remaining territory in 50% like Baramahal in Tamil Nadu were taken by British].

- 3 crore rupees of war indemnity shall be paid by Tippu Sultan in easy installments and as a guarantee, his 2 sons were taken to Bengal.

Fourth Anglo-Mysore war

• Tippu Sultan was not a person of cowardice. He doesn't want to sit pressing his hands so he retaliated so as a result a war was fought in 1799. Governor General Lord Wellesley wants to exterminate Tippu Sultan completely as his any existence further would bring perils to British.
• Reason British felt danger was because his relation with French and other Kings. Tippu had great international relations. He wrote letters to all anti-British rulers around the world. He wrote to Afghan ruler 'Zarnanshah' and also to Napoleon Bonaparte inviting them to India. If they had come British would have reduced to debris.
• In this war, Tippu was not only defeated but also killed at Sri Rangapatnam. After his death, Wellesley out of huge empire of Mysore, Empire created a small state comprising Mysore, Srirangapatnam, and neighboring areas and made (Chikki Krishnaraya Wadeyar III as King. This area was very insignificant and rest territory 90% was annexed to British sovereign. Original ,territory of Wadeyars was given back to them but not the conquered parts. By doing so, British claimed themselves as righteous rulers. They only got rid of de facto and usurped rulers but not the genuine inheritors.
• This transfer of territory was not unconditional and that is never British policy. Here Wadeyars were asked to sign a subsidiary alliance. In 1799, CK II signed and got Mysore territory.

Subsidiary Alliance

• This is an imperial scheme developed by Lord Wellesley in the year 1778 and primary objective was to bring Indian states under the authority of British without waging wars. Certain provisions of this were

- Once it is signed, British shall give complete protection to that signatory state. The powerful military cover is given to Wing from any revolt or invade.

- In order to give protection, subsidiary forces are maintained in the capital exclusively for the protection of the signatory state.

- The entire cost of maintenance shall be paid by the signatory state either in cash to British or equal revenue generating land can be ceded to British. [Nizam Nawab has ceded Rayalaseema region in lieu of cash, so this region is referred as ceded even now].

- Signatory state shall surrender all foreign affairs to British like to wage a war a leave has to be taken from British authority; any treaty shall be through British and may others.

- Foreigners shall not be allowed without permission of British (Fear of Napoleon (who was raising a paramount power).

- To maintain all these things a British officer called 'British resident' shall be stationed permanently in capital. These residents involved in all administrative affairs whereas Kings became puppets.

- First, Nawab to sign was Nizam Ali of Hyderabad in 1798, then Chikka Krishnaraya Wadeyar III in 1799, Sultan Sadat Ali of Avadh in 1801, Peshwa Bajirao II of Maratha in 1802 and etc.

• Finally Mysore state was conquered by British in the span of 30 years.

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British conquest of India (part - 1) Bengal conquest

British conquest of India

British, East India Co started conquering India after 1757. Bengal was first to declare independence from Mughals and first to be conquered by British. Avadh was the last state to be annexed by British in 1856. After this, they didn't conquer or annex any territories. Almost 500+ kingdoms were conquered by British in 100 years. Even after this, there were almost 563 odd states unconquered and independent till 1947. Statistically, British conquered amounts only to 50% of the territory of India which is called 'British India' and rest of the territories are called 'Princely India'. While leaving India in 1947 British has portioned British India as Pakistan and India, the choice was given to princely states to join either country. Most of the princely states joined Indian union.

Bengal conquest

• Conquest of Bengal didn't happen overnight or due to a single reason. There were many reasons like free trade, fortifications, supporting rivals, the capture of fort William etc.
• AS per 1717, farmana British were allowed customs-free trade in 3 subhas, so in those subhas to carry on trade British governor of Fort William issued Dastak permitting transit and trade by merchants. Interlopers are personal traders Working in EEIC. This trade was bigger than company trade. Interlopers started enjoying Dastak and even this was being sold to local merchants who are close to English merchants. This caused irritation to other merchants and they revolted against this.
• Siraj-ud-Daula, GrandsOn of Ali Vardi Khan ruled Bengal territory for the year 1756 to 1757. He ordered to halt the fortification in Bengal. French and Dutch obeyed the order but British not. So (this causes a dispute between Siraj and British).
• Revolting parties and persons against Siraj Were given refugee in Fort William by British which deepened the fissure between Nawab and British. So Siraj finally invaded Fort William and captured its governor William Drake. In this Fort William, an event occurred which is named as 'Black Hole Tragedy' which immediately resulted in war between Nawab and British.

Black hole Tragedy

• When the governor was captured along with him Siraj also captured 146 English officers of Fort William and Imprisoned them in a small dark chamber. When it was opened only 16 were live remaining 130 died of suffocation. This hurt British a lot and then retaliated. Robert Clive who has scored a tremendous victory over French in Carnatic war was called back to Bengal and the task of Siraj was given to him.

Battle of Plassey

• 23 June 1757 a battle took place in Plassey, Bengal in which Siraj was defeated out rightly. British were capable of defeating Siraj because of the sedition, treason, betrayal of his Senapati 'Mir Jafar' who had the secret alliance with Robert Clive. This is not a battle but a betrayal. After the victory, British didn't assume the power of Bengal. During 1757 to 1772 many developments took place in Bengal before British assumed power. Many Nawabs were appointed just a figureheads and when they revolted they were either dethroned or killed.
• After defeating Siraj, as per the truce Robert Clive gave back power to Mirjafar thus he became Nawab of Bengal. He ruled till 1760. For supporting in gaining thrown he showered favors on British. He allowed them to carry free trade throughout Bengal. 1.7 Crore rupees was paid as war indemnity to British. Robert Clive was given 2 million and another office Watson was given 1 million rupees for the favour. He also gave 24 Paraganas to East India Company. After doing all this Mirjafar considered that he paid well in return and tried to rule on his own but this was not the strategy of British. They want him only as a puppet in their hands. Moreover, Mirjafar was developing cordial relations with Dutch. He is revamping his army with the help of Dutch. So British smelled some threat and in 1759 'Battle of Badera' Dutch were expelled from India and in 1760 Mirjafar was dethroned.
• In 1760, Mirjafar's nephew and son-in-law 'Mir Qasim' was ascended to the throne. He ruled till 1763. In return of favour, he gave 3 districts to EEIC. They were Chittagong, Midnapur, and Burdwan. Of late British were also involving in administrative affairs of King which irritated 'Mir Qasim' who wants to be independent. To maintain independence he shifted his capital from Murshidabad to Malgir in Bihar. Murshidabad was most forward region and highly economical whereas Malgir was completely rural area and trade was minimal. He thought this step would decrease the impedance of British in administration. British got annoyed and so Mir Qasim was dismissed and dethroned. So British have no other alternative but to appointed Mirjafar has Nawab who was already suffering from leprosy.
• Mir Qasim a very young and dynamic personality who wants to rule independently went to Avadh Sultan 'Shuja-ud-din' to seek assistance in getting the power and territory back. To his surprise there he found Mughal Sultan 'Shah Alam 2' taking shelter. He convinced both the sultans and promised huge amount so these three kings formed a tripartite alliance and prepared for battle with British.

Battle of Buxar

• In 1764, at Buxar, a battle was fought between combined forces of Nawabs and British in which British scored a tremendous victory. British forces were led by its commander 'Henry Munro' as Robert Clive was in England.
• In 1765, his war concluded with a Treaty of Allahabad. Robert Clive who was in England during the battle was called back to India and he was the mastermind behind this treaty. According to this treaty, Bengal administration should be divided into two parts known as Dual government. As per this truce Diwani administration shall be given to East India Co and whereas Nizamat administration to Nawab. For maintenance of army annually 52 crore rupees shall be given.
• Diwani administration — Revenue collections
• Nizamat administration — Law and Order & Defence maintenance
• The system was in operation for 7 years that is till 1772. This act draining Indian wealth. Demarcation was done only at the top level whereas at the bottom level both functions were given to the same person. Though truce says bureaucrats shall be Maintained by British this didn't happen. The duality of command led to mismanagement and breakdown of administration. Of late this caused a huge famine in Bengal in which 1/3rd of the population died of starvation etc.
• In 1772, a new governor 'Warren Hasting' was appointed in Bengal who immediately discontinued this dual government system. He also abolished Nawab system and all sovereign powers were taken away. Hereafter Nawabs were made as pensioners. This is how British were successful in conquering Bengal slowly and strategically.

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Later Mughal Empire

Later Mughal Empire

During 18thC in India, there was a lot of political tensions, turmoil, and disintegrations of Mughal Empire etc. This collectively provided an environment conducive forBritish to creep in Indian territories spreading their trade and actively increasing their power and root is Indian politics. Moreover, Mughal emperor after Aurangzeb were not so powerful and dynamic so their timidity and being indifference to issues given a boost and opportunity to various officers to usurp power and declare independence. Thereafter the disintegration of Mughals has started and it shattered into more than 1000 kingdoms. Their weakness led British to rise as the supreme paramount power in India.

Mughals after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 their rule continued till 1857 but not so effectively. These rulers were only figured head and puppets in the hands of vazirs and other nobles.

Bahadur Shah:

• He is also known as 'Alam Shah I' ruled from 1707 to 1712. Contemporary historian describes him as 'Shah-i-Bekhabar' (Heedless emperor).

Jahandar Shah I :

• He ruled for only a year 1712 - 1713. His vazir 'Zulfik-Khan' was defacto authority. He abolished Jiziya once for all in India. He also introduced a new revenue system called 'Ijara'. A middle _man is appointed for collecting tax on behalf of the state and he Shall return the amount to state while he receives a commission. This is a tax intermediary system.

Faruk Siyar:

• He ruled from 1713 to 1719. Two brothers in his nobility popularly known as 'Syed brothers' were defacto rulers. They were Syed Abdullah was vazir and Syed Hussain Ali Khan was Mir Bakshi.
• In the year 1717, he issued a farmana to English East India Company. According to this farmana, EEIC shall annually pay z 10000 to Mughals and in return the company can carry customs-free trade in 3 subhas. They are Bengal Subha, Gujarat Subha, and Deccan.

Mohd Shah:

• He is popularly known as Rangeela (pleasure-loving man) and ruled from 1719 to 1748. A contemporary historian says Sultan has neglected his duties, not only neglected least he didn't know what his duties are too. He is dancing with women, drinking etc. It was a great time for all dancers. Sultan himself was involved in Kathak dance and Hindustani musician.
• Two powerful nobles in his court were Nizam-ul-Mulk and Burham-ul-Mulk. These two officers were rivals to each other not only on political aspects but also on regional grounds. Nizam was Sunni from Central Asia known as Turanis and Burham was Irani Of late these two came out Delhi and declared independence by founding 2 different kingdoms. This is how disintegration started in Mughal Empire.
• 1722 - Faizabad as capital 'Avadh' Kingdom was founded by Burham. This capital was later shifted to Lucknow.
• 1724 - Nizam-ul-Mulk went to Deccan and founded 'Nizam' state with Aurangabad as capital which Was later shifted to Hyderabad during 'Nizam Ali' reign. Nizam-ul-Mulk has come down to Deccan because earlier he served as governor of Deccan twice in the Mughal period. He has good acquaintances and with their support, he was successful in founding the Nizam state. Nizam-ul-Mulk had a title 'Asaf Jha'. These Asaf Jhais ruled certain areas of Andhra Pradesh, Northern Karnataka, and Marathwada region till 1948.
• During Mohd Shah's reign in 1739, Sultan Nadir Shah of Iran invaded India. Nadir Shah was known as 'Napoleon of Iran', such powerful and fierce was that King. A Battle at 'Karnal'(Haryana) was fought between Nadir Shah and Mohd Shah looked like a nominal battle in which 'Mohd Shah' was defeated (One side was a powerful king and another side was a weak king). 'Nadir Shah' stayed in India 60 days plundering and looting the wealth of Mughals to his satisfaction. His booty was worth of 70 crores and also abducted Peacock throne and 'Koh-i-noor' diamond (Mountain of Diamond in Persia).However, Kohinoor diamond returned to India eventually which was taken away by British to England where as whereabouts of Peacock throne were unknown.

Ahmed Shah:

• He was son and successor of Rangeela ruled from 1748 to 1754. He was a puppet in the hands of his vazir, 'Imad-ul-Muck' who was very cruel, ferocious and powerful man. Because of a dispute between vazir and sultan, Ahmed Shah was imprisoned and in his place, Alaingir II  was made as Sultan. Alamgir ruled from 1754 to 1759.
• Again due to a dispute between Alamgir and Ahmed, Alamgir II was killed and his naked dead body was thrown into a river. Not even the last rites were performed such is the fate of Mughal Sultan.

Shah Alam II:

• He ruled from 1759 to 1806. No doubt he has a high-sounding title but personally he wasn't. He was in incognito for first 12 years taking shelter in Avadh for fear of Imad Shah. It is only after the death of 'Imad Shah' he returned and ruled. His territory at that time was confined to Delhi and Palam which was very insignificant and minute area. Contemporary historian says Alam territory does not go beyond Palam.
• In 1803 - These territories of Delhi and Palam were also occupied by British and confining Alam to Red Fort. Britishers on humane and compassionate grounds gave the pension of 11.5 lakh to Shah Alam to meet his requirements etc. So Shah Alam II became the first pensioner sultan. Hereafter Mughal sultans were given pensions but not sovereign powers.

Akbar II:

• He ruled from 1806 to 1837 unlike his ancestor Akbar he was very incapable and inept King. He was also pension receiving Sultan. As pension was insufficient to meet the expenses he made several petitions to EEIC to enhance but they didn't. So he decided to directly speak to Crown in England and get some remedy. He being very irrational and unwise. He sent a Bengal Brahmin who was western educated intellect. He conferred a title 'Raja' on him and thus he became Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
• As per sultan wish, he went to England but didn't return. He died in England itself and his tomb is found at Bristol.

Bahadur Shah II:

• The last sultan of Mughals ruled from 1837 to 1857. He was a good poet in Urdu and he wrote many shayris with pen name 'Zafar'.
• In 1857, Sepoy revolt started against British regime (Sepoy were Indian those serving in British Army). These wanted to end the British reign in India and reinstate Mughal rule. So, they convinced Bahadur Shah II finally. Initially, he was reluctant knowing the power of British and fear of getting killed. He requested them not to indulge him in this movement but forcibly made the leader of the movement. British eventually suppressed the revolt and entered Delhi massacred all members of Mughal family not even child and women were spared. No root of Mughal family was spared fearing the inheritance later.
• Bahadur Shah was captured in 1858 and put in Rangoon jail. In 1862 he died in the jail itself. He was buried there itself With this Mughals were completely gone once for all. A poet laments that poor Bahadur Shah II was so unfortunate that he could not get 6 feet land for his burial in his own motherland.

Related Posts: http://www.indianhistoryarticles.in/2016/04/british-conquest-of-india-part-1-bengal.html

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Advent of Denmark and French(Part-2) - Second and Third Carnatic War

Advent of Denmark and French(Part-2) - Second and Third Carnatic War

Second Carnatic War

• This war was fought from 1749 to1756, almost for 7 years. This time, the root cause was indigenous reason i.e. the war of succession in two states of southern India. They are Carnatic and Nizam.
• In Carnatic, then Nawab was 'Anwar-ud-din' and his rival was his cousin 'Chanda Saheb' who was trying to usurp power by deposing the Nawab. French were supporting 'Chanda Saheb' and British 'Anwar-ud-din'. In Nizam, then Nawab was 'Nazar Jung' and his rival was nephew. (sister's son) 'Muzaffar Jung' who was trying to usurp power by deposing the Nawab. Here French were supporting 'Muzaffar Jung' and British his counterpart 'Nazar Jung'. In the end, four got killed and nothing happened to British or French.
• In 'Battle of Ambur 1749 'Anwar-ud-din' was assassinated by 'Dupleix' and Nawab's son 'Mohd Ali' ran away from the battlefield and hide in Tiruchunapally. Thereafter Dupleix seated Chanda Saheb on throne scoring a victory over British.
• In 1750, 'Dupleix' hatched many conspiracies and finally got killed 'Nazar Jung' and thus seating 'Muzaffar Jung' on the throne. For the protection of Muzaffar, a contingency of French army led by commander `Busyy' was stationed at capital Aurangabad. (By this time Nizam's haven't changed their capital from Aurangabad to Hyderabad). This was the first phase of war where French scored an absolute victory over British under the leadership of 'Dupleix'.
• British who were not much concentrating on the south were immediately alarmed after these two incidents. So these started retaliation by ending huge army stationed in Bengal to the south. A British officer 'Robert Clive', a powerful warrior and intelligent in cracking conspiracies was appointed for this task. 'Robert Clive' is often referred as Jackal by his colleagues.
• In 1752, 'Robert Clive' killed 'Chanda Saheb' whereby 'Mohd Ali' was called back and given the throne. Next, 'Muzaffar Jung' was also killed by a conspiracy when he was in Cuddapah visit. 'Salabath Jung' was made the ruler.
• This war came to an end with 'Treaty of Pondicherry' in 1754 and 'Treaty of Tiruchunapally' in 1755. In this phase, British scored an upper hand over French. French government immediately called back 'Dupleix' and he was imprisoned for causing such loss.

Third Carnatic War

• This war was fought from 1756 to 1763. Root for this war was an international reason. French and Europe was fighting for establishing power in 13 independent states in Northern America (The USA was yet to form). Both nations want to make these states as their colonies. This war was fought for seven years so it is referred as 'Seven Years war' till today. So this third Carnatic war was simply an extension of war being fought in America.
• In the course of war in 1760, a battle called 'Battle of Wandywash' (Vandavasi) fought in which French governor 'Count De Lally' was defeated thoroughly and imprisoned by a British officer 'Sir Eyre Coote'. Thereafter all French settlements were captured and demolished.
• This war came to an end when Seven years war came to an end by means of a truce made in Paris by French and British which is popularly known as 'Treaty of Paris'. With this treaty, French lost all its power in America and also in India. One such provision relating to India was - French were given back their settlements but they shall remain as only mere merchants but not as masters. They shall maintain no army, no fortifications etc shall be maintained.
• Till 1954, these settlements remained in possession of French. By diplomatic means, all these territories were surrendered to Indian union. (All settlements were made as UTs except Chandranagar where a plebiscite was conducted and people opted for merging in Bengal). 

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Advent of Denmark and French(Part-1)

Advent of Denmark and French(Part-1)

Denmark:

• Danish were next to follow British were merchants of Denmark. These people were very insignificant just petty merchants.
• They came to India in 1616 and their first settlement in India was at 'Trancubar' in Tamil Nadu. Their headquarters was at Sarangpur, Bengal.
• In 1845, they left India selling their all settlements to British without revolting.

French:

• These were last Europeans who came to India for trade.
• In 1664 'French East India Co' was founded which was a public enterprise. (Man behind this was then Prime Minister Colbert and King was Louis. French kings at this point time were very sober and never initiative. Prime Ministers were almost defacto rulers).
• Their first settlement was at Surat in 1668. Other settlements were at. Machilipatnam, Chandranagar, Yanam (Andhra Pradesh), Mahe (Kerala), Karaikal (Tamil Nadu) and headquarters was at Pondicherry.
• In 1673 site of Pondicherry was acquired by a French officer 'Francois Martin' from a local Nawab. He developed the city from scratch. Francois Martin was governor of French in India.
• British and French fought many wars in India may be out of political reasons arose in India or sometimes outside India. These Anglo-French wars are known as Carnatic wars. These are named so because Carnatic has become venue/theater of these wars. Carnatic is a region in Tamil Nadu with capital at Arcot has declared independent after the death of Aurangzeb. Carnatic is derived from Coromandal.
• These wars reflected like wars between two nations, unlike two companies. [Rivalry between French and British was not only political but also national. There was mutual hatred between citizens of each nation. Hatred from grass root level. In the process of supreme power in the world, this hatred-ness has deepened more]. Total three Carnatic wars were fought and out of which two were extensions of war that fought outside India.

First Carnatic War:

• This was fought around 1746 to 1748. The root cause for this war was European politics. At this time, there was a war of succession in Austria as the King of Austria died. French were supporting one successor and British other so they were in the war. This Carnatic war was just extended the war in India. French governor `Dupleix' a powerful man, captured Madras and expelled British completely from that place.
• This war came to an end when the war in Europe came to an end with a truce called 'Treaty of Aix La Chappell'. One provision of this treaty was to maintain pre-war status quo i.e. all occupied  territories shall be returned into to the respective holder.

Related Posts: 

http://www.indianhistoryarticles.in/2016/04/advent-of-denmark-and-frenchpart-2.html

http://www.indianhistoryarticles.in/2016/03/advent-of-british.html

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Advent of British

Advent of British

• Next Europeans who came to India were English. This had a lengthy stay in India and of late ruled India.

• 31/12/1600 a group of merchants started a private company called ' English East India Company ' (nicknamed as John Company) to trade with India and eastern countries.

• Queen Elizabeth, I passed a charter on the same day stating that complete monopoly rights were given to East India Company over eastern trade for a period of 15 years. However, it was modified in 1609 by 'James I' successor of 'Elizabeth I' stating that monopoly period was extended indefinitely and this remains till further Royal orders. This monopoly remained till 1813.

• Initial English setups in India

- Surat in 1608 was the first settlement.

- Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh in 1611 was first settlement in Eastern Coast and many other settlements later.

• Unlike the earlier Europeans British came with a different strategy. As part of this, they established a headquarter each at Bombay, Madras and Calcutta. Each headquarter has its own governor and own territorial jurisdiction.

• Initially, governors were independent of each other. Everyone has his own trade and headache. But after some time this caused a chaos so Kolkata governor was made as Governor General and other two governors were brought under his administration. Governor General Office was first made in 1773 and 'Warren Hastings' was first governor general.

• Construction of Cities

- Madras :— In the year, 1639 site of Madras was procured by a British officer 'Francis De' from Venkatadri Naidu, a local officer in this territory. This city was named as Chennapatnam (after Venkatadri Naidu's father Chennappa) and eventually changed to Madras and now to Chennai again. British built a fort called 'St. George Fort'.

- Bombay :— In the year 1668 site of Bombay ay was given to 'Gerald Aungier' by British King 'John II' (In 1661 there was a marriage ceremony of Portuguese Princess 'Catherine Briganza' and British King 'Charles II' and as part of marriage dowry Bombay was given to King 'Charles II'. King 'John II' was successor so he inherited Bombay).

- Calcutta : — In the year 1690 a British officer 'Jab Chornock' purchases 3 villages in Bengal from Mughal Sultan 'Aurangzeb'. These 3 villages were merged into one to develop a city called Calcutta. Here they built a fort called 'Fort William' Seat of Calcutta governor is in this fort so it is called 'Governor of Fort William'. The villages merged were Govindpur, Kalikata and Satnauti.

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Dutch advent in India

Dutch advent in India 

• Duchesse (Holland/Netherland) were second to follow of course only after a century of Portuguese advent.
• In 1602, a new Dutch company 'Dutch United East India Company' was founded by few merchants to trade in India and other Asian countries. This was a private company.
• Dutch has set up the trading station in India for carrying on business. Few important stations were

1.Machilipatnam in 1605 (first), Bimilipatnam, Nizampatnam,Pulicat in Andhra Pradesh.

2.Devanampatnam, Nagapatnam in Tamil Nadu.

3.Balasore in Orissa.
4.Chinsura in Bengal.
5.Surat in Gujarat.

• However, Dutch were much interested in Indonesia rather than India. So they didn't appoint any governor for India but Governor of Indonesia itself administered India.
• 1690 headquarters have been shifted from Pulicat to Nagapatnam.
• These Dutch have built Forts at their settlements. Few of them were

              - Fort Gustavus at Chinsura
              - Fort Geldria at Pulicat
              - Fort David at Devanampatnam.

• In 1759 in Battle of Badera (Bengal) Dutch were expelled from India by British completely. This was, in fact, a vengeance act where earlier British were expelled from Indonesia.

Related Posts: http://www.indianhistoryarticles.in/2016/03/portuguese.html

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Portuguese advent in india

Portuguese advent in India

• In 1500, a new Portuguese company 'Estado Da India' was founded by few merchants to trade in India and other Asian countries. This was a private company. 
• Portuguese has set up the trading stations in India for carrying on business. Few important stations were

               - Calicut in the year 1500(first), Cochin, Cananore in Kerala

               - Bombay, Salsetty, Bassain in Maharastra

               - Goa

               - Surat, Bhavnagar, Diu, Daman in Gujarat

               - Hooghly, Chittagong, Satgon in Bengal

• A Governor is appointed to administer all these stations.

             - 'Francis De Almida' (1504 - 1509)

             - 'Albuquerque' (1509 - 1515) In 1510 he conquered Goa from Bijapur and in 1511 he                            concluded a friendly treaty with Sri Krishnadevaraya.

             - 'Nino De Cunha' - In 1530 he changed headquarters from Cochin to Goa.

• In 1556 Printing press was first time introduced in Goa,India.  The purpose was simple to promote and spread Christianity. The first book to be printed in India was 'St. Peter's Charitha' in Marathi. (The first book printed in Telugu was 'Bible'. Benjamin Shulk, a German printed this book in Germany, not in India).
• In the 17th Century, few new crops were introduced by these. They were

             - Tobacco (The then Mughal Sultan Jahangir banned this)

             - Maize

             - Chili

             - Papaya

             - Pine Apple

• Various Christian Missionaries came to India to promote and promulgate Christianity and Gospels of Christ. 'Francis Xavier' a Portuguese Catholic missionary evangelized more than 6000 fishermen of  TamilNadu and Kerala. His mummy (preserved dead body) was kept at St. Bassillus Church in Goa.
• For almost 100 years, there were no other traders from Europe to India. Portuguese were enjoying the complete monopoly of Indian trade.
• Little later Portuguese were expelled from Bengal by Shah Jahan. Salsetty and Basin were captured by 'Bazirao I' of Maratha. Of late there were many battles between British and Portuguese. Finally, Portuguese were left with only 3 trading stations in India. They were Goa, Diu and Daman. These 3 stations were under the control of Portuguese till 1961. 
• Portuguese were first to come and last to leave India.

Related Posts: http://www.indianhistoryarticles.in/2016/03/dutch-advent-in-india_28.html

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