During the modern period, the various
happenings in Europe had its impact on
India. Therefore, while studying the period
of modern Indian history, we have to
study the events happening in Europe
during this period.
Period of Renaissance : In history of
Europe, the last phase of mediaeval period
i.e. 13th to 16th century is known as the
period of renaissance. During this period
reformation, religious reform movement
and geographical discoveries laid the
foundation of the modern era. Hence this
period is also known as the ‘Age of
Renaissance’.
During this period, in the field of art,
architecture, philosophy etc. there was a
revival of Greek and Roman tradition
which gave momentum to an overall
development. During the Renaissance
humanitarianism was given great impetus.
There was a change in the outlook of
treating each other as a human being.
Instead of religion, man became centre
point of all ideologies.
The reform movement spread
throughout all sectors of human life.
Through knowledge, science as well as
different sections of art, we can observe
the discoveries of reform movement.
The art and literature of renaissance
period depict sentiments and emotions of
human being. Literature was produced in
local language for better understanding to
the common people. During 1450 AD,
Johannes Gutenberg, from Germany
discovered the printing press. Due to this
discovery new ideas, concepts and
knowledge reached to all sections of
society.
Religious Reform movement : The
independent intellectuals attacked the old
religious ideologies of Roman Catholic
Church. The Christian priests were taking
advantage of the ignorance of the people
and were indulged in unnecessary rituals.
They looted the people in the name of
religion. The movement that began against
it is known as ‘Religious Reform
Movement’. Due to this movement, human
freedom and rationalism gained more
importance.
Geographical discoveries : In 1453
AD, the Ottoman Turks conquered
Constantinople (Istanbul) which was the
capital of Byzantine Empire. The overland
trade routes joining Asia and Europe went
through this city. Since the Turks blocked
this route, there was a need of finding
alternative trade routes for the European
countries to reach Asia. This led to a new
phase of geographical discoveries.Intellectual Revolution in Europe :
Due to the changes during the Renaissance
period, Europe proceeded from mediaeval
to modern age. Intellectual revolution
took place in the same period. The society
starts stepping out of the past ignorance
and blind faith. The pre established
customs and traditions came to be seen
from a critical point of view. All these
changes are addressed as ‘Intellectual
Revolution’ which gave further momentum
to scientific discoveries in Europe.
Revolution in political sphere : In
the early stage of beginning of Modern
period in Europe many political changes took place.Due to the various revolutionary
events during 18th as well as 19th century,
this period is known as the ‘Age of
Revolutions’. During this period, there
was development of Parliamentary
Democracy in England. There was a
change in the form of Cabinet System.
The Bill of Rights 1689 laid limitations
on the power of the King. The sovereignty
of Parliament was established.
American war of Independence :
With the background of revolutionary
development in Europe, it is equally
important to think about the American
War of Independence. With the discovery
of America, the European countries turned
their attention towards this continent. The
Imperialist European countries took control
of different regions of America and
established their colonies. England
established thirteen colonies on the East
coast of America. Initially England had
nominal domination over these colonies,
but later English Parliament laid oppressive
restrictions and taxes on these American
colonies. The people in America revolted
against it. England declared war to
supress these colonies. American colonies
organised the army under the leadership
of George Washington and finally won
against England. This event is known as
‘American War of Independence’. A new
nation known as the United States of
America, with a federal government,
written constitution and based on the
principles of Democracy, was born.
French Revolution : In 1789 AD,
the people of France revolted against the
uncontrolled and unjust monarchy and
feudalism and established a Republic.
This event is known as ‘French Revolution’.
The French Revolution gave to the world
the three values of Liberty, Equality and
FraternityIn World history, among the political
revolutions, the American war of
Independence and French Revolution have
a very important place.
Industrial revolution : In the latter
period of 18th century, there were many
technological innovations in Europe. There
was production with the help of machines
running on steam. The cottage industries
were replaced by big factories. Machines
came to be used instead of handlooms.
Railway and steamer became the mode
of transportation. The age of Machines
began and that is known as ‘Industrial
Revolution’.
Industrial Revolution began in England
and then spread in other parts of West.
During this period England enjoyed
industrial prosperity and came to be
described as ‘World Factory’.
Rise of Capitalism : With the
discovery of new sea routes, began a new
era of trade between Europe and Asia.
Many traders came forward to trade with
Eastern countries through the sea route. It
was not easy to carry out trade single
handedly and hence many traders came
together and started trade. Thus there was
rise of many Trading Companies. Trade
with Oriental countries was very profitable
and responsible for economic prosperity.
Hence European rulers started giving
military protection and trade concessions
to these trading companies. This led to
accumulation of wealth in Europe. This
property was used in the form of capital
for trade and Commerce which led to rise
of capitalist economic system in Europe.
Colonialism : Colonialism means one
country exploiting another country by
making it into a colony. A powerful
country on the basis of economic and
military strength occupies another region
and establishes its political Supremacy.
This is known as Colonialism. This
tendency of Colonialism led to rise of
imperialism among the Europeans.
Imperialism : Imperialism means a
system in which a powerful country
controls other countries by establishing its
overall domination and establishing many
colonies. Many countries from Asian and
African continent fell prey to this
imperialist aspiration of the European
Nations.
Imperialism of British East India
Company in India : There was
competition among European countries
for acquiring trade Monopoly in India.
The British established British East India
Company in 1600 AD to carry out trade
in India. This company took permission
from Emperor Jahangir and established its
factory in Surat. The trade between India
and England was carried out through this
company.
The British - French Conflict :
England and France were rivals in the
competition for trade in India. Due to
this there were three Wars fought
between them which are known as
‘Carnatic Wars’. In the third Carnatic
War England finally defeated France.
Therefore, now there was no strong
European competitor for British East
India Company in India
Foundation of rule of British East
India Company in Bengal : The Bengal
province was one of the most prosperous
province in India. In 1756 AD Siraj-udDaulah became the Nawab of Bengal.
East India Company officers misused the
trade concessions obtained from Mughal
Emperor in Bengal province. The English
built fortification around the factory at
Kolkata without the permission of the
Nawab. Hence Siraj-ud-Daulah captured
the factory at Kolkata. This created discontent in England. Robert Clive
diplomatically bribed Mir Jafar, the
Commander in chief of the Nawab’s army
and also promised to make him the
Nawab of Bengal. Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah
and the British Troops met at Plassey in
1757 AD. But under the leadership of Mir
Jafar the Nawab’s army made no move
to actually join the battle and hence Sirajud-Daulah was defeated.
Mir Jafar became the Nawab of
Bengal with the support of British but
later he started protesting against the
British and hence, his son-in-law, Mir
Kasim was made the Nawab. Mir Kasim
tried to put restrictions on the illegal trade
of British and hence once again Mir Jafar
was made the Nawab of Bengal.
To restrict the activities of British in
Bengal, Mir Kasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah, the
Nawab of Ayodhya and Mughal Emperor
Shah Alam formed an alliance and ran
a campaign. In 1764 AD battle of Buxar
was fought in Bihar. After this battle,
British East India Company got the right
to collect the revenue from Bengal
province as per the Treaty of Allahabad.
In this manner, the foundation of British
rule in India was laid in Bengal.
British-Mysore
struggle : Hyder Ali
from Mysore State
rebelled and took
control of Mysore.
After the death of
Haider Ali, his son
Tipu Sultan became
the ruler of Mysore.
He tried his best to
fight against the
British. At the end, Tipu Sultan died in
the battle at Srirangapatna in 1799. In
this manner the British took control of the
Mysore territory.
British control over Sindh : To
strengthen the British power in India, the
English turned their attention towards
North West frontier. They feared that
Russia might attack India through
Afghanistan and hence the English started
establishing their influence over
Afghanistan. The route towards
Afghanistan went through Sindh. The
British understood the importance of
Sindh and hence captured it in 1843.
Fall of Sikh power : In the beginning
of 19th century the power in Punjab was
in the hands of Ranjit
Singh. After the death
of Ranjit Singh, his
minor son, Duleep Singh
came to the throne. On
his behalf, his mother
Queen Jindan looked
after the state affairs,
but could not keep
control over the officers.
Taking advantage of this
situation the British bribed some of the
Sikh Sardar. The Sikh community thought
that the British will attack Punjab and
hence they launched an attack on the
British. In this first Anglo Sikh war the
Sikhs were defeated. But still Duleep
Singh remained on the throne. But the
growing impact of British over Punjab
was not acceptable to the Sikhs. Mulraj,
officer of Multan, revolted against the
English. Thousands of Sikh soldiers
participated in the war against the British.
In the second war the Sikhs had to face
defeat again. In 1849 the British finally
captured the entire region of Punjab.
The Marathas were important strong
rulers in India. How did the British
strengthen their foundation of rule in India
by defeating the Marathas will be studied
in the next chapter.
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