In the previous post, we have studied about Aurangzeb, the last ruler of the Mughal Empire. Though in the actual sense he was not the last ruler because after him we found so many incapable rulers of the Mughal Empire. So, one can say that Aurangzeb was the last capable ruler of the Mughal Empire.
After Aurangzeb, later Mughals were not able to consolidate the Mughal Empire. So, the Mughal Empire got disintegrated into different provinces. It is very true that when there is no powerful center, the provinces mostly become the rebel or declare themselves as an independent.
So was true in the case of India of 18th Century, which gave opportunities to European powers to come and establish their base in India. From here starts the story of Modern India.
Conquest of India
From ancient times, India was the land of wealth and prosperity and was known as Golden Sparrow. It was all because of its natural resources, the discovery of monsoons in 47 AD by Hippalus. All these turned India as the heart of the west and east trade. Lastly, the balance of payment was always in favor of India.
This wealth and prosperity of India attracted foreigners, which led to a continuous invasion of India. It was a sequential invasion series from the Aryans, Shakas, Kushanas, Hunas, Turks, Mongols, Mughals, Afghanis, Iranis (Nadir Shah), and now terrorists are threatening not only India but also this whole world.
Coming of European Powers
In the 16th Century, Europeans appeared as the new contender for the Indian Subcontinent, and the story of Modern India begins from here. The story started from Crusade leading to Renaissance. The next important development was geographical discoveries. Examples:
- In 1492, Columbus discovered North America.
- 1498, Vasco-da-Gama got the direct sea route to the Indian Subcontinent via Cape of Good Hope with the help of Indian merchant Abdul Majid.
This was the beginning of the direct connection between west and east. Portuguese were good sailors, so they grab the opportunity of the east expedition first. So, Portuguese took the initiation and after their success in Indian Subcontinent Dutch, English and French tried to conquest the Indian Subcontinent.
Coming of New Philosophies in India
In the 16th Century, Europeans entered in India. Actually, they were under the influence of new philosophies of Capitalism and Mercantilism. Therefore from the very beginning apart from trade and commerce these European companies had the intention of political conquest. Examples:
- In 1498 CE, Portuguese entered India and in 1510 their Governor Albuquerque occupied Goa.
- The year 1636 CE, the Portuguese made the attempt to occupy Hooghli but they failed.
- In 1687 CE, Britishers tried to occupy Hooghly. But they also failed because of the presence of strong Mughal rulers in India like Shahjahan and Aurangzeb.
In the last phase of 17th Century Europeans failed in their political ambitions. So, they became dormant and waited for the appropriate time. They got it on 13th February 1739. It was the Battle of Karnal, which showed the loopholes to the Europeans.
Modern India: Battle of Karnal, 1739
It was the battle fought between Iranian General Nadir Shah and Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah ‘Rangeela’. In this battle, Nadir Shah not only defeated Mughal Emperor but also humiliated him. Nadir Shah plundered India, which includes 70crores in cash, Koh-i-Noor diamond, and Peacock Throne (constructed by Shahjahan).
The victory of Nadir Shah over the Mughal Emperor was a good message for the European countries. They got the message that “THE BOSS OF THE COUNTRY IS DEAD”. So, once again they stood up for political ambitions. The Carnatic Wars of southern India gave them this opportunity in the 18th Century to conquest India.
There were four main contenders for the Indian Subcontinent in Modern India.
So, from here starts the chapters to understand conquest of India. We will have a look on Carnatic Wars in the upcoming posts.
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