![]() However, a secure foundation of British rule in India bore initial stamps during the rising years 17th century, when East India Company traders had obtained from Her Highness Queen Elizabeth a charter of exclusive rights to trade in the Eastern seas. Almost overshadowing and ousting the Mughal style of Persian trade and business in administration, English Company rule deviated in every form of 'Indianised' ruling, grounding factories, fortresses, native townships and the like. In this manner, in 1612, East India Company established its first factory in Surat. ![]() Amidst significant change of rule in the English seat, such as from Elizabeth I to James I, from James I to Charles I and from Charles I to William and Mary and finally to Queen Anne, Indian ruling under Company rule also stayed witness to both positive and negative changes in the long run. A striking factor that can be stated here is that during the founding periods in British rule in India, not all Indians were against them, indeed, the foreigners were welcomed as much as Indian citizens as were its daily dwellers. That ruthlessness and pain-infliction was to come much later, post the mid-1800s. Madras, Bombay and Calcutta (later to become Presidency towns) gained prime importance day after day, with northern India almost under the sway of British ruling. Battles with the Portuguese rulers were however an impending detriment to British solidification, with Anglo-Dutch naval forces attacking by the seas. This being overcome, foundation of British rule in India looked towards rather greener pastures, with judicial buildings and laws being implemented each new day. Industries like tea and cotton started to see the light of day, including British rulers taking steps towards south India, under a treaty with Maratha dare-devil emperor Shivaji. ![]() The advent of 19th century began with a new day as India further witnessed Lord Dalhousie ascending Company throne, largely aiding in foundations of later administration and by his sound policy enabling his successors to stem the tide of surging rebellion. Foundation of British rule in India under Dalhousie stayed spectators to resounding battles, all of which were crushed by the General himself. Umpteen ups and downs, political and administrational slips made the East India Company to bow down under native pressure in 1857 with the path breaking Sepoy Mutiny in 1857. By that time period, Indian citizens had united under one common banner, to fight back the nepotist and misleading English rule. Men like Mangal Pandey, Rani of Jhansi, Nana Saheb and Baji Rao II occupied first-rate admiration amongst native population shouting anti-English slogans. Fire, toil, blood and loss of life began to be slowly witnessed, as Her Highness Queen Victoria annexed India under her direct rule from Great Britain during matured years in 1800s. In spite of her rosy promises and solemn aid to surprised and helpless natives, India as a country gradually degenerated into hopelessness, with another significant change in British Empire. Foundation of British rule in India had, by the late 19th century secured its position by employing sadistic hurting upon revolutionists and freedom fighters, who they termed as 'terrorists'. This continuous reckless chain of merciless ruling, accompanied by everyday fresh change of law into harsher ones, made the whole India come up against British oppression at large, making that solidified foundation of British rule shake till last breath in India, making Indian Independence a reality in 1947. (Last Updated on : 27-01-2012) |
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Foundation of British Rule in India