* The decline of the Mughal Empire: The Mughal Empire was the dominant power in India for centuries, but it began to decline in the 18th century. This created a power vacuum that the British East India Company was able to fill.
* The company's military strength: The British East India Company had a powerful army and navy, which it used to defeat its rivals in India.
* The company's economic power: The British East India Company was a wealthy company, and it used its wealth to buy off its rivals and to influence Indian politics.
* The company's political alliances: The British East India Company formed alliances with some Indian rulers, which helped it to gain control of more territory.
By the mid-18th century, the British East India Company controlled a large part of eastern India, including the provinces of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.