2. Divide and Rule Policy: The British exploited divisions and conflicts among Indian rulers and kingdoms to their advantage. They formed alliances with some local rulers and played them against others, weakening the resistance and making it easier to conquer and control territories.
3. Economic Power: The British East India Company's economic dominance allowed it to exert significant influence over Indian rulers and local economies. The Company's control over trade and resources provided leverage and enabled it to extract wealth from the region.
4. Political Instability: The Mughal Empire, which had previously ruled over much of India, was in decline during this period. This created a power vacuum and political instability, which the British skillfully exploited to expand their influence.
5. Technological Advancements: Britain's industrial revolution and technological advancements gave them a significant advantage in terms of military equipment, transportation, and communication. These advancements aided the British in their conquests and administrative control over the subcontinent.
6. Diplomatic Skills: British diplomats were adept at negotiating treaties and alliances with Indian rulers, often manipulating them to gain favorable concessions and territorial expansions.
7. Lack of Unity among Indian Rulers: The Indian rulers were divided and often engaged in conflicts with each other. This disunity made it difficult for them to mount a united resistance against the British.
8. Collaboration of Local Elites: Some Indian elites, including zamindars and merchants, collaborated with the British in exchange for power, wealth, or other benefits. This further weakened the indigenous resistance.
9. Superior Naval Power: Britain's strong naval presence in the Indian Ocean and its control over strategic ports allowed it to maintain dominance over maritime trade and protect its commercial interests.
10. Administrative System: The British established an efficient administrative system, which helped them maintain control over vast territories. The introduction of British legal and administrative systems further strengthened their rule.
In summary, Britain's expansion of control over the Indian subcontinent during the period of 1750-1850 was facilitated by a combination of factors including military superiority, political manipulation, economic power, technological advancements, diplomatic skills, and the disunity among Indian rulers.