- In the 17th century, European nations began exploring and colonizing various regions of the world. The main purpose was to seek wealth. This led to the discovery of new trade routes and the establishment of colonies in Asia and Africa.
- The British started trading in India in the early 17th century. They were keen on acquiring cotton, silk, tea, sugar, spices, and other valuable commodities for export to Europe. With the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, the British took advantage of the political instability in India to expand their presence.
Political and military motives
- The British East India Company gradually gained military strength in India. As they increased their control over trade and territories, the company often came into conflict with local rulers. They used their military power to subdue these rulers and establish dominance.
- The British exploited internal rivalries and divisions among Indian rulers. By supporting one ruler against another, they slowly gained control over large parts of the country.
British policy of Divide and Rule
- The British used the policy of "divide and rule" to maintain their control in India. They sowed seeds of distrust among different communities and religious groups. This made it difficult for the Indians to unite and fight against British rule effectively.
In summary, the British government took control of India mainly for economic reasons, such as the desire for wealth and resources. However, they also used their political and military power, along with the strategy of divide and rule, to consolidate their control over the subcontinent.