Hist 4339

British Expansion in South Asia: East India Company (EIC) Rule

• 1600: Queen Elizabeth I grants EIC charter for trade with Asia

• EIC absorbed into existing commercial systems

• 1690: EIC base in Calcutta (Bengal)

• 18^th c: gradual shift from focus on peaceful trade to military conquest

• 1757: Battle of Plassey

• EIC reorganization as administrative and territorial power

• 1803: EIC capture of Delhi and Mughal Emperor

• Development of system of direct and indirect rule, based on collaboration

• 1857 Uprising/“Mutiny”/“Rebellion

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