To What Extent Was the Indian Mutiny a Turning Point in the Rule of the Country
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- Date Submitted: 10/12/2014 05:02 AM
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In what way was the Indian Mutiny a turning point in the rule of the country?
There is no doubt that the Indian Mutiny marked a profound turning point in the history of Indian rule. It was the moment when power was transferred from an independently-run company, whose primary goals lay with trading from London to the East Indies, to the hands of the British government who were now taking complete control of the Indian sub content and its affairs. Many Historians argue that this was the moment when the British Raj was born.
In the 1600s the East Indies were a crucial trading point for European countries. India was a vital destination for European ships where they could restock on food, water and other supplies whilst on long, trading journeys to the east. There was fierce competition between countries such as Portugal, France, Holland and also the British for who could work there. Because of the strength of the Dutch, who were the global maritime power at the time, the British East India Company was forced to focus on expanding Indian business.
India offered the prospect of an enormous boost to British financial power. It had readily available cheap labour, and a huge amount of raw materials such as gold and valuable gemstones. The British East India Company planned to take control of all of this.
The Mughal Empire ruled India until the mid 1800s. It had control of almost the entire Indian subcontinent. But, after the death of the Emperor, Aurangzeb, in 1707 Mughal power decreased and the East India Company exploited this. The Emperors became puppets of the Company’s rule and were paid handsomely. But whilst the East India Company and the Mughal Emperors made fortunes, ordinary Indians saw nothing of this wealth.
By mid 19th century the East India Company’s relationship with India and her people had started to change and this was one of the underlying causes of the mutiny. The aims of the British company were said to be strictly financial, however...
There is no doubt that the Indian Mutiny marked a profound turning point in the history of Indian rule. It was the moment when power was transferred from an independently-run company, whose primary goals lay with trading from London to the East Indies, to the hands of the British government who were now taking complete control of the Indian sub content and its affairs. Many Historians argue that this was the moment when the British Raj was born.
In the 1600s the East Indies were a crucial trading point for European countries. India was a vital destination for European ships where they could restock on food, water and other supplies whilst on long, trading journeys to the east. There was fierce competition between countries such as Portugal, France, Holland and also the British for who could work there. Because of the strength of the Dutch, who were the global maritime power at the time, the British East India Company was forced to focus on expanding Indian business.
India offered the prospect of an enormous boost to British financial power. It had readily available cheap labour, and a huge amount of raw materials such as gold and valuable gemstones. The British East India Company planned to take control of all of this.
The Mughal Empire ruled India until the mid 1800s. It had control of almost the entire Indian subcontinent. But, after the death of the Emperor, Aurangzeb, in 1707 Mughal power decreased and the East India Company exploited this. The Emperors became puppets of the Company’s rule and were paid handsomely. But whilst the East India Company and the Mughal Emperors made fortunes, ordinary Indians saw nothing of this wealth.
By mid 19th century the East India Company’s relationship with India and her people had started to change and this was one of the underlying causes of the mutiny. The aims of the British company were said to be strictly financial, however...