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ADVENT OF EUROPEANS: CAUSES AND IMPACTS

PWOnlyIAS July 22, 2023 03:21 9883 0

ADVENT OF EUROPEANS: CAUSES AND IMPACTS

INTRODUCTION 

The advent of Europeans marked a significant turning point in the history of India. This period, which spanned roughly 400 years from the late 15th century onwards, witnessed the arrival of European traders and explorers to the Indian subcontinent. In 1498, it was the Portuguese who first reached India, followed by the Dutch, British, and French colonists. These European powers established their presence in India, leading to profound socio-political and economic changes in the region.

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WHY DID EUROPEANS COME TO INDIA?

The Europeans came to India for several reasons:

  • Breakage of European feudalism: The emergence of nation-states in Europe disrupted the unified economic system. This coincided with the agricultural and industrial revolutions, necessitating the search for new markets.
  • Emergence of mercantilism: Mercantilism, an economic theory prevalent at the time, emphasized the accumulation of wealth through trade. European nations sought new markets as domestic consumption had limited room for growth.
  • Technological Advancements: European nations, especially Portugal and Spain, were motivated to invest in exploration due to advancements in maritime technology. These included improvements in ship design, navigation tools like the astrolabe and compass, and the dissemination of knowledge through cartography and travel accounts. These advancements empowered European explorers to undertake long and challenging voyages.

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  • Quest for Trade Routes: European traders desired to break the monopoly of Arab and other traders, who controlled the trade routes to India. The advancements in shipbuilding and navigational technologies, such as the discovery of a new path through the Cape of Good Hope, enabled Europeans to seek alternate routes to the East. This pursuit of direct trade with India drove their explorations and expeditions.
  • Gain control of the oceans: By establishing direct trade routes to India, European nations, starting with the Portuguese, sought to gain control of the oceans and break the dominance of existing traders. This maritime dominance allowed them to expand their influence and establish colonies in India and other parts of the world.
  • Religious and Geopolitical Motives: The rivalry between Christian Europe and the Islamic world, particularly the Ottoman Empire, played a significant role in European exploration. Portugal, driven by its opposition to Islam and inspired by the spirit of discovery, took the lead in exploring new trade routes. Prince Henry of Portugal, known as the “Navigator,” had a deep desire to combat Islamic influence and propagate Christianity in the Orient.

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  • Quest for Indian goods: India was renowned for producing valuable goods in large quantities, such as textiles, spices, and other commodities. European traders saw an opportunity to acquire these goods and profit from their trade.
  • Control of direct trade: European traders aimed to break the monopoly of Arab and other traders who controlled the trade routes to the East, including India. Advancements in shipbuilding and navigation technology enabled them to seek alternate routes, leading to the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope route.

Overall, the European arrival in India was driven by economic, strategic, and geopolitical motivations. It resulted in significant consequences for India, including colonization, cultural exchange, and the reshaping of trade networks.

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THE SEARCH AND DISCOVERY OF A SEA ROUTE TO INDIA

The advent of Europeans in India can be attributed to the following factors:

  • Arab Dominance: After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Arabs established their dominance in Egypt and Persia. This limited direct communication and trade between Europe and India, making it more challenging for Europeans to access highly sought-after Indian goods.
  • Economic Advancement and Changing Needs: The economic advancements and evolving socio-economic needs of Europeans compelled them to search for higher profits. They sought trade routes to India in order to access valuable commodities like spices, calicoes, silk, and precious stones.
  • Support from Northern Europeans: Northern European countries, particularly Portugal and Spain, were eager to support expeditions to find new trade routes. Portugal, in particular, led the opposition to Islamic dominance in Christendom and embraced the spirit of discovery.

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  • Prince Henry’s Obsession: Prince Henry of Portugal, known as the “Navigator,” was obsessed with discovering an ocean passage to India. He aimed to avoid the Muslim dominance of the eastern Mediterranean and the existing routes connecting India to Europe. Pope Nicholas V granted him permission to pursue this goal.
  • Exploration by Portuguese Explorers: Bartolomeu Dias became the first European to reach the southern point of Africa, naming it the Cape of Good Hope. Building on his work, Vasco da Gama was commissioned to find a maritime passage to India. In 1498, he successfully reached the Indian town of Calicut, establishing a direct maritime route between Europe and India.

These developments laid the foundation for future European colonization and trade dominance in India, shaping the course of history and significantly impacting India’s socio-economic and political landscape.

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ADVENT OF EUROPEANS: A TIMELINE

The timeline of the Advents of the Europeans in India from 1498

Year

Event

1498

The arrival of the Portuguese in India in Calicut, Kerala

1602

The arrival of the Dutch (Netherlands) in Masulipatam, Andhra Pradesh

1608

Britishers in Surat, Gujrat

1616

Danes in Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu

1664

The arrival of the French in Pondicherry

1757

After the victory at the Battle of Plassey, the Nawab of Bengal submitted his dominions to the British East India Company, and official British administration began.

 

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IMPACT OF THE ADVENT OF EUROPEANS IN INDIA

The advent of Europeans in India had a significant and enduring impact on various aspects of Indian society, economy, and politics. Here are some key impacts:

  • Economic Impact: European colonization disrupted Indian industries, introduced cash crops, and exploited resources for European benefit, leading to the deindustrialization of indigenous sectors and dependency on colonial trade.
  • Political Impact: European powers established colonial rule in India, subjugating Indian rulers and impacting political institutions, and governance systems, and ultimately paving the way for Indian nationalism and the independence movement.
  • Social and Cultural Impact: European missionaries, education, and values challenged traditional norms, leading to the growth of a Western-educated Indian elite and cultural collision, shaping India’s social fabric.
  • Infrastructure and Modernization: European powers developed infrastructure for their own economic interests, building railways, ports, and telegraph networks, but primarily focused on serving colonial needs rather than benefiting the Indian population as a whole.

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  • Exploitation and Drain of Resources: European colonial powers extracted wealth from India, exploiting its resources for the benefit of European industries, leading to economic underdevelopment and poverty in many parts of India.
  • Nationalism and Independence Movement: European presence fueled a sense of nationalism and resistance, inspiring movements advocating for self-rule and India’s liberation from European domination, with leaders like Gandhi emerging as prominent figures in the struggle for independence.

The impact of the advent of Europeans on India was complex and multifaceted. While it brought about economic changes, technological advancements, and cultural exchanges, it also led to exploitation, social disruptions, and the erosion of traditional systems. The legacy of European colonization continues to shape India’s socio-political landscape and its ongoing efforts to reconcile its colonial past with its aspirations for progress and development.

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CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the advent of Europeans in India marked a pivotal moment in Indian history. It brought significant changes to the economic, political, social, and cultural landscape of the country. European colonization led to the exploitation of resources, deindustrialization, and the establishment of colonial rule.

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It also sparked resistance and the growth of Indian nationalism, ultimately leading to the independence movement. The impact of European arrival in India continues to shape the country’s trajectory, as it grapples with the legacies of colonization while striving for progress and self-determination.

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