Sankalp Institute

Introduction: After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the Mughal Empire entered a phase of decline. Successors were weak, often short-lived, and dependent on nobles, regional powers, and later the British. Despite political instability, arts and culture flourished. Key Features: Weak emperors with short reigns; succession disputes frequent. Influence of nobles, Sayyid Brothers, Marathas, and Europeans. Decline of central authority, finances, and military. Arts, music, and literature patronage continued. Gradual territorial losses to Marathas, Sikhs, and British. Causes of Decline: Court intrigues and factionalism. Weak leadership and short reigns. Financial strain and lavish spending. External invasions and regional uprisings. Rise of European trading companies, especially the British. Bahadur Shah I (1707–1712) Personal Life: Son of...

1. Background The decline of the Mughal Empire and the prosperity of India attracted European trading companies. Main aim of Europeans: trade in spices, silk, cotton, indigo, and saltpetre . Gradually, these traders began interfering in Indian politics and eventually became rulers. 2. Portuguese (The First to Arrive) 1498 – Vasco da Gama reached Calicut (Kerala). Zamorin welcomed him. 1505 – Francisco de Almeida became first Portuguese Governor; introduced Blue Water Policy . 1510 – Albuquerque captured Goa, made it Portuguese capital. Introduced: tobacco, potato, maize, pineapple, cashew. 1612 – Defeated by English in Battle of Swally; decline started. Retained only Goa, Daman, Diu till 1961. 3. Dutch (Netherlands) 1602 – Dutch East India Company formed. 1605 – First factory at Masulipatnam (Andhra Pradesh). Important centers: Pulicat, Surat, Nagapattinam, Ch...

The discovery of the sea route to India was one of the most significant achievements of the Age of Exploration . It revolutionized global trade, strengthened European powers, and reshaped the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the world. Several economic, political, technological, and strategic factors motivated European nations, especially Portugal, to find a direct maritime route to India. 1. Economic Motivations India was a hub of luxury goods , including spices, silk, cotton, and precious stones . European demand for spices such as pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom was extremely high. Overland trade routes were long and costly due to middlemen. Arab, Venetian, and Ottoman traders controlled most of the land trade, making goods expensive. By discovering a sea route, Europeans could bypass intermediaries , reducing costs and increasing profits. Portugal sought to monopolize the spice trade and gain wealth. 2. Challenges of Overla...