Advent Of Europeans

Introduction:

India has been a major trading destination for many European countries in the Ancient and Medieval Era. Britishers were not the only Europeans who came and settled but the Portuguese with their developments in navigation first found the sea route to India. In this article, read about the advent of Europeans in India

Arrival of Portuguese in India:

The arrival of the Portuguese in India was one of the most significant developments in India’s history which has enormous consequences on the region. This event was an important turning point in Indian history as it marked the beginning of a new period of dominance both culturally and militarily by Europeans. Within a century [1500-1600], the Europeans went from being a handful of explorers to ruling most of the Indian subcontinent.

The forced mass migration:

The Portuguese forced thousands of people from their homes, they even reached remote islands where they had no figure of authority. They also arrested any local person who could oppose them and put them into prison as if they were enemies to be killed. The British followed a similar act. The Dutch, French, Spanish and other European nations came in many forms to dominate the work force and establish their own trade routes without interference from other civilizations like India.

Advent of Europeans to India:

Advent of Europeans to India was started when the Portuguese arrived at Calicut in the Indian subcontinent. The navigator Vasco da Gama, who was a Portuguese explorer, found the sea route from Europe to India and later established a trade route from Portugal to India. This was a time when the Europeans were determined to find new trade routes after having witnessed many centuries of Muslim dominance over Indian Ocean trade routes and growth of Arab power in the Mediterranean Sea.

When did Europeans arrive in India?

The date Europeans arrived in India is given as 1295 AD when Marco Polo visited Delhi on his way back to Venice. It is also said that Columbus was supposed to have reached American mainland before Vasco Da Gama landed on Indian shores. It is a myth that Columbus did not reach America; he was actually in the Bahamas when Gama reached India. It is said that Hindu-Arabic numerals, a system of mathematics and astronomy, originated in India and the Arabs had learnt it from them by the time they came to India so that they could use those data to calculate astronomical calculations.

Location of Start:

Europeans started coming to India after they explored different places in Europe starting 14th century. The merchant Vasco da Gama was one of the first European explorers who established a sea route between India and Portugal. He also brought back gold dust which was used by Europeans for production of currency and jewelry.

Rise and Decline of Portuguese Power in India:

The Portuguese arrived in Madeira and the Azore Islands, which were discovered by Christopher Columbus. The island of Madeira was where they started their operations to find a sea route to India. Here they gained knowledge about seafaring and navigation skills which later helped them in their quest for the coastal Indian subcontinent. In 1498 AD, Vasco da Gama led a fleet of four ships with a total crew of 170 men to explore India under the command of the Portuguese viceroy, Pedro Alvares Cabral. They landed at Calicut, made their way southwards through Cochin and Cannanore before returning to Portugal via Goa, thus establishing a sea route from Europe to India. The journey took 22 months.

The arrival of the Portuguese in India resulted in the establishment of their power in various parts along the coastal regions of India. They were successful in establishing themselves as an influential force under the rule of Afonso de Albuquerque, who reached India around 1509 AD. His goal was to counter the growing influence of Calicut Kingdom and to establish a firm foothold for Christianity in India and Portugal. The first town he conquered was Kochi, it was under his rule that this city developed into a major center for Christianity and became known as ‘City of God’. The Portuguese established complete control over Malabar region by 1550 AD. Decline of Portuguese Power started when the Dutch and English ships started coming to the Indian subcontinent for trade.

The Arrival of Dutch:

The Dutch arrived from the western coast of India, followed by the English who came from around 1620 AD onwards. They both successfully built their strongholds and ruled for about one hundred years [1640-1740].

The British Rule in India and Advent of British East India Company:

The British rule in India is considered to be one of the most significant events in history both of India and Britain. It was a time when Britain, who was once a colony, became the dominant power over India. The Royal charter granted by Elizabeth I in 1600 AD gave birth to the East India Company which led to the advent of English rule in India. The expansion of Britain from island nation with small holdings on North Atlantic coastlines to global Empire required many overseas investments which proved to be very successful ones as they generated huge revenues resulting in growth and development back home.

Arrival of French and its adverse effect to the Portuguese:

The French arrived in India when the British were extending their rule over the coastal areas and establishing their trading settlements. The French also started trading in spices and other merchandise, which challenged English dominance. The political influence of british resulted in bitter rivalry between them and France. This led to interference in each other’s countries by supporting local powers such as the Muslim Nawab of Arcot.

Conclusion:

Advent of Europeans to India started with Vasco da Gama, who explored the sea route from Europe to Asia. This was a time when many Europeans were determined to find new trade routes after having witnessed centuries of Muslim dominance over Indian Ocean trade routes and growth of Arab power in the Mediterranean Sea.