British Presence in India: Between Mercantilism and Imperialism (1600-1876)

Abstract

This work aims to investigate a specific period of British imperialism in India. This study also examines how Britain changed its strategy during its presence in India. The main argument of this study is that some historical events had a great impact in changing the British policy in India. At first, that policy was commercial under what was called mercantilism. This period was characterized by the domination of the East India Company in the region. This company monopolized the trade of the region. In addition, the company used its military power to annex territories and to rule people. Then due to the mutiny, this policy became ineffective there. So Britain changed its policy into imperialism. That latter was characterized by the direct rule of government to the Indian people. This dissertation focuses on the shift from mercantilism to imperialism. The shift was a result of the policy that the company followed to annex territories and to assimulate the Indians to the British.