Advent of Europeans & Colonial Expansion – Chronological and Era-Wise History of India

Advent of Europeans & Colonial Expansion – Chronological and Era-Wise History of India

Chronological Era-Wise Module-Wise Course Structure

Below is a systematically organised, academically balanced, lesson-wise and module-wise course, converted directly from the earlier list and structured strictly in chronological order.

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In this Course, each Lesson under the Modules is divided into 4 Sections, as mentioned below:

• Study Module with Revision Notes,
• Questions with Answers,
• MCQs with Answers and detailed explanations.

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This online learning course offers a comprehensive, chronological, and evidence-based understanding of the History of India, with special focus on controversial events, debates, and critical interpretations. Designed for both conceptual clarity and exam readiness, the course strengthens analytical thinking, source evaluation, and answer-writing skills required in competitive examinations.

The content is highly relevant for aspirants preparing for UPSC (CSE), State PSCs (APSC, UPPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, MPSC, WBCS, RPSC, TNPSC, etc.), UGC-NET/JRF, CUET (UG/PG), SSC, NDA, CDS, CAPF, as well as CBSE, ICSE, State Board examinations, and college/university undergraduate and postgraduate courses where History of India is a core subject.

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Module 1: Pre-European Trade Contacts and the Indian Ocean World

Time Period: c. 1000 CE – 1498 CE

Key Features

• India’s role in the Indian Ocean trade network
• Arab, Persian, and Asian merchants in Indian ports
• Coastal trading centres and commercial prosperity
• Indigenous banking, credit, and merchant communities
• Political fragmentation and trade-friendly regional states

Lessons

1. Indian Ocean Trade Networks before the Advent of Europeans
2. Arab and Asian Merchants in Pre-Colonial India
3. Indian Ports, Markets, and Merchant Communities
4. Political Conditions Facilitating European Entry
5. India on the Eve of European Arrival

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Module 2: Portuguese Arrival and Early European Settlements

Time Period: c. 1498 CE – 1600 CE

Key Features

• Vasco da Gama and the sea route to India
• Portuguese maritime supremacy and naval warfare
• Establishment of trading posts and forts
• Cartaz system and monopoly over spice trade
• Cultural and religious interactions with Indian society

Lessons

1. Vasco da Gama and the Portuguese Discovery of Sea Route
2. Portuguese Trade Policy and Maritime Power in India
3. Early Portuguese Settlements and Fortified Ports
4. Cartaz System and Control of Indian Ocean Trade
5. Social and Cultural Impact of Portuguese Rule

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Module 3: Dutch, English, and French Trading Companies in India

Time Period: c. 1600 CE – 1700 CE

Key Features

• Rise of joint-stock companies
• Dutch, English, and French commercial strategies
• Factory system and inland trade expansion
• Competition among European powers
• Changing nature of Indo-European trade relations

Lessons

1. Emergence of European Trading Companies in India
2. Dutch East India Company and Commercial Expansion
3. English East India Company: Trade and Early Settlements
4. French East India Company and Colonial Ambitions
5. European Rivalry and Indian Regional Politics

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Module 4: Anglo-French Rivalry and the Rise of Company Power

Time Period: c. 1700 CE – 1765 CE

Key Features

• Decline of Mughal authority
• Military technology and European warfare
• Carnatic Wars and Anglo-French conflicts
• Company alliances with Indian rulers
• Transition from trade to territorial control

Lessons

1. Decline of Mughal Power and European Opportunities
2. Carnatic Wars and Anglo-French Rivalry in India
3. Military Technology and Company Armies
4. Role of Indian States in European Conflicts
5. Battle of Plassey and Battle of Buxar

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Module 5: Transition from Trade to Colonial Rule

Time Period: c. 1765 CE – 1857 CE

Key Features

• Grant of Diwani and revenue control
• Expansion of British territorial rule
• Administrative and economic restructuring
• Commercialisation and drain of wealth
• Social and political consequences of colonial expansion

Lessons

1. Establishment of British Political Control in India
2. Economic Policies and Colonial Exploitation
3. Administrative Foundations of British Rule
4. Impact of Colonial Expansion on Indian Society
5. Resistance, Rebellions, and Early Anti-Colonial Response

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Module 6: Advent of Europeans and the Making of Colonial India – A Historical Assessment

Time Period: c. 1498 CE – 1857 CE

Key Features

• Long-term impact of European intervention
• Transformation of Indian economy and polity
• Cultural encounters and social change
• Foundations of modern colonial India
• Historical interpretations and debates

Lessons

1. Long-Term Consequences of European Colonial Expansion
2. Transformation of Indian Economy under Colonial Rule
3. Social and Cultural Changes in Early Colonial India
4. European Imperialism and Indian Political Structures
5. From Early Modern India to Colonial India

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