Lawrence James

Raj

1. IDEA 1

   Traders slowly became rulers

   James describes how the East India Company came to India for trade and gradually took political control. Rivalry with the French and weak local states drew the Company into wars it then won.

2. IDEA 2

   Plassey opened the door

   James explains how victory at Plassey in Bengal gave the Company huge wealth and power. It showed that a small force allied with local factions could control a rich region.

3. IDEA 3

   Rule depended on Indian partners

   James argues that the British could never have ruled India alone. Princes, landlords, clerks and soldiers worked with them, and their cooperation kept a small number of British in charge.

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