Historical Events tagged with "east india company"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Swellendam Burghers Declare Independence

June 17th, 1795 229 years ago

Burghers in Swellendam expelled the magistrate of the Dutch East India Company, declaring their own republic in a bid for self-governance. This rebellion stemmed from growing dissatisfaction with the Company's control and the harsh measures imposed on the burghers. They sought to establish authority and control over their affairs, marking a significant moment in local governance and resistance against colonial rule.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Muharram Rebellion Against British Forces

December 16th, 1782 242 years ago

In Sylhet Shahi Eidgah, Hada and Mada Miah led a revolt against the British East India Company, marking the onset of organized anti-British resistance in the Indian subcontinent. The uprising coincided with Muharram, a month of mourning and reflection for Muslims, giving it significant cultural importance. Despite being met with military opposition from Robert Lindsay and his contingents, the local populace rallied to resist colonial rule, showcasing early nationalist sentiments in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Moro Pirates Destroy East India Company Factory

February 26th, 1775 250 years ago

Moro pirates launched an attack on the British East India Company's factory situated on Balambangan Island, destroying it completely. This event highlighted the ongoing tensions in the region and the threats posed by pirate activities to colonial trade interests. The British had established the factory for trading purposes and to assert their influence in the area, but the attack by the Moro pirates demonstrated the vulnerabilities of colonial establishments in hostile territories.

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Politics & Government

Tea Act Aids British East India Company

May 10th, 1773 251 years ago

The Parliament of Great Britain enacted the Tea Act, aimed at supporting the financially troubled British East India Company. This legislation allowed the company to sell tea directly to North American colonies, reducing costs and taxes. However, it sparked widespread discontent among colonists who saw it as an additional means of taxation without representation. This unrest culminated in the iconic Boston Tea Party, where protestors dumped tea into Boston Harbor as a statement against British control and taxation policies.

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Politics & Government

Treaty of Allahabad Marks Company Rule in India

August 12th, 1765 259 years ago

The Treaty of Allahabad established the British East India Company's political authority in India following the defeat of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II, against the forces led by Robert Clive. The treaty was signed at Allahabad, granting the Company the rights to collect revenue from Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This marked a significant shift in power in the Indian subcontinent, transforming the East India Company from a commercial enterprise into a political entity and setting the stage for the expansion of British rule in India.

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Military & Warfare

British Victory Over Indian Forces at Plassey

June 23rd, 1757 267 years ago

In a decisive clash at Plassey, British forces commanded by Robert Clive confronted the army of Siraj ud-Daulah. Despite a significant numerical disadvantage, with Clive leading only 3,000 men against a force of 50,000, strategic maneuvers and betrayals among the Indian ranks contributed to the British victory. The battle laid the foundation for British dominance in India.

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Military & Warfare

William James Captures Suvarnadurg Fortress

April 2nd, 1755 269 years ago

Commodore William James, leading a naval squadron, successfully captured the Maratha fortress of Suvarnadurg located along the west coast of India. The operation was part of a broader campaign to subdue Maratha naval power and extend British influence in the region. The capture demonstrated the effectiveness of naval strategy and showcased the growing British presence in India.

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Military & Warfare

King Marthanda Varma Defeats Dutch East India Company

August 10th, 1741 283 years ago

In the coastal town of Colachel, King Marthanda Varma of Travancore achieved a significant military victory against the Dutch East India Company. This battle, marked by strategic troop movements and naval engagements, solidified the king's authority and military prowess. The defeat of the Dutch, who were seeking to expand their influence and control over the region, marked a pivotal moment in Indian resistance against colonial powers. Marthanda Varma's forces effectively repelled the Dutch, bringing an end to their colonial ambitions in that area.

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Economics & Industry

Job Charnock Establishes Factory in Calcutta

August 24th, 1690 334 years ago

Job Charnock, an agent of the East India Company, established a factory on the site that would become Calcutta, initially marking the beginning of this important city. The establishment aimed to facilitate trade in the lucrative markets of Bengal, which were rich in resources like silk and spices. The factory served both as a trading post and a residence for Company officials, signifying the increasing influence of British interests in the region. Charnock's actions paved the way for the transformation of the area into a major urban center.

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