Why is it important we get to know about India's relationship with the British Empire? - Presentation

Understanding India's relationship with the British Empire is crucial as it sheds light on historical events that have shaped the modern world. The significance of the East India Company, established by Queen Elizabeth I in 1600, is a focal point, emphasising its role in Britain's prosperity and influence in India from 1757 to 1900. Students are tasked with investigating the company's impact on British dominance in India and creating a timeline to visualise the progression of British influence during this period. The timeline should be engaging, incorporating images to illustrate key events and changes. The East India Company's initial objective was to compete with European traders in the East Indies, but it eventually turned its focus to India, setting the stage for British colonial rule.

The presentation outlines the evolution of the British Empire's involvement in India, starting with the establishment of trading posts and escalating to direct governance during the British Raj. It explores the complex interactions between the British and Indian rulers, such as the Anglo-Mughal War and the pivotal Battle of Plassey, where the British secured their control through strategic alliances and military victories. The narrative continues with the 1857 Rebellion, a significant event leading to the British government's direct rule over India. The material also highlights the contrasting impacts of British rule, from the exploitation and impoverishment of the Indian population to the economic benefits and industrial growth experienced in Britain. The East India Company's activities not only altered Indian society but also contributed to the Industrial Revolution and the accumulation of wealth in Britain, revealing the intertwined fates of the two nations.