Podcast Episode Summary

☀️ Quick Takes

Is this Podcast Episode Clickbait?

1-Sentence-Summary

Favorite Quote from the Author

Clive becomes the richest self-made man in Europe

💨 tl;dr

The East India Company started as a trading entity and evolved into a dominant imperial force over 250 years, influencing global trade and politics. Its history parallels modern corporations like Amazon and Tesla. Key events like the Battle of Plassey and the nationalization in 1858 led to the British Raj. The company's control devastated India's textile industry and boosted British manufacturing.

💡 Key Ideas

• Hosts Anita Anand and William Dalrymple explore the British Empire's history, focusing on underrepresented aspects.
• The East India Company, initially a trading entity, transitioned to a powerful imperial force over 250 years.
• Modern corporations like Tesla and Amazon parallel the East India Company's global influence.
• The East India Company was nationalized in 1858, leading to the British Raj, which lasted until 1947.
• The term 'loot' originates from the Indian word 'lutner,' symbolizing the plunder during British conquest.
• Significant historical events include the Battle of Plassey and the Battle of Buxar, securing British control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
• The East India Company's control led to the decline of India's textile industry and the rise of British manufacturing.
• The company's initial focus on the spice trade shifted to textiles, particularly from Bengal.
• Mughal Emperor's defeat and subsequent control of three rich provinces by Robert Clive marked a pivotal moment.
• The British Raj, though prominent, was shorter than East India Company's rule.
• Key figures like Robert Clive played crucial roles in expanding British influence despite personal controversies.
• The company's restructuring in the early 17th century and shifting trade dynamics led to its dominance in Indian commerce.
• Hostile competition with the French trading company culminated in the Seven Years' War.
• Clive's military campaigns, including the recapture of Calcutta and the Battle of Plassey, solidified British power.
• Mismanagement and exploitation by the British led to uprisings, but the East India Company ultimately emerged victorious, establishing imperial control.

🎓 Lessons Learnt

• Reevaluate Historical Narratives: The romanticized view of empires, particularly the British Empire, often omits the exploitative and economic motives behind colonization. It's crucial to critically reexamine these narratives for a more accurate understanding.
• Education Gaps on Empire: There is a significant gap in the educational curriculum regarding the British Empire. Addressing this can provide a more comprehensive understanding of history and its impact on current global politics.
• Understand the Lasting Impact of Empire: The legacy of the British Empire, including migration patterns and cultural influences, continues to affect modern societies. Recognizing this helps explain many contemporary social and political issues.
• Importance of Diverse Perspectives: Incorporating various viewpoints, such as those from former colonies and descendants of colonized peoples, is essential for a balanced and truthful historical discourse.
• Modern Corporations Resemble Historical Empires: Just as the East India Company manipulated and controlled vast regions, today’s massive corporations like Google, Facebook, and Amazon operate globally and can bypass national laws, creating similar power dynamics.
• Nationalization Can Curb Corporate Power: The British state’s takeover of the East India Company in 1858 shows that governments can reassert control over powerful corporations when necessary.
• Understand the Impact of Financial Control: The East India Company was given control over the finances of the richest provinces in India, significantly affecting global economic dynamics.
• Recognize the Power of Industrial Shifts: The transfer of textile manufacturing from India to Britain led to the rise of British industrial power and the decline of Indian industries.
• Empire as a Controversial Topic: Discussions about empires, especially the British Empire, can be contentious. It's important to approach these conversations with sensitivity and a willingness to understand differing perspectives.
• Outsourcing Can Cut Costs: The Elizabethan state outsourced colonial activities to merchant companies to reduce administrative expenses.
• Investing in Companies Is Risky but Can Be Lucrative: Investors in the East India Company took a gamble that could lead to huge profits or significant losses.
• Adapt and Seize Opportunities: Despite initial struggles, the East India Company adapted by performing a Shakespeare play and eventually capturing a Portuguese ship, demonstrating the need to capitalize on unexpected chances.
• Armed Commerce Requires Readiness for Conflict: The company's charter allowed them to wage war, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to defend your interests aggressively.
• Competition May Require Strategic Pivots: The Brits lost to the Dutch in the spice trade but pivoted their strategy to find success elsewhere, showing the importance of flexibility in business.
• Track Records Matter in Leadership: Hiring someone with experience, even if it includes failures like Sir James Lancaster, is sometimes necessary when no better options are available.
• Political Fragmentation Creates Opportunities for External Powers: The disintegration of the Mughal Empire into smaller states allowed European corporations like the East India Company to exploit the situation and gain control.
• Be Prepared for Unexpected Challenges: The East India Company faced a freak heat wave and lack of breeze, showing that unforeseen obstacles can delay plans.
• Leverage Innovative Financial Solutions: The Jugged Set's system of credit for transferring funds shows the importance of innovative financial solutions in overcoming logistical challenges.
• Financial Success Can Come from Unexpected Sources: The capture of the Portuguese ship provided significant profits without initial investment, highlighting that sometimes, unconventional methods can yield substantial returns.
• Long-Term Investments Can Pay Off: The acquisition of Manhattan was initially seen as a consolation prize but turned out to be incredibly valuable, illustrating that some investments take time to show their worth.

🌚 Conclusion

The East India Company's history reveals the exploitative nature of empires and the lasting impact on global economics and politics. It underscores the need to reevaluate historical narratives, recognize the power dynamics of modern corporations, and understand the importance of diverse perspectives in historical discourse.

In-Depth

All Key Ideas

Podcast 'Empire' Overview

• The podcast 'Empire' is hosted by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple.
• Both hosts are connected to the history of the British Empire, with Anand being of Indian origin and Dalrymple having lived in India.
• The British Empire, especially in India, is often overlooked in British education, despite its significant impact.
• The term 'Empire' is controversial, and there's a growing interest in critically evaluating it, especially among descendants of those affected by it.
• Popular media has historically romanticized the British Empire, ignoring the exploitative aspects.
• The podcast aims to provide factual historical accounts, starting with the East India Company, and plans to cover various empires and related topics such as slavery and the Scramble for Africa.
• The podcast will eventually discuss the entire timeline from the formation of the East India Company to Indian Independence and Partition.
• August 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence and Partition.

Discussion Points on the East India Company and British Colonialism

• The subject of the East India Company has moved from the edge to the center of discussions due to renewed interest in colonialism.
• The British are now more aware of their imperial past, acknowledging the negative aspects such as conquest, looting, and exploitation.
• Modern multinational corporations like Tesla, Google, Facebook, and Amazon resemble the East India Company in their global influence and ability to bypass national laws.
• The East India Company was nationalized in 1858, leading to the British Raj, which lasted until 1947.
• The British Raj, although prominent in British perceptions, lasted only 90 years, a relatively short period in the broader context of Indian and British imperial history.
• The East India Company's rule over India spanned 250 years, significantly longer than the British Raj.
• Powis Castle in Wales houses a collection of Indian artifacts, symbolizing the looted wealth during British conquest.
• The term 'loot' originates from the Indian word 'lutner,' reflecting the plunder during the British conquest of India.

Historical Events Involving the East India Company

• Tipu Sultan was conquered by the East India Company in 1799, and his palace was burnt and looted.
• There is more Mughal loot and artworks in a private house in Wales than in major national museums in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Iran.
• The gallery displays a picture of Sha Alam conveying the gift of the dewani to Lord Clive, which is key to understanding the story.
• The picture shows a court scene with Mughal nobles and British East India Company officials, highlighting the power dynamics.
• The Mughal Emperor, after being defeated by the East India Company at the Battle of Buxar in 1765, handed over a document to Robert Clive.
• Robert Clive, representing the East India Company, took control of three of the richest provinces of the Mughal Empire.
• The picture by Benjamin West inaccurately depicts the event, as he had never been to India, and the real document transfer happened in Clive's private tent.

Historical Facts about the East India Company

• The "Duani" refers to the right to run the treasury and administration of three Indian provinces.
• The East India Company was granted the right to manage the finances of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, the richest regions on Earth in the 18th century.
• These provinces contributed significantly to Mughal India's near quarter of the world's GDP, compared to Britain's 1.8%.
• The East India Company's control over Indian provinces led to the decline of India's textile industry and the rise of Britain's textile manufacturing.
• The company gained control over these provinces through the Battle of Plassey and the Battle of Buxar.
• The founder of the East India Company was an entrepreneur named Customer Smythe, an auditor who managed London's customs.
• The company's original aim was to trade in the East Indies (Indonesia) rather than India.

Historical Facts about Early Trade and Commerce

• Privateers were licensed by the state to loot treasure ships from South America
• England's isolation after the Reformation and rivalry with Spain and Portugal
• The Dutch pioneering lucrative trade routes through the Cape of Good Hope
• Dutch shippers' visit to London sparked the idea for the East India Company
• East India Company's founding documented meticulously from the first meeting
• The involvement of various social classes in the East India Company as shareholders
• The invention of the joint-stock company model in Elizabethan England

Historical Facts about Merchant Companies

• Elizabethan state outsourced Colonial activities to merchant companies to cut overheads.
• Various merchant companies emerged, such as Muscovy, Royal Africa, Hudson Bay, Rhode Island, and Virginia Companies.
• The East India Company was part of this trend but not the first.
• Sir James Lancaster was hired to sail the first voyage for the East India Company despite his previous failures.
• The company held a public meeting to raise funds and documented the historic moment with the help of writer Richard Hacklett.
• The first ship they considered, the Mayflower, was rejected; instead, they purchased a pirate ship called The Scourge of Malice.

Key Events in the Early History of the East India Company

• The East India Company's initial voyage faced challenges, including being stalled by a heatwave in the channel
• The company's charter from the Elizabethan court allowed them to wage war to protect their commerce
• The crew, consisting of ex-pirates, seized a Portuguese Caravel and took its cargo of nutmeg and spices
• The Dutch were stronger competitors in the spice trade due to better financial instruments, ships, and sea captains
• By 1630, the British had lost the competition in the spice trade to the Dutch
• The Amboina massacre was a significant disaster where the Dutch captured and tortured the British
• As a consolation, the British were given Manhattan, which later turned out to be a valuable asset
• The East India Company restructured its business model around 1630-1640, deciding to leave the spice trade to the Dutch

Historical Trade Shifts

• The space trade's great days have passed, and prices are going down.
• The exciting new trade is textiles, particularly from Bengal.
• Gujarat is the center of the cotton trade, with cotton once considered a luxury.
• Brits were initially wearing wool, unsuitable for the tropics.
• The East India Company shifted focus from spices to textiles, and from Indonesia to India.
• The Mogul Empire, rich and trade-friendly, lacks a significant navy and sea interest.
• The Moguls viewed the British as insignificant, as depicted in art showing Jahangir with a tiny James I.

Historical Notes on the Mughal Empire and British Influence

• Mughal artists copied and incorporated Western art, such as a picture of James the First.
• The Brits, seen as semi-savage by Mughal Emperor Akbar, began dominating the Indian textile market from the 1630s.
• By the early 18th century, British export of cheap, high-quality Indian cotton caused deindustrialization in places like Mexico.
• The East India Company exported raw cotton material globally, not just to Britain.
• Aurangzeb's overexpansion and reimposition of the jizya tax disrupted the Mughal Empire's stability.
• The Mughal Empire was a collaborative effort with Hindu rajputs until Aurangzeb's policies caused discontent.
• Post-Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire fragmented into semi-independent states, leading to administrative collapse.
• The decline of the Mughal Empire allowed European corporations like the East India Company and a rival French company to gain influence.

Historical Events and Figures in the 18th Century

• There was hostility and competition between the English and French trading companies in the early 18th century.
• The global conflict between France and England was manifested in various wars, including the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years War.
• Robert Clive, a significant figure, was initially an unruly adolescent from a minor gentry background who joined the East India Company.
• Clive's nature was delinquent, with a history of bullying and causing trouble in his village.
• Clive attempted suicide twice but failed, leading him to believe he was destined for greater things.
• Clive transitioned from an accountant to a soldier during the war between France and England and excelled in this role.
• The British East India Company had more freedom and ambition compared to the French company, which was state-run and less efficient.
• Clive's arrival marked the moment the British East India Company gained an upper hand over the French.
• Clive made his first fortune in India, returned to England, entered Parliament, and was involved in bribery scandals.
• Clive had to return to India as his wealth quickly depleted, coinciding with the outbreak of the French and Indian Wars in 1756-57.

Key Events of the Seven Years War

• The Seven Years War was a global conflict between Britain and France in their colonies and territories.
• A false piece of intelligence about a French fleet supposedly heading to Bengal triggered British military action.
• The French fleet was actually headed to Canada, not Bengal.
• The British Navy and East India Company sent a joint expedition that arrived in Madras to find no French opposition.
• Clive's career was nearly ruined by this misdirected expedition.
• The new governor of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah, attacked Calcutta because the British fortified it without permission.
• The incident known as The Black Hole of Calcutta involved many British prisoners dying in a cramped guard room.
• The death toll in The Black Hole of Calcutta is disputed; it wasn’t necessarily a deliberate massacre.
• Siraj ud-Daulah was known for his cruel and erratic behavior.

Clive's Campaign in India

• Clive aims to liberate Calcutta, vindicate British honor, and punish those responsible for 'the black hole of Calcutta.'
• Clive's force includes the Royal Navy, Marines, and sepoys, who were initially just security guards with muskets.
• Clive easily recaptures Calcutta with little opposition.
• The French declare war on England, initiating the Seven Years' War.
• Clive captures the French settlement of Chandanagar after a significant conflict.
• The Jugget Seth bankers propose Clive attack Murshidabad and offer substantial financial incentives.
• The Jugget Seths have a system for transferring funds across India and become extremely wealthy.
• Clive agrees to the Jugget Seths' proposal, despite lacking official authority.
• Clive's victory and the deal with the Jugget Seths make him the richest self-made man in Europe.
• Clive wonders if he's falling into a trap before the Battle of Plassey but proceeds and camps at the battlefield.

Key Events in British Colonial History in India

• Clive's army is encircled by the Mogul Army and a French contingent, and they hide in mango groves.
• A monsoon storm saves the British by keeping their gunpowder dry while the Mogul's gets wet.
• The British launch a devastating counterattack after the storm, winning the Battle of Plassey.
• Mir Jafar, a general in the pay of the British, betrays the Moguls during the battle.
• Clive loots the treasury of Murshidabad after the victory.
• Clive is later called before Parliament but justifies his actions by claiming moderation.
• Mismanagement and exploitation by the British lead to another uprising against them.
• The East India Company defeats a coalition of Indian rulers at the Battle of Buxar.
• After the victory, the East India Company gains control of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
• The company transitions from a trading organization to an imperial territorial power.

All Lessons Learnt

Key Points on the British Empire

• Reevaluate Historical Narratives: The romanticized view of empires, particularly the British Empire, often omits the exploitative and economic motives behind colonization. It's crucial to critically reexamine these narratives for a more accurate understanding.
• Education Gaps on Empire: There is a significant gap in the educational curriculum regarding the British Empire. Addressing this can provide a more comprehensive understanding of history and its impact on current global politics.
• Understand the Lasting Impact of Empire: The legacy of the British Empire, including migration patterns and cultural influences, continues to affect modern societies. Recognizing this helps explain many contemporary social and political issues.
• Importance of Diverse Perspectives: Incorporating various viewpoints, such as those from former colonies and descendants of colonized peoples, is essential for a balanced and truthful historical discourse.
• Empire as a Controversial Topic: Discussions about empires, especially the British Empire, can be contentious. It's important to approach these conversations with sensitivity and a willingness to understand differing perspectives.

Key Points on British Colonial History and Modern Corporate Power

• Colonial history is often overlooked: British history education frequently omits the darker aspects of colonialism, such as conquest, looting, and forced relocations, leading to a lack of awareness among the British public.
• Modern corporations resemble historical empires: Just as the East India Company once manipulated and controlled vast regions, today’s massive corporations like Google, Facebook, and Amazon operate globally and can bypass national laws, creating similar power dynamics.
• Nationalization can curb corporate power: The British state’s takeover of the East India Company in 1858 shows that governments can reassert control over powerful corporations when necessary.
• Historical narratives often ignore pre-colonial eras: The history of British India is often viewed starting with the Raj in 1858, neglecting the 250 years of East India Company rule prior to that.
• Cultural artifacts reflect colonial exploitation: Collections like those at Powers Castle, filled with looted Indian items, serve as tangible reminders of the exploitation and cultural plundering that occurred during colonial rule.

Historical Insights

• Historical artifacts can end up far from their origins - Many Mughal artifacts from India are now in private collections in places like Wales, not in their countries of origin.
• Art can be historically inaccurate - The painting by Benjamin West is not an accurate depiction of historical events as the artist had never been to India and fabricated the scene.
• Corporate power can rival governmental authority - Robert Clive, working for the East India Company, held significant power comparable to a government official, illustrating the immense influence of corporations.
• Victors write history - The depiction of Indians with heads bowed and British with heads high in the painting shows how victors often portray themselves in a more favorable light.
• Historical events can be misrepresented - The transfer of power shown in the painting was actually a coerced event in Clive’s tent, not a dignified ceremony as depicted.

Key Lessons from the East India Company

• Understand the Impact of Financial Control: The East India Company was given control over the finances of the richest provinces in India, significantly affecting global economic dynamics.
• Recognize the Power of Industrial Shifts: The transfer of textile manufacturing from India to Britain led to the rise of British industrial power and the decline of Indian industries.
• Acknowledge the Role of Strategic Battles: Key battles like Plassey and Buxar were instrumental in the East India Company subduing opposition and consolidating power in India.
• Learn from Historical Business Models: The East India Company started as a startup, leveraging entrepreneurial leadership and investment strategies, similar to modern-day corporations.
• Leverage Patriotism for Business Ventures: The founder of the East India Company used national pride and economic opportunity to attract investors, showing the importance of appealing to broader motivations.

Historical Economic and Political Insights

• State-sanctioned piracy was used as a strategic tool: Governments licensed privateers to loot enemy ships, reflecting how state interests could align with piracy for economic and political gain.
• The Reformation fueled international rivalry: England's break from the Catholic Church led to heightened tensions and competition, particularly with Catholic Spain and Portugal.
• Technological advancements can shift trade power: The Dutch overtook the Portuguese in spice trade due to better ships, cannons, and financial resources.
• Joint-stock companies democratized investment: The creation of joint-stock companies in Elizabethan England allowed people from various walks of life to invest in trade ventures, spreading financial risk and opportunity.
• New business models can drive economic expansion: The joint-stock company model, first used by the Muscovy Company, enabled broader participation in trade, leading to increased economic activity and innovation.

Lessons from the Elizabethan State and the East India Company

• Outsourcing can cut costs: The Elizabethan state outsourced colonial activities to merchant companies to reduce administrative expenses.
• Investing in companies is risky but can be lucrative: Investors in the East India Company took a gamble that could lead to huge profits or significant losses.
• Track records matter in leadership: Hiring someone with experience, even if it includes failures like Sir James Lancaster, is sometimes necessary when no better options are available.
• Market your venture as historic to attract investment: The East India Company employed a well-known writer to document their endeavors, creating a sense of importance and legitimacy.
• Choose assets wisely: The East India Company initially rejected the Mayflower for being unseaworthy and instead bought a pirate ship, The Scourge of Malice, to ensure their venture had a solid start.

Lessons from the East India Company

• Be prepared for unexpected challenges - The East India Company faced a freak heat wave and lack of breeze, showing that unforeseen obstacles can delay plans.
• Adapt and seize opportunities - Despite initial struggles, the company adapted by performing a Shakespeare play and eventually capturing a Portuguese ship, demonstrating the need to capitalize on unexpected chances.
• Armed commerce requires readiness for conflict - The company's charter allowed them to wage war, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to defend your interests aggressively.
• Financial success can come from unexpected sources - The capture of the Portuguese ship provided significant profits without initial investment, highlighting that sometimes, unconventional methods can yield substantial returns.
• Competition may require strategic pivots - The Brits lost to the Dutch in the spice trade but pivoted their strategy to find success elsewhere, showing the importance of flexibility in business.
• Long-term investments can pay off - The acquisition of Manhattan was initially seen as a consolation prize but turned out to be incredibly valuable, illustrating that some investments take time to show their worth.
• Re-evaluate and re-adjust business models as needed - When faced with failures, the East India Company restructured their business around 1630 to 1640, underlining the necessity of revisiting and revising strategies for continued success.

Lessons from the East India Company's Trade Strategies

• Diversify trade focus based on market trends: The East India Company shifted from the declining spice trade to the booming textile trade, showing the importance of adapting to market changes.
• Leverage local resources and specialties: The company capitalized on India's rich textile heritage, like Gujarati cotton and Bengal's muslin and silks, illustrating the benefit of using locally available high-quality products.
• Understand geopolitical dynamics: Recognizing that the Moguls, despite their wealth and power, were not focused on naval dominance allowed the East India Company to maneuver more freely in trade.
• Early market entry can be advantageous: By moving into the Indian textile trade early, the East India Company gained a competitive edge, demonstrating the value of being a first-mover in new markets.

Lessons from the Mughal Empire

• Over-expansion can destabilize an empire. Aurangzeb’s aggressive expansion to the south and antagonizing Hindus by reimposing the jizya tax led to the destabilization of the Mughal Empire.
• Inclusivity can strengthen governance. Akbar’s strategy of integrating defeated Hindu rajputs into the Mughal administration created a more stable and collaborative empire.
• Economic competition drives global trade dynamics. The British East India Company’s success in exporting cheap Indian textiles globally contributed to de-industrialization in other regions, like Mexico.
• Mismanagement can lead to downfall. Aurangzeb’s inability to maintain the administrative and fiscal health of the Mughal Empire resulted in its fragmentation and eventual collapse.
• Political fragmentation creates opportunities for external powers. The disintegration of the Mughal Empire into smaller states allowed European corporations, like the East India Company and the French company, to exploit the situation and gain control.

Lessons from Robert Clive's Life

• Background Doesn't Determine Future Success: Robert Clive's delinquent background didn't prevent him from becoming a key figure in the East India Company.
• War Can Create Opportunities: Clive's fortunes changed with the outbreak of war between France and England, showing that conflict can create unexpected opportunities for individuals.
• Adaptability is Crucial: Clive's transition from an accountant to a soldier highlights the importance of adaptability in career success.
• Bribery was Common: Clive's involvement in a scandal over bribery upon returning to England shows that corruption was a common practice.
• Financial Planning is Essential: Despite making a fortune, Clive's quick financial exhaustion underscores the need for proper financial planning and management.
• State-Run Systems Can Be Inefficient: The French company’s inefficiency due to state control and lack of autonomy compared to the more flexible British company illustrates the drawbacks of overly centralized systems.

Lessons from the British Expedition in Bengal

• Verify intelligence before acting: The Brits launched an expedition based on faulty intelligence about a French flotilla, leading to wasted resources and time.
• Be prepared for unexpected opportunities: Despite the initial blunder, Clive was able to pivot and take advantage of the unrest in Bengal to retake Calcutta.
• Understand local governance and permissions: The Brits' failure to seek permission for fortifying Calcutta led to conflict, highlighting the importance of respecting local authority and regulations.
• Avoid knee-jerk military responses: The misunderstanding about the French threat led to unnecessary military deployment, showing the need for careful assessment before action.
• Keep control of troops in volatile situations: The Brits' misbehavior in Calcutta led to their imprisonment and subsequent deaths, emphasizing the need for discipline among troops.
• Assess historical accounts critically: The Black Hole of Calcutta incident is often exaggerated, teaching us to critically evaluate historical narratives for accuracy.

Key Lessons from Clive's Operations

• Understand the Importance of Alliances and Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between Clive and the Jugged Set bankers demonstrates the power of forming strategic alliances to achieve mutual goals.
• Leverage Innovative Financial Solutions: The Jugged Set's system of credit for transferring funds shows the importance of innovative financial solutions in overcoming logistical challenges.
• Recognize the Impact of External Conflicts on Local Operations: The French declaration of war on England affected Clive's operations, illustrating how global conflicts can directly impact local endeavors.
• Evaluate Risks When Presented with Large Opportunities: Clive's decision to accept the Jugged Set's offer, despite the risks and lack of authority, highlights the need to carefully evaluate risks and rewards in large opportunities.
• Adapt to Changing Circumstances Quickly: Clive’s shift from fighting the French to attacking Suraj’s capital shows the necessity of being adaptable and responsive to changing circumstances for success.

Lessons from Historical Battles

• Always be prepared for weather changes in battle - The British covered their gunpowder with tarpaulins during a monsoon storm, unlike the Mogul army, which gave them a significant advantage.
• Betrayal can swiftly change the tide of a battle - Mere Jaffa, a general in the pay of the British, took his army and left the battlefield, leading to the Mogul's defeat.
• Asset stripping can lead to long-term resistance - The English's exploitation and asset stripping of Bengal led to further uprisings against them.
• Money can significantly bolster military power - The East India Company used the wealth it gathered to expand and train its sepoy army, which helped them defeat combined Indian forces.
• Corporate control can lead to imperial power - The East India Company transitioned from a trading organization to an imperial power by controlling Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.