The eighteenth century stands out as a period of significant transformation and complexity in Indian history, characterized by the dissolution of the Mughal Empire, the rise of regional powers, and the establishment of British dominance. Understanding this century involves acknowledging several key aspects that shaped its historical trajectory.

Political Transitions and Realignments

1.Dissolution of the Mughal Empire: The century witnessed the fragmentation of the once-mighty Mughal Empire into regional and sub-regional entities. This parcellation was the result of a crisis within the empire, leading to the redistribution of political power among regional social groups.

2.Rise of the British East India Company: A pivotal change occurred mid-century with the British East India Company’s political ascendancy, marked by key victories at the battles of Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1763). The transformation of a trading entity into a ruling power had profound implications, leveraging political supremacy for military and commercial purposes.

The Eighteenth Century

1.Political Dynamics: This extended view encompasses significant political dynamics and realignments, witnessing the stabilization of regional polities by the 1720s, major political shifts starting the 1750s, and the eventual dominance of the Company by the early nineteenth century.

2.Economic Re-orientation: Contrary to views emphasizing economic dislocation, recent research highlights regional economic growth driven by local landed and commercial classes, suggesting that economic opportunities persisted despite the pressures from the Company's ascendancy.

Economic Perspectives