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Battles Fought in the Colonial Era Module - III

Military History of the
Colonial Era

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BATTLES FOUGHT IN THE Note

COLONIAL ERA

In the previous lessons we learnt how the native Indians were recruited in the British
Army and the establishment of the three Presidencies. The British wanted to make
themselves as the sole rulers in India. Moreover, they also had their differences and
animosity with the Dutch and French on matters of trade and commerce. A number of
wars were fought between these nations. Let us see the major battles fought by the
British in their quest to establish supremacy and domination in India.

Objectives

After studying this lesson you will be able to:
 List the Wars fought by the British to establish their power in India.

10.1 The Anglo Dutch Wars

The British could not tolerate the presence other Europeans especially the Dutch who
were having a great deal of trade when they entered India. It was a kind of business
rivalry where the British wanted to have a monopoly on trade. Therefore, to suppress
their power the British went to war against the Dutch in India as well as in European
seas. There were four Anglo- Dutch Wars between 1652 to 1783.The war between
the Dutch and British was mainly over the trade interests and they were entirely naval
in character.

The First Anglo Dutch War in 1652-1654 was fought in the waters of Goodwin Sands,
the Second War in 1665-67, the third war in 1672, and the fourth in 1770-1773.
Then there was the Seven Years War (1756-63). This was the last major conflict
before the French Revolution to involve all the great powers of Europe. In India, the
outbreak of this war in Europe changed the long running conflict between the French
and the British trading companies for influence of power. The war spread beyond
Southern India and into Bengal, where British forces under Robert Clive recaptured
Calcutta from Nawab Sirajud-Daulah, who had the support of French, in the Battle of
Plassey in 1757.

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MILITARY HISTORY 67