Question

Answer the following question in detail with the help of the given points:

Write in detail about the British East India Company:

1. Foundation
2. Powers given to the East India Compаnу
3. Administrative Structure of the Factory

Answer 1

1. Foundation: The British formed the ‘East India Company’ on December 31, 1600. Queen Elizabeth granted the firm a license to trade in the Eastern countries.
2. Powers given to the East India Compаnу:
   • In 1623, the monarch of England, Charles II, granted the British government the following privileges.
   • Adopt punitive measures for the erring staff.
   • The corporation was also awarded a monopoly on trading in the eastern countries.
   • Build forts in eastern countries.
   • To maintain an army.
   • To make treaties with non-Christians.
3. Administrative Structure of the Factory:
   • The business was based in Chennai (Madras) in the east and Surat in the west in the later part of the 17th century.
   • The corporation was in charge of the eastern coast of India, including Bengal and Odisha, as well as other eastern regions.
   • The Surat centre handled factories in Basra in the Persian Gulf, in the port city of Mokha (Mocha) in Yemen on the Red Sea, and in Rajapur in Maharashtra.
   • The people who worked at the Surat plant were an accountant, a store manager, a treasurer, some factors, and clerks.
   • A Christian priest, a surgeon, and his helper, the Company President’s personal servants, and a trumpet player were also there.
   • The factory was home to everyone, from the President to the trainees. All of them were given food by the office mess.
   • The company started building forts in India.
   • In Chennai, a mint was also set up. This mint produced coins for the British government in gold, silver, copper, and alloys.