Although Alexander the Great was the first European to invade India, it was Vasco da Gama’s landfall in Calicut in 1498 which sowed the seeds of colonialism in the Indian subcontinent.
Following the first Portuguese landings, other Europeans such as the English, the Dutch, French, Croatians, Austrians and the Danish would make forays into India in the following years. Of course the latter three did not play a significant role unlike the rest.
At first, the Europeans were first interested in trading, but a combination of local politics, rivalries among other European nations, and better economic prospects made them switch to full-time imperialism.
It was the English that overcame their European rivals to establish a colonial empire in India. Known as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’, the Indian subcontinent was one of the prized possessions for the British colonials.
The dark shadow of British imperialism would come to an end in August 1947 while the last vestiges of colonialism would end with the liberation of Goa from Portuguese control in 1961.
This article will provide notes on European colonialism and how they shaped modern Indian history within the context of the IAS Exam.
Notes on Advent of Europeans in India
First, learn about the different Europeans Colonialism in India from the links below:
| Portuguese Colonialism | Dutch Colonialism |
| British Colonialism | French Colonialism |
Next, read about the major events that took place/personalities associated with the phase of the advent of Europeans in India:
Advent of European Colonialism in India
Aspirants can find complete information about upcoming Government Exams through the linked article. More exam-related preparation materials will be found through the links given below
Related Links
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