The British: trade and eventually colonization:

Utilizing an idea similar to the Dutch, the British created a private company to both represent national interest, and provide insight on Indians, culturally and economically. Although it “started as a monopolistic trading body, the company became involved in politics and acted as an agent of British imperialism in India.”(A) Granted the royal charter in December 31, 1600, they first arrive in India at the port of Surat in 1608, lead by Sir Thomas Roe. Despite arriving in hopes of colonization, they were forced to resort to trade by the Mughal Empire. However, the British's interest in India continued to grow, British communities grew in both size and number, and could be found in cities such as Calcutta, Bombay, and eventually Madras. Mughal Emperors were quick to befriend the British, and in 1717, the East India Company received a firman from the Mughal Emperor, “exempting the Company from the payment of custom duties in Bengal.”(C) Trade with India continued to grow in immense proportions, but with it so the British's lust for colonization.The battle of Plassey is often considered as a pivotal point in India history, as it created the path for British colonist to begin their annexation of India. Persuaded by the French, the Nawab of Bengal attacked Fort Williams (B) (which until then had been the center of British operations). Robert Clive and his army were able to fend off their attackers and seize the Bengal. The company continued to annex a number of states in a similar manner, coercing a number of Nawabs into War, and completely dominating battles against Indian Nawabs due the technological difference created by the Industrial Revolution.  By 1799, the East India Company come to control the majority of South-East Asia. 

The Transition of Power

Despite being excellent colonists, the members were horrible rulers due to their corrupt ways. Inexperienced in the ways of leadership, the annexation of Bengal soon began to become on of the companies worst nightmares. In 1769-70 an immense famine was caused by their inability to support the province took the live of as much as a third of the population. Add to that, the companies spending on military made it unprofitable despite increasing trade.  With the company unable to support themselves, the British Government took the opportunity to seize control of the company and made company land British colonies.

 

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