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date: 06 February 2025

European Merchants in Colonial Indialocked

European Merchants in Colonial Indialocked

  • Michael AldousMichael AldousQueen's University Belfast, Queen's Management School

Summary

European commercial engagement with India stretches back to antiquity; however, the establishment of direct sea routes in the 16th century saw Indo-European trade expand rapidly. Triggered by growing trade, European merchants undertook a series of innovations in the ownership and organization of their operations. Merchants responded to, and shaped, innovations in transportation and communication, changes in institutional and political environments in both Europe and India, and the growth of new industries. These innovations enabled significant expansion of European mercantile interests in India, which fueled colonial ambitions, and ultimately led to British colonial control.

Subjects

  • Capitalism
  • Economic/Business
  • South Asia

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