British East India Company, a trading concern formed in London in the year 1600, sent some merchants to India to buy textiles, spices and other commodities which were in demand in Europe at the time.
Over the next hundred and fifty years thee merchants prospered, got involved in the political intrigues among the local rulers, and became rulers of the country. The Company ruled India for a hundred years and subsequently yielded power to British parliament as master of India.
In the process a minor European country evolved into a global empire and a super power. Economic crises in the 20th century and two world wars wrecked the empire and led to the birth of independent India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The lectures include the history of conquest, subordination and rule; and the resulting political, economic and cultural changes; and the birth of a modern democracy in India.
This Study Group for those 50 or above will meet Oct. 3 through Nov. 21. No lecture on Oct. 13.