Short History Of... The East India Company
Jul 13, 2025
Mark Williams, a Reader in Early Modern History at Cardiff University, dives into the complex history of the East India Company. He reveals how this private enterprise transformed into a powerhouse that operated like a sovereign state, leading to wars and wealth extraction. Topics include the devastating Bengal famine caused by the Company's tax policies, its rise through strategic military actions, and the fallout from its oppressive governance, ultimately setting the stage for the end of its rule and the British Raj.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Starvation Ignored in Bengal Famine
- A barefoot woman in Bengal walks desperately to the village grain store during a famine.
- The East India Company guards grain, denying it to starving villagers, sparking conflict.
Private Company with State Power
- The East India Company wielded sovereign power yet operated as a private company.
- This raises questions about unchecked capital ruling and its global implications.
Merchant Anxiety on Trade Reliance
- English merchants grew frustrated relying on intermediaries for exotic goods.
- They feared missing out on global wealth and pushed for direct trade access.