Intelligence Squared Clive, Capitalism and The East India Company, with William Dalrymple and Kavita Puri
Sep 8, 2020
William Dalrymple, an acclaimed historian and author of 'The Anarchy', joins broadcaster Kavita Puri to uncover the sinister legacy of the East India Company. They discuss how this private corporation, rather than the British government, orchestrated the exploitation of India. Dalrymple sheds light on the parallels between historical corporate power and today's landscape, emphasizing the relevance of understanding colonialism's impact on modern governance. The pair also tackle the controversial legacy of Robert Clive and the ongoing debates about historical memory.
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Forgotten History
- The British presence in India began as a for-profit venture by the East India Company, not a national enterprise.
- This fact has been largely forgotten in the telling of the British national narrative.
From Spices to Textiles
- The East India Company transitioned from spice trading to textiles, focusing on India's Mughal Empire.
- This shift, along with piracy and exploitation, fueled the company's rise to global prominence.
Clive's Conquest
- Robert Clive, leading a British expedition, exploited a local conflict with the Nawab of Bengal.
- Through a rigged battle at Plassey, Clive seized the wealthy treasury, marking the East India Company's shift to imperial power.
