SOAS Research Online

Abstract

In this thesis an attempt has been made to give a picture of the economic development in Bengal from 1704 to 1740 with special reference to the effect and influence of tree East India Company. The year 1704 marks the advent of Murshid Kuli Khan to the helm of affairs in Bengal for all practical purposes. The establishment at the turn of the century, of the influence of the Company in Bengal, which was strengthened by the farwan granted in 1717 by the Moghul Emperor Farrukhsiyar, brought into prominence a conflict of interests between the Company and other forces which were then dominant in the economy of Bengal. The Fort William Consultations which flow from 1704 to 1740 without a break, reinforced by the factory records and letters and despatches which passed between the Directors of the Company in London and their agents in Calcutta help us to build up the story of the impact of the East India Company on Bengal. The thesis divided into seven chapters. Chapter I gives an account of the economy of Bengal at the turn of the century. Chapter II traces the growth of the Company's influence in Bengal and its relations with the Government. Chapter III deals with the position of other European traders in Bengal specially the Ostend Company. Chapter IV seeks to explain the system of currency and show how tile increasing penetration of the Company led to u conflict of interests with the indigenous bankers and traders. Chapter V deals with markets and trade with special reference to saltpetre, silk and cotton goods. Chapter VI describes the general economic conditions, the state of art and industries and the extent of the contact of the East India Company with the people. Chapter VII draws some conclusions.