The Empire of the Raj: The Definition, Delineation and Dynamics of the Indian Sphere

Abstract

Given its geographical location and historical development, India naturally became involved in important relationships with neighbouring countries. The subcontinent transected the Indian Ocean’s diverse commercial, cultural, religious and political complexes, which connected the South China Sea to the Persian Gulf and to eastern Africa. These sophisticated networks — largely created and sustained through the activities and contacts of Arab, South Asian and Malay seafarers and supported by ancient overland caravan routes — produced a unified and flourishing system of regional interdependence across the Indian Ocean world. By the beginning of the sixteenth century, Portuguese adventurers had started to take advantage of this rich trading bloc. Following the Portuguese lead, the Spanish, Dutch, French and English turned their attention towards the wealth of the East. By the second half of the eighteenth century, the British East India Company had established itself as the dominant European concern in India. The Company harnessed the pre-existing Asian trading networks, adapted them and took over some of their operations better to suit its particular commercial and strategic agendas. It had a monopoly over trade with Britain and also became a major player in the inter-Asian country trade.¹