2-2: Bengal: The British Bridgehead, Eastern India 1740–1828 | Peter James Marshall (1987) | Volume II: Indian states and the transition to colonialism | The New Cambridge History of India

Bengal: The British Bridgehead, Eastern India 1740–1828 | Peter James Marshall (1987)

Overview

Released in 1987, Bengal: The British Bridgehead by Peter James Marshall stands as a cornerstone in The New Cambridge History of India collection. This volume delves into the establishment of British dominance in Bengal, ultimately transforming the area into the entry point (or "bridgehead”) for broader colonization across India.
Spanning the years 1740 to 1828, the text investigates the political, administrative, economic, and cultural shifts that transitioned Bengal from a Mughal subah (province) into the premier center of British colonial authority in India. It highlights the methodical shift of power from local elites to British officials, achieved not solely via military means, but through diplomacy, revenue negotiations, and bureaucratic reforms.

Historical Context

In the 18th century, Bengal was:

• One of India's wealthiest and most densely populated areas.
• A key exporter of textiles, opium, and rice.
• Under the control of influential Nawabs with nominal Mughal oversight.

With the waning of Mughal influence, events such as:

• The Battle of Plassey (1757)
• The Battle of Buxar (1764)
• The ceding of Diwani rights (1765) to the British East India Company

led to Bengal becoming the first area in India to fall under effective British rule, serving as a prototype for colonial growth.

Key Themes and Insights

Transition from Mughal to British Rule

Marshall analyzes the shift of authority from Nawabs aligned with the Mughals, such as Siraj-ud-Daulah, to representatives of the East India Company. This transition encompassed not merely military engagement but also administrative changes, involving land revenue systems, legal frameworks, and political agreements.

The Diwani Settlement and Revenue Control

Following the grant of Diwani rights (revenue collection authority) to the British East India Company in 1765, a pivotal moment in colonial administration was reached. Marshall illustrates how:

• Local zamindars (landowners) were assimilated into this renewed framework.
• The Company preserved numerous Mughal-era customs while instituting new colonial systems.

Calcutta as Colonial Capital

The emergence of Calcutta (currently Kolkata) as a vital hub for British administration, commerce, and culture is a focal point of the book. It evolved into the center of British power in India, influencing:

• Urban development
• Education (notably, Hindu College)
• Bureaucratic management

Indian Collaboration and Resistance

Marshall refrains from depicting colonialism as merely a unilateral subjugation. Instead, he underscores:

• Indian elites who engaged cooperatively with British authorities
• The social transformation within Bengali society
• The nascent signs of discontent and reform, incorporating the contributions of intellectuals and religious leaders

Economic Reordering

With oversight of commerce and taxation, the British reshaped Bengal's economy to align with imperial goals. Marshall examines:

• The decline of local industries (such as weaving)
• The growth of commercial agriculture (particularly opium and indigo)
• How Bengal transformed into an economic foundation for British military campaigns and trade expansion

About the Author: P. J. Marshall

Peter James Marshall is a prominent British historian focusing on the British Empire and South Asian historical narratives.

• Emeritus Professor at the University of London.
• Vice President of the Royal Historical Society.
• His notable publications include The Making and Unmaking of Empires and The Oxford History of the British Empire.

His scholarly work is characterized by its balanced perspective, thorough research, and depth, emphasizing Indian agency and the structural elements that contributed to the rise of colonialism.

Why This Book Is Important

• Gives an in-depth examination of Bengal's contribution to the expansion of the British Empire in India.
• Presents a combination of political, economic, and social historical perspectives.
• Confronts the misconception of "immediate conquest" by illustrating the slow establishment of British dominance.
• Essential for UPSC/CSS candidates, college students, research scholars, and history lovers.