Thread by @prajeshm

Short story of Mughals' elimination and the start of Indian occupation & exploitation by British :

1608 - 1st commander of East India Co (EIC) set foot on Indian soil in Surat.

1613 - EIC was permitted by Mughal Emperor Jahangir to set up a factory in Surat.

1/4

1613 to 1685 - The British (EIC) & the French spread across India for trade and business. They profited and strengthened themselves

1686 - 1st fight by EIC against Mughals, supported by British military. EIC lost. Their entire set up in India was seized & plundered.

2/4

1690- Begged pardon from Aurangzeb and graciously granted. A huge mistake.

1707- Aurangzeb died. Infighting and downslide of Mughals began. Small independent kingdoms in defiance of Mughals came up.

British & French kept watching & strengthening themselves.

3/4

1746 - Mughals lost decisively to French in the Battle of Adyar River, Madras. Start of European rule for the next 200yrs.

It was one act of pardon by Aurangzeb and later, the infightings, which uprooted the Mughals forever.

4/4

#CAA_NRC_NPR

We must learn from history - when to become gracious and when to become decisive.

#CAA_NRC_NPR