Module 6: Administration, Famines, & Nature of Factories
Concept
Subtopic 6.1: The Operational Nature of European Setup
The establishment of European trade in Bihar occurred against the backdrop of changing Mughal reigns and natural calamities. Understanding how these companies operated provides deep insight into early colonial strategies:
- Nature of Factories: Unlike modern manufacturing plants, the "factories" established by European companies in Bihar were not production centers. They were primarily storage centers (भंडारण केन्द्र), trade centers (व्यापारिक केन्द्र), and eventually administrative centers (प्रशासनिक केन्द्र). Goods were bought from local artisans and stored here before shipping.
- Travelers and Hardships: The historical narrative is vividly captured by English travelers. For instance, Peter Mundy visited Bihar during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Later, traveler John Marshall recorded the devastating severity of the famine that struck Bihar in 1670-71.
- The English Factory's Establishment: The successful formal establishment of the English factory in Patna took place under the imperial shadow of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, laying the foundation for future British dominance.
- European factories in Bihar were mainly storage, trade, and administrative centers.
- They did not function as production or manufacturing centers.
- John Marshall documented the severe famine of 1670-71 in Bihar.
- English traveler Peter Mundy visited Bihar during the reign of Shah Jahan.
- The English established their factory in Patna during Shah Jahan's reign.
- Question: Which English traveler mentioned the severe famine of 1670-71 in Bihar? Answer: John Marshall.
- Question: During whose reign did Peter Mundy come to Bihar? Answer: Shah Jahan.
- Question: The factories established by Europeans were mainly what type of centers? Answer: Storage, Trade, and Administrative centers.
MCQs
Answer this question, then use Next.
Question 1: Which English traveler mentioned the severe famine of 1670-71 in Bihar?
Question 2: During the reign of which Mughal ruler did the English traveler Peter Mundy come to Bihar?
Question 3: The factories established by European companies in Bihar were mainly:
I. Storage Centers
II. Production Centers
III. Trade Centers
IV. Administrative Centers
Question 4: During the reign of which Mughal ruler did the English establish their factory in Patna?
One-liners
Write your answer, then submit to see the correct answer.
Which English traveler mentioned the severe famine of 1670-71 in Bihar?
John Marshall.During whose reign did Peter Mundy come to Bihar?
Shah Jahan.The factories established by Europeans were mainly what type of centers?
Storage, Trade, and Administrative centers.