Company-State: The East India Company (1600–1790)

Founded as a speculative corporation of London merchants, in the seventeenth century the East India Company was overshadowed by its Dutch competitor and by powerful Asian empires. By the 1760s, however, the Company had acquired an empire in Bengal and was a major influence in British society and culture. This module explores this transformation. It reflects an explosion of interest in the Company over the past decade. Historians have explored the Company’s varied roles as a peaceful trader, a violent monopolist, a servant of monarchs (both English and foreign), a sovereign state and a facilitator of cultural exchange and knowledge networks. This module will introduce students to these perspectives.

• Tutor: Tim Riding PhD
• Term: Spring
  
• Day: Thursday
• Start Date: 13 January 2022
• Time: 7-9pm
• No. of weeks: 11
• Full fee: £130
• Credits: 10

This course will be delivered via Zoom. Students joining the course will need access to a computer, laptop or tablet with a microphone (essential) and a webcam (desirable) as well as a reliable broadband connection.

Register for this course online