'The English were unwillingly drawn into the political turmoil created by the Indians themselves and were almost forced to acquire Indian territories.' Critically comment on this colonial view of the British conquest of India.

Analysis Positive / Arguments in Power: (i) Battle of Plassey => one of the reasons for disconent of Siraj-Ud-Daulah was the fortification of British fort. ct. William => British justified it to protect their interests from Napoleonic threat, rather than the objective of acquiring Bengal => forced to fight Battle of Plassey. (ii) In inuratic wars, Chanda Sahib expected the followers of indigenous kingdoms during the

Battle of Wandiwash => British EIC wanted to defeat the French company, and not acquire the Great state. (iii) It was the weakness and the internal rivalries of the marathas, that led to hopes for the British to seize maratha empire. (iv) In Punjab, British signed the Treaty of 'Perpetual friendship' with Panjit Singh, but post his death, the Afghan and Russian threat, forced British to capture Punjab. [Arguments Against]: (v) The intrusion of British in Hydrabad conflict between Anwaaruddin and Muhammad shah => to gain territorial n monetary benefits. (vi) The British demand of removing French governor 'tulsia' from coracti => perceived threat to British stronghold in india => wanted to secure their sovereignty. (vii) The Treaty of Allahabad with Shah Alam II => Diwani rights of Bengal n Bihar, and odishe and disputation of British residence => wanted sovereignty financial and territorial control.