the Karnatak with their occupation gene.”²⁵ “ The second phase of the Anglo-French tussle was characterised by hostility between the two nations in India and peace between them at home.”²⁶ “Within the brief space of 15 years from 1746 to 1761 the European rivalry was decided once and for all in favour of the English. French influence both in the South and in Bengal being reduced almost to nothing, subsequent French efforts did not affect the result of the conflict which had been decided nine days after the carnage of Panipat.”²⁷ Nevertheless “the rise of British power in India was due to unforeseen occurrences rather than adherence to any fixed line of policy.”²⁸ Robert Clive, Warren Hastings and Wellesley laid the foundations for the British empire in India.

Before the trained and disciplined armies of the English who presented a united front coaxing some of the native princes too on to their side, the Indian armies with their ancient method of warfare had no chance. The latter were still not acquainted with then modern methods of warfare and no two Indian princes or chiefs would unite long enough to present a hazard to the British. Shattered unity was the cause of India’s failure.

With the rise of British power in India, the social and cultural life of the country underwent a change.

Though through Missionary efforts the printing press had been imported as early as 1577, printing presses were installed both in Bombay and Madras to publish newspapers towards the close of the 18th century (1785-94). In the 18th century the attitude of Englishmen towards Indians changed from indifference in the beginning to close contact. The days of corrupt company officials, of ill-gotten fortunes, of oppression of ryots, of Zenanas

25. Sathianatha Iyer, R. A College Text-Book of Indian History: vol.III-1700 to 1941 A.D. P. 94.

26. Ibid. P. 94

27. Vincent A. Smith. “History of India”; Oxford University Press, P. 470.

28. Charles Wilson, Clive; P. 203.