The British East India Company was a big business that traded with India and other Asian countries. It had its own army to protect its interests and fight its enemies. Most of the soldiers in this army were Indians, called sepoys. They worked for the Company and followed its orders. The Company's army fought against many Indian rulers who had their own armies. The Indian rulers had more soldiers and better weapons than the Company's army. But the Company's army still won most of the battles. Why was that?
There are several reasons why the Company's army was stronger than the Indian rulers' armies. Some of them are:
The Company's army was well-trained and well-disciplined. The sepoys learned how to march, drill, shoot and fight in a regular and orderly way. They obeyed their officers and did not run away or rebel easily. The Indian rulers' armies were often made up of different groups of soldiers who did not work together well. They were not trained or disciplined enough and sometimes fled or switched sides in battle.
The Company's army had better tactics and strategies. The sepoys learned how to use modern weapons like muskets, cannons and rockets effectively. They also learned how to fight in different terrains and situations, such as sieges, ambushes and cavalry charges. They used spies, maps and intelligence to plan their attacks and defence. The Indian rulers' armies often relied on old-fashioned weapons like swords, spears and bows. They also used outdated tactics like massed infantry charges or elephant warfare, which did not work well against the Company's firepower and mobility.
The Company's army had more resources and support. The Company was very rich and powerful. It could afford to pay, feed, clothe and equip its soldiers well. It also had its own navy, called the Bombay Marine, which helped transport troops and supplies by sea. It also had allies among some Indian rulers who helped it fight against other Indian rulers. The Indian rulers' armies often lacked money, food, clothing and equipment for their soldiers. They also faced enemies from within and without, such as rival rulers, rebels or invaders.
The Company's army had more luck and timing. The Company took advantage of the political and social turmoil in India at that time. The Mughal Empire, which used to rule most of India, was weak and divided. Many local rulers fought each other for power and territory. The Company used diplomacy, bribery, threats and force to make deals with some rulers and defeat others. It also benefited from some unexpected events, such as the death of a powerful enemy or the arrival of reinforcements.
These are some of the reasons why the armies of the British East India Company won against the Indian rulers' armies.