S1.E1 - The East India Company

From its first voyage in 1600, the English East India Company built up factories, outposts, and colonies all across the Indian Ocean world. After being chased out of the Spice Islands by the Dutch in the Amboyna Massacre, the Company focused in Asia. From strongholds in Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta, the East India Company expanded its influence. Throughout the 17th century, the Company faced an implacable Mughal Empire, and Emperor Aurangzeb was a formidable conqueror. But his death at the beginning of the 18th century opened up new opportunities for his vassals, and for the Company.

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Thank you to my guest historians:

• Philip J. Stern, Professor of History at Duke, and author of The Company-State and Empire, Incorporated.
• Jon Wilson, Professor of Modern History at King’s College, London, and author of India Conquered
• Rupali Mishra, Associate Professor of History at Auburn University, and author of A Business of State

Thank you to my guest voice actor:

• Matt Breen, host of the Explorer's Podcast

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