Had there been no Turkey, India would not have become a slave of the British: How did a 600-year-old incident change the politics and economy of the world?

New Delhi: Had the Ottoman Empire of Turkey not captured Constantinople in 1453, India would probably never have been a slave of the British. This shocking claim is recorded in the pages of history, which tells that a historic victory of Turkey not only shook the economy of Europe and Asia, but also laid the foundation of British colonialism in India. Let us know how Turkey changed the politics and economy of the world and what impact it had on India.

1453: Fall of Constantinople and changing map of the world

On 29 May 1453, the Ottoman Turks, led by Sultan Mehmed II, captured Constantinople (today's Istanbul). This city was the stronghold of the Roman Empire and was a major center of trade between Europe and Asia. After this victory, the Ottomans closed the land trade route of the Silk Road connecting Europe and Asia. This stopped the supply of spices, silk, and other goods to Europe, which came through India and other Asian countries.

This trade blockade forced European countries to find sea routes. Portugal, Spain, and later England began to search for new sea routes to reach India and the East. Vasco da Gama's arrival in India (Calicut) in 1498 was a result of this. This event was the beginning of European colonialism in India, which laid the foundation for the formation of the East India Company in 1600 and British rule after the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

Turkish influence: A new era of global trade

Before the fall of Constantinople, India was a major exporter of the world. In the early 18th century, India exported 25% of the global trade, including spices, silk, cotton, and diamonds. Indian merchants used to take gold and silver to Europe. But the closure of trade routes by the Ottoman Turks forced Europe to depend on sea routes to reach India.

This change not only made European countries a trading power but also promoted colonialism. The East India Company obtained permission to trade from the Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1615 and gradually increased its military and political power in India. By 1765, the company captured Bengal, which pushed India towards English slavery.

Economic plunder: From Sone Ki Chidiya to Pauper

India, which was called the “Sone Ki Chidiya”, suffered massive economic plunder under the British rule. According to research by economist Utsa Patnaik, from 1765 to 1938, the British looted wealth worth 9.2 trillion pounds (about 45 trillion dollars) from India. This plunder was done through the Council Bill system and taxes, which gave Indian traders paper bills instead of gold and silver. India's per capita income in 1900 was Rs 196.1, which fell to only Rs 201.9 by 1945, indicating the stagnation of the economy.

The British took control of India's export of cotton, rice, and other goods. Indian merchants suffered, and India turned from an exporting country to an importer. If Turkey had not closed the trade routes, Europe's maritime exploration and British rule in India would have been less likely.

Turkey's historical influence on India

Turkey's historical association with India was not limited to trade alone. The strength of the Ottoman Empire also influenced the Mughal Empire. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb took inspiration from the Ottomans and strengthened his military strategy. However, the closure of the Ottomans' trade route indirectly proved disastrous for India.

Even today, relations between Turkey and India are in the news. Recently, India was upset with Turkey for supplying drones to Pakistan. But after the earthquake in Turkey in 2023, India sent relief material through seven flights under Operation Dost, which was appreciated by Turkey. This shows that the relationship between India and Turkey is complex, influenced by both history and the present.

Impact on global politics

The fall of Constantinople changed not just trade but global politics as well. The Ottoman Empire forced the Christian nations of Europe to unite, leading to the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. This became the basis for Europe’s military and technological advancement, which gave them an edge in colonialism. Countries like India were hit by this, as European powers captured the New World through sea routes.

Conclusion

The Turkish capture of Constantinople in 1453 changed the world economy and politics forever. It prompted Europe to search for sea routes, which led to the beginning of English colonialism in India. If Turkey had not closed the trade routes, India might have remained the “Sone ki Chidiya” (golden bird) and could have escaped English slavery. This historical event tells us that the decision of one country can change the history of the entire world.