@Vivaci Coming to think of it, India did not exist as a political entity until 1947. In the fifteenth century, the subcontinent was divided between various states all squabbling with each other.
@helensusanswift No, in 1498 the Mughal Empire did not yet exist. Only in 1526, Babur the founder of the Empire won the battle of Panipat against the sultan of Delhi. The Mughals, invaders from Central Asia, had for at least two centuries more power than the foreign traders from Portual and later England and France. Only when the Mughal Empire declined in the 18th century the French and British could aquire influence, power and territory in India.
@Mugin16 Spot on: which is why I edited my original post (see above). The various European powers existed only by grace of superior sea-power and the favour of the Mughals. John Company came to power after Clive's victory at Plassey revealed the superiority of European military discipline and fire-power. The Raj itself was established in 1858 (or 1859?) after the Mutiny.
