The Birth of Empire: The East India Company

BBC Select's 2014 historical documentary series, The Birth of Empire: The East India Company, is a stellar synthesis of history, culture, politics, and economics that explores the profound influence and impact of one of the most powerful businesses in human history.

The two-part series, presented by historian and Oxford University Professor Dan Snow, centers on the grand narrative of the East India Company, a British trading firm founded in the early 17th century that gradually grew to impose an indelible influence upon significant parts of the world. Using a blend of expert interviews, on-location sequences, archival materials, and dramatic reenactments, the show delves into how this company became an agent of imperial domination.

In the initial episode, titled "The treasure ship", viewers are introduced to the establishment of the East India Company in 1600 and its early operations. Embarking with a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I, the fledgling organisation begins its enterprise, navigating the treacherous waters and unpredictable politics of the era. Through trade, diplomacy, and sometimes force, the East India Company slowly gained a foothold in the rich markets of the Indian subcontinent, transforming from a humble merchant operation into a burgeoning commercial powerhouse. The viewers see the company’s endeavors through the eyes of individual adventurers, businessmen, and the native people who were affected by their interactions.

The second episode, titled "Making of a superpower", follows the company's meteoric rise in the 18th and 19th centuries, reaching the height of its power and becoming the de facto ruler of vast swaths of India. It examines the transformation of the company from a trading body into a quasi-political authority, rewriting the socio-political landscape of India. A graphic recounting of the infamous opium trade with China reveals the ruthless business tactics that underpinned the company's success. The impacts of company rule, including the economic exploitations and cultural altercations, are meticulously explored, providing viewers with an in-depth understanding of the operations of an early modern multinational.

Within this evolving narrative, the documentary series does more than simply recount historical events. Instead, it takes a critical look at how the company's activities shaped global history, affecting the lives of millions and permanently altering the destinies of nations. This includes an examination of the company's practices that are morally ambiguous or exploitative. These hard-hitting topics are tackled with a degree of sensitivity and intellectual rigor, provoking thought about the likely ethical implications of unchecked corporate power.

A key strength of the series lies in Dan Snow's charismatic presentation style which takes viewers on a journey across the Indian Ocean, through the antiquated streets of London, the opulent palaces of Mughal India, and the war-torn landscapes of China. His insightful commentary and conversations with a host of eminent scholars offer a rich and nuanced analysis of the East India Company's history, modus operandi, and far-reaching impacts.

Beautiful, evocative cinematography ensures that the story of the company is not only heard but also seen. Top-notch production values, well-executed reenactments, and engaging narrative techniques work together to bring this powerful tale to life. All these elements are wrapped up in an authoritative and accessible presentation, making the documentary both educative and entertaining, appealing to history buffs and casual viewers alike.

By the end of the series, viewers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the East India Company, its perspective on the world, its practices, and its profound impacts on the clockwork of global history, including the series of events leading up to the British Raj in India.

With the eerily relevant contemporary parallels, this series serves as a thoughtful reflection on the role of trade corporations and their capacity to shape global events. The Birth of Empire: The East India Company leaves no stone unturned in painting a vivid and comprehensive portrait of a company that wielded unparalleled power and influence. The series is a riveting viewing experience, offering an unrivaled insight into one of the most instrumental chapters of global history. It serves as an important reminder that the world we live in today has been shaped, in part, by the actions of entities like the East India Company.