19

The First Opium War

By Jawaharlal Nehru

In 1840, the British Government declared war on the Chinese Empire over their harsh treatment of drug smugglers from Bengal.

20

One Man Army

By Edward Fraser

The fort at Budge Budge near Calcutta proved stubborn against the massed artillery of the East India Company, but a tipsy seaman took it all by himself.

21

The Lessons of Empire

By W. Somerset Maugham

The British Empire’s hostile breakup with India should have taught everyone two things: money cannot buy love, and power does not command respect.

22

The Considerate Queen

By Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III

When the young Aga Khan visited London in 1898 he was presented to Queen Victoria, and found her cultural sensitivity deeply touching.

23

Robert Clive’s Vision for India

By Sir John Malcolm

As Governor of Bengal, Robert Clive hoped to use his powers and his formidable reputation to make the East India Company mend its ways.

24

Blind Date

By Sir Bernard Burke

After two punishing years rising to the top of the East India Company’s armed forces in India, Robert Clive could not spare the time to go courting.