Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c13.s3.t2.148

v2.c13.s3.t2.148

The connections between Calcutta and China originated with trade. Raw cotton export from Calcutta to China began in 1802. Along with the export of opium, it played an important role in the triangular trade between Britain, India and China which was driven by the ever-increasing demand for Chinese tea in Britain in the 18th century. From the 1820s, the export of cotton from Bengal began to level off as the market for it stagnated but the export of opium increased steadily. The opium was grown under licence to the British East India Company and auctioned by the Company every year to private traders who would carry it to China. By the middle of the 19th century, one-fifth of Bengal's external commerce was with China. Dozens of ships sailed from Calcutta to Canton and Macau every year.