How were Europeans able to make inroads into India?

Europeans made inroads into India primarily through trade and diplomacy, initially establishing trading posts and alliances with local rulers. The Portuguese were the first to arrive in the late 15th century, followed by the Dutch, French, and British, who sought to control lucrative spice and textile trade. The British East India Company gradually expanded its influence through military conquests and strategic partnerships, ultimately leading to significant political control over large parts of India by the 19th century. This expansion was facilitated by technological advancements in navigation and warfare, as well as the fragmentation of local power structures.