History Of India 1757 to 1857 AD

History Of India 1757 to 1857 AD

History of India: 1757 to 1857 ADThe period from 1757 to 1857 marks a significant phase in Indian history, characterized by the consolidation of British rule and the transformation of Indian society, politics, and economy. This century-long period witnessed the decline of indigenous powers and the rise of the British East India Company as a dominant political and economic force.

1. The Battle of Plassey (1757)

The turning point was the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where Robert Clive defeated Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah of Bengal. This victory established the East India Company’s political influence and economic dominance in Bengal. The Company gained the Diwani rights (revenue collection) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa through the Treaty of Allahabad (1765). This marked the beginning of British territorial expansion in India.

2. Subsidiary Alliance and Annexations

Under Lord Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance system (1798–1805), Indian princely states were compelled to accept British suzerainty by disbanding their armies and maintaining British forces at their expense. This policy weakened Indian states and expanded British control over territories like Hyderabad, Awadh, and Mysore. Lord Dalhousie further strengthened British power through the Doctrine of Lapse (1848–1856), annexing states like Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur on the pretext of lack of a legitimate heir.

3. Anglo-Mysore and Anglo-Maratha Wars

The Anglo-Mysore Wars (1767–1799) against Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, followed by the Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818), were crucial in eliminating strong Indian resistance to British expansion. By 1818, the Maratha Confederacy had been subdued, leaving the Company as the supreme power in India.

4. Social and Religious Reforms

This period also saw significant social reforms, driven by both Indian reformers and the British administration. Raja Ram Mohan Roy campaigned against practices like Sati, child marriage, and caste discrimination. In 1829, Lord William Bentinck abolished Sati, marking the beginning of British involvement in Indian social customs. Education reforms like the Wood’s Dispatch (1854) introduced modern education, emphasizing English as the medium of instruction.

5. Economic Exploitation and Changes

The British transformed India’s economy to serve their industrial revolution, turning the country into a supplier of raw materials and a market for British goods. Traditional industries like textiles suffered due to cheap machine-made imports, leading to widespread unemployment. The Permanent Settlement (1793) in Bengal introduced a revenue system favoring landlords over farmers, worsening rural poverty and distress.

6. Revolt of 1857

The cumulative economic exploitation, annexation policies, religious interference, and disregard for Indian culture culminated in the Revolt of 1857. Often termed the First War of Independence, this uprising began with the sepoys (Indian soldiers in British service) and spread to various sections of society. Although the revolt was ultimately crushed, it highlighted the growing resentment against British rule.

Conclusion

The period from 1757 to 1857 laid the foundation of British imperialism in India. It saw the consolidation of British power, the decline of traditional Indian states, and significant social and economic changes. However, the widespread discontent during this period also sowed the seeds of India’s struggle for independence, which would gain momentum in the following decades.


1. What was the significance of the Battle of Plassey (1757)?

  • Marked the foundation of British rule in India.
  • British defeated Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah.
  • Betrayal by Mir Jafar helped the British.
  • Control over Bengal began.
  • Established British East India Company’s dominance.
  • Loot of Bengal enriched the Company.
  • First step towards British political supremacy.
  • Ended the independent rule of Bengal.
  • Opened doors for British imperialism.
  • Created a base for British economic exploitation.

2. Who was Robert Clive, and what was his role in Indian history?

  • British military officer and diplomat.
  • Key figure in the Battle of Plassey.
  • Laid the foundation for British rule in Bengal.
  • Introduced the system of dual government.
  • Expanded the East India Company’s territories.
  • Accused of corruption and misuse of power.
  • Known as “Clive of India.”
  • Played a controversial role in Indian history.
  • Instrumental in defeating Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah.
  • Strengthened British imperial ambitions.

3. What was the significance of the Treaty of Allahabad (1765)?

  • Signed between Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and the British.
  • Granted Diwani rights (revenue collection) to the East India Company.
  • Covered Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
  • Increased British economic control.
  • Reduced Mughal power to nominal status.
  • Strengthened British dominance in northern India.
  • Ended direct Mughal administration in key provinces.
  • Allowed British military expansion.
  • Secured British political and economic interests.
  • Marked a turning point in British colonial rule.

4. What were the causes of the Anglo-Mysore Wars?

  • Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan resisted British expansion.
  • Conflict over control of trade routes.
  • Rivalry between the British and the French in India.
  • Mysore’s alliance with France angered the British.
  • British desire to control Mysore’s rich resources.
  • Strategic location of Mysore attracted British interest.
  • Repeated territorial disputes.
  • Mysore’s powerful military posed a threat.
  • British sought to eliminate a strong opponent.
  • Four wars took place between 1767-1799.

5. What was the role of Tipu Sultan in Indian history?

  • Ruler of Mysore, known as the “Tiger of Mysore.”
  • Fought fiercely against British imperialism.
  • Introduced advanced military strategies.
  • Built alliances with the French.
  • Encouraged trade and economic reforms.
  • Patron of art, science, and technology.
  • Fell in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799).
  • Symbol of resistance against colonial rule.
  • Promoted modern administrative policies.
  • Remembered as a martyr in Indian history.

6. What were the consequences of the Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775-1818)?

  • Weakened the Maratha Empire.
  • Ended Maratha political supremacy in India.
  • British gained control over most of India.
  • Treaty of Salbai brought temporary peace.
  • Peshwa system was abolished in 1818.
  • Marathas became British subordinates.
  • Established British supremacy in western India.
  • Marked the decline of Indian regional powers.
  • Facilitated British territorial expansion.
  • Increased British administrative control.

7. Why was the Permanent Settlement of Bengal (1793) introduced?

  • Introduced by Lord Cornwallis.
  • Aimed to stabilize revenue collection.
  • Created a class of loyal zamindars.
  • Fixed revenue rates permanently.
  • Boosted British income.
  • Exploited peasants, leading to poverty.
  • Strengthened landlord control over land.
  • Failed to address agricultural development.
  • Led to widespread dissatisfaction among farmers.
  • Criticized for its long-term economic impact.

8. What was the significance of the Charter Act of 1813?

  • Ended the East India Company’s trade monopoly (except tea and opium).
  • Allowed Christian missionaries to spread education.
  • Increased British control over Indian administration.
  • Opened Indian markets to British goods.
  • Encouraged Western education and values.
  • Promoted the idea of free trade.
  • Paved the way for British industrial dominance in India.
  • Introduced measures to regulate Company’s activities.
  • Highlighted growing British political interest.
  • Marked a shift in British-Indian relations.

9. What was the purpose of the Regulating Act of 1773?

  • First attempt to regulate the East India Company’s administration.
  • Created a system of checks and balances.
  • Established the office of Governor-General in Bengal.
  • Introduced a Supreme Court in Calcutta.
  • Reduced corruption within the Company.
  • Brought British rule under parliamentary control.
  • Limited the Company’s powers.
  • Addressed complaints of misrule in Bengal.
  • Strengthened British oversight.
  • Marked the beginning of centralized administration.

10. What was the significance of the Doctrine of Lapse?

  • Introduced by Lord Dalhousie in 1848.
  • Allowed the British to annex Indian states without a male heir.
  • Justified the annexation of Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur.
  • Resented by Indian rulers and people.
  • Increased British territorial control.
  • Sparked anger and resistance among Indians.
  • Contributed to the 1857 Revolt.
  • Highlighted British imperial arrogance.
  • Undermined Indian political autonomy.
  • Criticized as an exploitative policy.

 


11. What were the causes of the 1857 Revolt?

  • Exploitation of Indian resources by the British.
  • Discontent over the Doctrine of Lapse.
  • Religious and cultural interference by the British.
  • Use of greased cartridges that hurt religious sentiments.
  • Poor treatment of Indian soldiers in the British army.
  • Heavy taxation and revenue policies.
  • Loss of traditional rulers’ power and privileges.
  • Economic hardships for peasants and artisans.
  • Widespread resentment among zamindars and landlords.
  • Lack of respect for Indian customs and traditions.

12. What was the significance of the Treaty of Amritsar (1809)?

  • Signed between the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
  • Recognized Ranjit Singh’s control over Punjab.
  • Marked British non-interference in the Sikh Empire.
  • Secured British northern frontier.
  • Prevented French influence in Punjab.
  • Maintained peaceful British-Sikh relations for a time.
  • Gave British an upper hand diplomatically.
  • Strengthened Ranjit Singh’s position in the region.
  • Highlighted British strategic interests.
  • Set a precedent for later annexation of Punjab.

13. What were the effects of the abolition of Sati (1829)?

  • Declared Sati illegal and punishable.
  • Led by social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
  • Marked a step towards women’s rights.
  • Reduced oppressive practices against widows.
  • Faced resistance from orthodox communities.
  • Demonstrated British legislative authority.
  • Sparked debates on tradition versus modernity.
  • Encouraged further social reforms in India.
  • Raised awareness of women’s issues.
  • Highlighted British involvement in Indian social customs.

14. Who was Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and what were his contributions?

  • Pioneer of modern Indian social reforms.
  • Founder of the Brahmo Samaj (1828).
  • Worked to abolish Sati and child marriage.
  • Promoted women’s education and rights.
  • Advocated for modern education and scientific thinking.
  • Opposed idol worship and caste discrimination.
  • Championed freedom of press and expression.
  • Advocated for religious and cultural unity.
  • Played a key role in bridging Indian and Western ideas.
  • Known as the “Father of Indian Renaissance.”

15. What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution on India?

  • India became a supplier of raw materials for Britain.
  • Deindustrialization of traditional Indian industries.
  • Increased export of Indian raw cotton.
  • Decline of Indian handloom and textile industries.
  • Forced dependence on British manufactured goods.
  • Rise of British economic exploitation.
  • Led to unemployment and poverty in India.
  • Disrupted traditional Indian trade routes.
  • Created a semi-colonial economy.
  • Strengthened British control over Indian markets.

16. What was the role of Lord Cornwallis in India?

  • Introduced the Permanent Settlement of Bengal (1793).
  • Focused on administrative and judicial reforms.
  • Established the Cornwallis Code.
  • Improved revenue collection systems.
  • Strengthened British bureaucracy in India.
  • Focused on reducing corruption.
  • Empowered zamindars over peasants.
  • Restructured the East India Company’s governance.
  • Enhanced British control over Bengal’s economy.
  • Played a significant role in institutionalizing British rule.

17. Why is the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) important?

  • Fought between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali.
  • Marked the decline of Maratha power in India.
  • Resulted in massive casualties on both sides.
  • Exposed the vulnerability of Indian powers.
  • Strengthened the position of Afghan forces temporarily.
  • Opened the path for British dominance.
  • Weakened Indian resistance to foreign invasions.
  • Highlighted the need for unity among Indian rulers.
  • Marathas lost their control over Delhi.
  • Considered one of the bloodiest battles in history.

18. What were the effects of the Anglo-Sikh Wars?

  • Marked the end of the Sikh Empire.
  • Punjab was annexed by the British in 1849.
  • British established direct control over Punjab.
  • Increased British military strength in northern India.
  • Ended Ranjit Singh’s legacy.
  • Destroyed Sikh political autonomy.
  • Enabled the British to secure their northwestern frontier.
  • Strengthened British economic exploitation in Punjab.
  • Led to resentment among Sikh soldiers.
  • Played a role in the 1857 Revolt.

19. What was the impact of the Ryotwari System?

  • Introduced in Madras and Bombay Presidencies.
  • Revenue collected directly from farmers.
  • Peasants were recognized as landowners.
  • Increased British control over rural areas.
  • Exploited farmers through heavy taxes.
  • Created economic hardships for ryots (peasants).
  • Reduced influence of zamindars in revenue collection.
  • Facilitated agricultural commercialization.
  • Criticized for neglecting farmer welfare.
  • Contributed to rural poverty.

20. What was the role of Lord William Bentinck in Indian reforms?

  • Abolished Sati in 1829.
  • Promoted Western education and modern values.
  • Encouraged women’s rights and welfare.
  • Suppressed the practice of Thuggee.
  • Reformed Indian legal and administrative systems.
  • Introduced cost-cutting measures in governance.
  • Advocated for freedom of the press.
  • Strengthened British rule through progressive policies.
  • Supported social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
  • Played a key role in shaping modern India.

21. What caused the decline of the Mughal Empire after 1757?

  • Weak and inefficient rulers.
  • Invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali.
  • British East India Company’s growing power.
  • Maratha and regional powers challenged Mughal authority.
  • Economic decline due to foreign invasions.
  • Loss of revenue and resources.
  • Fragmentation of the empire into smaller states.
  • Rise of British political dominance in Bengal.
  • Poor military strategies by Mughal rulers.
  • Loss of unity among Mughal nobility.

22. What was the impact of the Bengal Famine of 1770?

  • Millions of people died of starvation.
  • Caused by exploitative British revenue policies.
  • Drained Bengal’s agricultural economy.
  • British inaction worsened the crisis.
  • Exposed the negative impact of colonial policies.
  • Decreased agricultural productivity.
  • Increased resentment towards British rule.
  • Affected Bengal’s demographic structure.
  • Weakened local communities and villages.
  • Highlighted the British focus on profit over welfare.

23. What were the reforms introduced by Lord Dalhousie?

  • Doctrine of Lapse for annexation of states.
  • Introduced modern infrastructure like railways.
  • Established telegraph and postal systems.
  • Reformed education through Wood’s Dispatch (1854).
  • Introduced public works projects.
  • Promoted modernization of Indian society.
  • Centralized Indian administration.
  • Annexed key states like Awadh and Satara.
  • Focused on building roads and irrigation canals.
  • Increased resentment among Indian rulers.

24. How did the Revolt of 1857 affect British rule in India?

  • Ended the rule of the East India Company.
  • India came directly under British Crown.
  • Introduced the Government of India Act (1858).
  • Promised reforms but continued exploitation.
  • Increased racial discrimination against Indians.
  • Strengthened British military presence in India.
  • Focused on divide-and-rule policies.
  • Alienated Indian rulers and leaders further.
  • Marked a turning point in Indian history.
  • Laid the groundwork for future nationalist movements.

25. What role did Awadh play in the Revolt of 1857?

  • Center of widespread rebellion.
  • Annexed by the British under the Doctrine of Lapse.
  • Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s deposition angered locals.
  • Peasants and landlords actively participated.
  • British faced strong resistance in Awadh.
  • Lucknow became a focal point of rebellion.
  • Prominent leaders like Begum Hazrat Mahal emerged.
  • Highlighted British exploitation of Awadh’s resources.
  • Showed the depth of anti-British sentiment.
  • Played a symbolic role in the revolt’s unity.

Indian History, 1757 to 1857, Battle of Plassey, British East India Company, Doctrine of Lapse, Sepoy Mutiny 1857, Permanent Settlement, Lord Cornwallis, Subsidiary Alliance, Anglo-Mysore Wars, Anglo-Maratha Wars, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Sati Abolition, William Bentinck, Tipu Sultan, Revolt of 1857, Charter Act 1833, Pitts India Act 1784, Wellesley Policies, Industrial Revolution Impact, Indian Society Reforms, Wood’s Dispatch 1854, Social Reforms, Indian Freedom Struggle, Economic Policies of British, Decline of Mughal Empire, Causes of 1857 Revolt, British Education System in India, Modern Indian History, Pre-Independence India, British Colonial Policies.

 

NOTES

History of the Modern World 1858 AD to 1945 AD

 

Notes All

Sociology Notes

Psychology Notes

Hindi Notes

English Notes

Geography Notes

Economics Notes

Political Science Notes

History Notes

Commerce Notes

NOTES

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top