History of India From 1757 AD to 1857

History of India From 1757 AD to 1857


1. Describe the significance of the Battle of Plassey (1757) in the history of India.

Answer:

  1. The Battle of Plassey was fought on 23 June 1757 between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daula.
  2. The battle marked the beginning of British dominance in India.
  3. Robert Clive, the commander of the British forces, defeated the much larger forces of Siraj-ud-Daula due to internal betrayal by Mir Jafar, the Nawab’s general.
  4. The victory established the British East India Company as the de facto ruler of Bengal.
  5. This victory allowed the British to gain control over the rich resources of Bengal, which significantly funded their future military campaigns.
  6. The Battle of Plassey is considered a turning point in the history of colonial India, as it laid the foundation for British imperial rule in India.
  7. Following this, the British expanded their control over other regions in India, leading to the eventual establishment of the British Raj.

2. Explain the causes and consequences of the Second Battle of Panipat (1556).

Answer:

  1. The Second Battle of Panipat was fought in 1556 between the forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and the forces of Hemu, a Hindu king supported by Afghan chiefs.
  2. Hemu’s rise to power was based on his military success under the Delhi Sultanate, which he later attempted to consolidate through his own rule.
  3. The Mughal Empire was weakened after the death of Humayun, and Akbar, still a child, was crowned as the emperor. This created an opportunity for regional powers like Hemu to challenge Mughal authority.
  4. The battle was fought near Panipat, where Akbar’s forces, led by his regent Bairam Khan, faced Hemu’s army.
  5. Hemu was struck in the eye by an arrow during the battle and was captured, leading to the defeat of his forces.
  6. The victory at Panipat reaffirmed Mughal control over northern India, strengthening Akbar’s rule.
  7. The defeat of Hemu and his supporters led to the consolidation of Mughal rule and the expansion of the empire under Akbar.

3. What were the main features of Lord Warren Hastings’ administration?

Answer:

  1. Lord Warren Hastings served as the Governor-General of India from 1773 to 1785.
  2. He introduced several judicial and administrative reforms, including the creation of a centralized judicial system.
  3. Hastings established the Board of Control in 1784 to manage the affairs of the East India Company.
  4. He was instrumental in consolidating British rule in India by strengthening British military presence and enforcing a policy of annexation.
  5. Under his leadership, the British gained control of territories such as Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
  6. He was a patron of Indian culture and supported the translation of Sanskrit texts into English, promoting cultural exchange.
  7. His administration was criticized for corruption and the exploitation of Indian resources, which led to the impeachment proceedings against him in Britain.

4. Discuss the causes and impact of the Maratha War (1775-1805).

Answer:

  1. The Maratha War, also known as the Third Anglo-Maratha War, was fought between the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company.
  2. The primary cause was the increasing British encroachment on Maratha territory and influence, leading to tensions.
  3. The British were also involved in supporting factions within the Maratha confederacy, which created internal instability.
  4. The British East India Company aimed to establish control over the entire Indian subcontinent, and the Marathas were seen as a significant obstacle.
  5. The British victory led to the Treaty of Bassein (1802), which reduced Maratha power and led to the gradual annexation of Maratha territories.
  6. The Maratha Wars demonstrated the growing military and strategic superiority of the British East India Company.
  7. The British strengthened their political dominance in India, with the Marathas being reduced to a shadow of their former power.

5. What were the reforms introduced by Lord Cornwallis?

Answer:

  1. Lord Cornwallis served as Governor-General of India from 1786 to 1793 and introduced several significant reforms.
  2. He implemented the Cornwallis Code, which restructured the judicial system and laid the foundation for British legal principles in India.
  3. Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement of 1793 in Bengal, which fixed land revenue at a fixed rate, benefiting the British but harming the peasants.
  4. He reformed the revenue collection system and gave zamindars control over land revenue, which increased exploitation of peasants.
  5. Cornwallis established a centralized administration and reduced the powers of the local rulers, consolidating British control.
  6. He also introduced a system of civil services based on merit, known as the “Cornwallis Code,” to fill important administrative positions.
  7. Despite these reforms, Cornwallis’ policies caused widespread discontent among Indian peasants due to their exploitative nature.

6. Discuss the causes and outcomes of the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846).

Answer:

  1. The First Anglo-Sikh War was fought between the British East India Company and the Sikh Empire, led by Maharaja Gulab Singh.
  2. The immediate cause was the growing influence of the British in Punjab, which threatened the independence of the Sikh Empire.
  3. The war was triggered by the British intervention in the internal politics of the Sikh Empire, which led to a series of military clashes.
  4. The Sikh forces, although initially successful, were eventually defeated by the better-equipped and well-organized British army.
  5. The Treaty of Lahore (1846) concluded the war, which resulted in the cession of Kashmir and several other territories to the British.
  6. The war marked the beginning of the British expansion into Punjab, leading to the eventual annexation of the region.
  7. The Sikh Empire was weakened, and the British were able to maintain their dominance in northern India.

7. Examine the role of Raja Rammohan Roy in social reform during the 19th century.

Answer:

  1. Raja Rammohan Roy was a social reformer, often called the “Father of the Indian Renaissance.”
  2. He advocated for the abolition of Sati (the practice of widow burning) and worked towards its eventual prohibition.
  3. He promoted education for women and advocated for social equality, especially for marginalized groups.
  4. Roy also played a key role in reforming Hindu religious practices, emphasizing rationalism and the rejection of superstition.
  5. He founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828, which sought to reform Hinduism by rejecting idol worship and promoting monotheism.
  6. Roy’s ideas on education led to the establishment of several schools and the introduction of English-language education in India.
  7. He strongly believed in the importance of social justice and equality, and his work laid the foundation for future social reforms in India.

8. Analyze the causes of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Answer:

  1. The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, was caused by a combination of military, political, social, and economic factors.
  2. The immediate cause was the introduction of the new Enfield rifle, which required soldiers to bite cartridges greased with animal fat, offending both Hindu and Muslim religious sentiments.
  3. The oppressive policies of the British East India Company, including high taxes, economic exploitation, and land revenue systems, led to widespread resentment among the Indian populace.
  4. The annexation of Indian states, like Oudh (Awadh), and the disrespect shown to Indian rulers fueled anger.
  5. Social reforms, such as the abolition of Sati and the introduction of laws regarding widow remarriage, alienated conservative sections of Indian society.
  6. The discontentment within the Indian army, due to poor pay and conditions, also played a significant role in the rebellion.
  7. The rebellion marked the beginning of organized resistance against British rule and led to the end of the East India Company’s control, resulting in direct British governance over India.

 

Here are 17 more questions and answers related to the history of India from 1757 to 1857:


9. Discuss the role of Robert Clive in establishing British control over India.

Answer:

  1. Robert Clive played a pivotal role in the Battle of Plassey (1757), which marked the beginning of British dominance in India.
  2. As the British East India Company’s representative, he consolidated British control over Bengal after defeating Siraj-ud-Daula.
  3. Clive’s administrative strategies led to the establishment of British political control over Bengal, which later expanded to other regions.
  4. He helped secure the rights to tax and revenue collection in Bengal, enriching the East India Company.
  5. His policy of divide and rule, involving the manipulation of local rulers and officials, helped the British suppress local resistance.
  6. Clive’s leadership and military expertise made him a key figure in the early stages of British imperial expansion in India.
  7. Despite his successes, Clive’s legacy was marred by accusations of corruption and exploitation of Indian resources.

10. Examine the significance of the Treaty of Allahabad (1765).

Answer:

  1. The Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765 between the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and the British East India Company.
  2. It granted the British the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, thus marking the beginning of British control over these rich territories.
  3. The treaty reaffirmed the British as the de facto rulers of Bengal, strengthening their position in India.
  4. It also recognized the British as the protectors of the Mughal Emperor, enhancing their legitimacy.
  5. The treaty played a significant role in the consolidation of British power in India, enabling further territorial expansion.
  6. It marked a shift from the Mughal Empire’s control to British colonial dominance in the Indian subcontinent.
  7. The Treaty of Allahabad paved the way for future conflicts and the eventual British colonization of India.

11. Describe the role of Mir Jafar in the Battle of Plassey and its consequences.

Answer:

  1. Mir Jafar was the commander-in-chief of the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daula, during the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
  2. He betrayed Siraj-ud-Daula by secretly aligning with the British East India Company, which played a decisive role in the defeat of the Nawab’s forces.
  3. In return for his betrayal, the British promised to make Mir Jafar the Nawab of Bengal after the battle.
  4. His treason allowed the British to win a seemingly impossible battle against a much larger force.
  5. Mir Jafar’s betrayal is considered one of the most significant events in the British consolidation of power in India.
  6. His subsequent reign as Nawab was largely ineffective, with the British controlling much of Bengal’s administration.
  7. The consequences of his betrayal were far-reaching, as it set a precedent for British manipulation of Indian rulers to serve their interests.

12. What were the causes of the Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775-1818)?

Answer:

  1. The Anglo-Maratha Wars were caused by the British East India Company’s desire to expand its influence over India, particularly in the Maratha-dominated western region.
  2. Tensions arose due to British support for rival Maratha factions, leading to internal conflicts among the Maratha states.
  3. The Marathas were unwilling to submit to British political control, leading to clashes over sovereignty and independence.
  4. The British sought to prevent any threats to their growing dominance by ensuring that Maratha power did not challenge their interests.
  5. The wars were also a result of the Marathas’ desire to reclaim lost territories, particularly after their defeat by the Mughals.
  6. The Marathas’ increasing military power and expansionist ambitions posed a threat to British colonial ambitions.
  7. The wars resulted in the weakening of Maratha power and the eventual British annexation of Maratha territories.

13. What were the consequences of the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818)?

Answer:

  1. The Third Anglo-Maratha War marked the end of Maratha resistance to British rule in India.
  2. The British defeated the Maratha Confederacy, bringing most of India under British control.
  3. The Peshwa, Baji Rao II, was defeated and exiled, effectively ending Maratha political power.
  4. The Marathas lost significant territories, and their states were annexed into the British Empire.
  5. The war led to the dissolution of the Maratha Confederacy, and the British established direct control over much of western India.
  6. The war resulted in the consolidation of British power in India, with no major internal challenges to their rule for several decades.
  7. The British East India Company emerged as the undisputed political and military power in India following the war.

14. Analyze the significance of the Battle of Buxar (1764).

Answer:

  1. The Battle of Buxar was fought in 1764 between the British East India Company and a coalition of Indian rulers, including the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Oudh, and the Mughal Emperor’s forces.
  2. The British victory at Buxar established their supremacy over Bengal and Oudh, further consolidating their control in northern India.
  3. The battle confirmed British authority over Bengal after the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, where the Company received the right to collect revenue.
  4. It marked the beginning of British dominance over Indian rulers, many of whom were either defeated or forced into submission.
  5. The battle was significant in ensuring that the Mughal Emperor’s power was reduced to a symbolic role, with real authority resting in British hands.
  6. The battle demonstrated the military superiority of the British East India Company over Indian forces.
  7. The victory at Buxar was a key step in the expansion of British control over India and contributed to the weakening of regional powers.

15. Explain the role of Lord Dalhousie in the expansion of British rule in India.

Answer:

  1. Lord Dalhousie served as Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, and his tenure marked significant territorial expansion.
  2. He implemented the Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed the British to annex any Indian state where the ruler died without a direct heir.
  3. Dalhousie annexed several regions, including Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur, using this doctrine.
  4. His policies of annexation increased British control over Indian territories, leading to widespread resentment.
  5. Dalhousie also introduced significant infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of railways, telegraphs, and roads, which helped consolidate British control.
  6. He is credited with modernizing India’s administrative and communication systems, though his policies also alienated many Indian rulers.
  7. His annexation policies and the imposition of British authority contributed to the growing discontent that eventually led to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

16. What were the social and political impacts of the British land revenue systems in India?

Answer:

  1. The British introduced various land revenue systems such as the Zamindari, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari systems, all of which exploited Indian peasants.
  2. The Zamindari system, which vested land ownership in zamindars (landlords), led to the exploitation of peasants, who were heavily taxed.
  3. The Ryotwari system placed direct tax burden on peasants, who were often unable to pay, leading to frequent famines and poverty.
  4. The land revenue systems ensured that the British East India Company generated significant income from Indian agriculture, which funded British military campaigns.
  5. These systems led to the decline of traditional Indian agricultural practices and caused widespread distress among farmers.
  6. Many peasants were forced into debt and lost their lands due to the high taxes, contributing to widespread economic hardship.
  7. The British land policies created a class of wealthy landowners (zamindars), while the majority of the population remained impoverished and disenfranchised.

17. How did the British approach the issue of Indian education during the 19th century?

Answer:

  1. The British focused on establishing an education system that would serve their colonial interests and create a class of loyal servants.
  2. Lord Macaulay’s Minute on Education (1835) promoted English as the medium of instruction and emphasized Western-style education.
  3. The British established schools and colleges that followed a European curriculum, which was seen as alien to Indian traditions.
  4. Missionary activities, which were often tied to educational initiatives, led to the spread of Christian ideas.
  5. The education system under British rule aimed to produce a class of Indians who would be skilled in administrative duties but disconnected from their own culture.
  6. Despite its drawbacks, the system produced a new intellectual class that would later lead the Indian freedom movement.
  7. The British education system had long-lasting effects on Indian society, with many educated Indians demanding social, political, and cultural reforms.

18. Explain the role of the Indian Army in the events leading up to the Rebellion of 1857.

Answer:

  1. The Indian Army, especially the sepoys (Indian soldiers), played a central role in the Rebellion of 1857.
  2. The immediate cause of the rebellion was the introduction of the new Enfield rifle, which required soldiers to bite cartridges greased with animal fat, offending both Hindu and Muslim sepoys.
  3. The sepoys were unhappy with the low pay, poor conditions, and the constant interference in their religious and cultural practices.
  4. The rebellion began when sepoys in Meerut revolted, and

it quickly spread to other parts of northern India, including Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow. 5. Indian soldiers played a dual role during the rebellion, with some joining the British forces while others turned against them, fighting for Indian independence. 6. The British response to the revolt was brutal, employing massacres and widespread reprisals against Indian soldiers and civilians. 7. The rebellion of 1857 marked the beginning of organized resistance against British colonial rule and is considered the first war of Indian independence.


 


19. Discuss the causes and consequences of the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846).

Answer:

  1. The First Anglo-Sikh War was fought between the Sikh Empire and the British East India Company, primarily due to territorial disputes and British expansionist ambitions.
  2. The weakening of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s successors made it vulnerable to British interference.
  3. The British were concerned about the growing power of the Sikh Empire, which posed a threat to their interests in northern India.
  4. The immediate cause was the British intervention in the internal politics of the Sikh Empire and the refusal of the Sikh rulers to accept British suzerainty.
  5. The war ended with the British victory at the Battle of Sobraon in 1846, marking the end of Sikh military resistance.
  6. As a consequence, the British annexed the Kashmir region and established direct control over the territories of the Sikh Empire.
  7. The war laid the groundwork for further British consolidation of power in Punjab, which was later fully annexed after the Second Anglo-Sikh War.

20. Evaluate the role of Lord William Bentinck in the reform of Indian society.

Answer:

  1. Lord William Bentinck served as the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835 and played a significant role in social and administrative reforms.
  2. He is credited with the abolition of Sati (the practice of widow burning) in 1829, which was a major step in reforming Indian society.
  3. Bentinck promoted the introduction of English education through the establishment of schools and colleges, laying the foundation for modern education in India.
  4. He also supported the efforts to suppress Thuggee (a criminal cult) and played a role in curbing their influence.
  5. Bentinck made efforts to improve the justice system by introducing reforms in the legal system, ensuring more fairness and accountability.
  6. He supported the development of infrastructure, particularly in areas like transportation and communication, improving connectivity within India.
  7. Despite his progressive policies, Bentinck faced opposition from conservative sections of Indian society, who viewed these reforms as foreign impositions.

21. What were the major economic changes during British rule in India between 1757 and 1857?

Answer:

  1. The British East India Company’s control over India’s resources led to a drastic economic transformation, benefiting British interests while exploiting India’s wealth.
  2. India’s agrarian economy was heavily taxed, with the British revenue systems such as the Zamindari and Ryotwari systems exploiting the peasantry.
  3. The British systematically deindustrialized India, particularly in the textile sector, leading to the collapse of local industries.
  4. A significant shift occurred towards the cultivation of cash crops like cotton, indigo, and opium, which served British industries and markets.
  5. The British introduced a rail network to facilitate the extraction of raw materials and ensure smooth transport of goods for export.
  6. The British colonial policies led to the draining of India’s wealth, causing widespread poverty and economic stagnation for the Indian populace.
  7. Despite the economic exploitation, some infrastructure and administrative developments took place under British rule, though they were primarily designed to support British colonial interests.

22. What was the impact of the British judicial system on Indian society?

Answer:

  1. The British judicial system in India introduced a new legal framework, based on the British model of law, which replaced traditional Indian legal practices.
  2. The establishment of courts, such as the High Courts in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras, created a more formalized legal system.
  3. The introduction of the English language in the courts made the legal system inaccessible to most Indians, leading to a sense of alienation.
  4. The British system emphasized written law and formal procedures, which were often in contrast with India’s oral tradition of justice.
  5. The judicial system often sided with British interests, favoring British merchants and officials over Indian subjects, leading to a lack of trust in the legal system.
  6. While the British did attempt to codify laws, it was often done in a way that undermined traditional practices, such as the introduction of Western concepts like property rights and contracts.
  7. Despite the drawbacks, the British judicial system introduced some reforms like the establishment of a formalized police force and legal precedents, which contributed to the evolution of India’s modern legal system.

23. Analyze the causes and impact of the revolt of 1857.

Answer:

  1. The revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny, was caused by a combination of social, economic, and political factors, including resentment over British rule, economic exploitation, and cultural interference.
  2. The immediate trigger was the introduction of the new Enfield rifle cartridges, which were believed to be greased with animal fat, offending both Hindu and Muslim sepoys.
  3. Indian soldiers (sepoys) in the British East India Company’s army were dissatisfied with their poor treatment, low pay, and the increasing interference in their religious and cultural practices.
  4. The revolt spread across northern and central India, with major centers of resistance in Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Jhansi.
  5. Despite initial successes, the revolt was eventually suppressed by the British through brutal military action.
  6. The impact of the revolt was far-reaching, leading to the dissolution of the British East India Company and the direct establishment of British rule under the British Crown.
  7. The revolt also laid the foundation for Indian nationalism, as it united diverse groups against British colonial rule, inspiring future generations to fight for independence.

24. What was the role of Rani Lakshmibai in the Revolt of 1857?

Answer:

  1. Rani Lakshmibai, the queen of Jhansi, played a leading role in the Revolt of 1857 as a symbol of resistance against British rule.
  2. After the British annexation of Jhansi through the Doctrine of Lapse, Rani Lakshmibai became one of the most prominent figures in the rebellion.
  3. She led the forces of Jhansi during the siege of the city and fought bravely to protect her kingdom from British forces.
  4. Lakshmibai displayed remarkable military skills, rallying both men and women to defend Jhansi and leading her troops into battle.
  5. Despite initial setbacks, her courage and leadership made her a symbol of the Indian resistance against British colonialism.
  6. After the fall of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai continued her struggle, retreating to Gwalior, where she died in battle, becoming a martyr for Indian independence.
  7. Her role in the revolt inspired future generations and became an enduring symbol of patriotism, bravery, and the spirit of resistance.

25. How did the British use the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’ to annex Indian states?

Answer:

  1. The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie to annex Indian princely states that did not have a direct male heir.
  2. According to the doctrine, if a ruler of a state died without a natural heir, the British East India Company would annex the state to their territory.
  3. The policy was used as a tool to annex many Indian states, including Satara (1848), Jhansi (1854), and Nagpur (1854), which had no natural heirs.
  4. The doctrine angered many Indian rulers, as it violated traditional practices of succession and led to the loss of their kingdoms.
  5. It contributed to the growing resentment against British policies, particularly among the Indian nobility and military leaders.
  6. The Doctrine of Lapse was one of the key reasons behind the widespread discontent that ultimately led to the Revolt of 1857.
  7. The annexation of territories through this policy consolidated British power, but also increased hostility among Indian rulers, fueling the demand for independence.

NOTES

 

History of India From 1526 AD to 1756

History of India From 1200 AD to 1526

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Psychology Notes

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English Notes

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