Solution:

Match the following:

Group I

• Diwani - right to collect land revenue
• “Tiger of Mysore” - Tipu Sultan
• faujdari adalat - criminal court
• Rani Channamma - led an anti-British movement in Kitoor
• sipahi - Sepoy

Solution:

Fill in the blanks:

(a) The British conquest of Bengal began with the Battle of Plassey.

(b) Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers of Mysore.

(c) Dalhousie implemented the Doctrine of Lapse.

(d) Maratha kingdoms were located mainly in the western part of India.

Solution:

(a) The Mughal empire became stronger in the eighteenth century.

False

(b) The English East India Company was the only European company that traded with India.

False

(c) Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the ruler of Punjab.

True

(d) The British did not introduce administrative changes in the territories they conquered.

False

Solution:

What attracted European trading companies to India?

European trading companies were attracted to India due to several factors:

• Rich Resources: India was known for its valuable natural resources like spices, silk, cotton, tea, and indigo, which were in high demand in Europe.
• Trade Routes: India's strategic location between East and West made it a key point for trade routes, both by sea and land.
• Wealth of Indian Kingdoms: The Indian subcontinent was home to rich and powerful kingdoms with well-established markets for goods.
• Demand for Luxury Goods: European elites were eager for luxury goods such as fine textiles, gemstones, and perfumes that India could provide.
• Competition among European Nations: European powers like the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British were in competition to establish control over lucrative trade in India.
• Profit Potential: The profit potential from trade with India, especially in goods like spices, cotton, and tea, was a major draw for European companies.

Solution:

Areas of Conflict Between the Bengal Nawabs and the East India Company

The Bengal Nawabs and the East India Company had several areas of conflict during the 18th century. Some of the key points of conflict were:

• Control over Trade and Revenue: The East India Company wanted to expand its control over trade in Bengal, particularly in the lucrative trade of textiles and other goods. The Nawabs of Bengal, led by Siraj-ud-Daula, wanted to assert their control over the revenue generated from these resources, leading to tension between the two.
• Fortification of Calcutta: The British East India Company built a fort in Calcutta (now Kolkata) to protect their interests. The Nawab, Siraj-ud-Daula, viewed this as a violation of the terms of the Company's trade agreements, especially since they had not sought permission to fortify the city. This led to the conflict that culminated in the Battle of Plassey.
• Political Interference: The East India Company interfered in the internal politics of Bengal, supporting certain factions and Nawab rivals. For example, the Company supported the puppet ruler, Mir Jafar, in the conspiracy to replace Siraj-ud-Daula, which further intensified their conflict.
• Revenue Collection and Corruption: The Company engaged in practices that undermined the revenue system of the Nawab, such as tax evasion and corruption among Company officials. The Nawabs tried to stop such exploitation, which led to conflicts with the British.
• Control over the Army: The East India Company maintained its own private army, which often acted independently of the Nawab’s military control. This caused friction, as the Nawab believed that the Company’s army was growing too powerful and threatening his sovereignty.

Solution:

How did the assumption of Diwani benefit the East India Company?

The assumption of Diwani in 1765 by the East India Company gave them control over the revenue collection of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This had several significant benefits for the Company:

• The East India Company became the chief revenue collector, allowing them to directly manage and control the wealth of these provinces.
• The revenue collected could be used to fund the Company's military operations and administrative expenses.
• The Company could ensure a steady flow of funds, which helped them strengthen their political power in India.
• The Company gained the legal right to collect taxes, which meant they had the authority to increase their control over the local population.
• The Diwani allowed the Company to maintain a monopoly on trade and ensure financial stability, making it easier for them to manage their other interests in India and abroad.

Solution:

System of "Subsidiary Alliance"

The "Subsidiary Alliance" was a diplomatic strategy used by the British East India Company under Lord Wellesley in the late 18th century. According to this system, Indian rulers were required to maintain a British force at their own expense. They were also not allowed to have their own alliances with other rulers without British consent. In return, the British promised protection to the rulers. If any ruler did not accept this system, their territories could be annexed by the British.

Solution:

In what way was the administration of the Company different from that of Indian rulers?

The administration of the British East India Company was significantly different from that of Indian rulers in several ways:

• Centralized Control: The British East India Company was a centralized organization with power concentrated in the hands of the Governor-General and the Directors in Britain. Indian rulers, on the other hand, often had decentralized administration, where local kings and chieftains had considerable authority within their territories.
• Legal and Administrative Framework: The Company established a system based on British laws and regulations. It introduced a uniform legal system, including courts and police, while Indian rulers followed traditional systems of governance, which varied widely from region to region.
• Revenue Collection: The Company took control of the revenue system, often imposing heavy taxes on peasants. The Indian rulers also collected taxes, but these were based on older, traditional methods that sometimes allowed for more flexibility or local autonomy.
• Military Control: The East India Company maintained a large and well-organized army of British soldiers and Indian sepoys. Indian rulers often relied on local forces, which could be smaller and less unified, depending on their resources.
• Economic Exploitation: The Company focused heavily on exploiting India’s resources for profit, with an emphasis on extracting raw materials and goods for export to Britain. Indian rulers, while engaged in trade, did not have the same level of institutionalized exploitation for a foreign power.
• Foreign Policy: The Company controlled India's foreign relations, deciding matters of diplomacy and trade with other countries. Indian rulers often had their own diplomatic and trade relations, though they were frequently constrained by the regional power dynamics of their time.
• Impact on Society: The Company’s administration often disregarded local customs and traditions, replacing them with British systems. Indian rulers, though also influenced by foreign powers, were more likely to incorporate local culture, religion, and customs in governance.

Solution:

Changes in the Composition of the Company's Army

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the British East India Company made significant changes in the composition of its army. Initially, the army was made up of mostly British soldiers, but over time, this changed due to several factors including the need for more manpower and the high cost of maintaining British troops in India.

The Company started recruiting Indian soldiers, known as sepoys, to fill the ranks. This was due to the scarcity of British soldiers in India and the availability of a large population of potential recruits from various regions in India. These Indian soldiers were often recruited from specific communities, such as the Rajputs, Sikhs, and Marathas, based on their military reputation and caste affiliations.

As the British expanded their control over India, they also began to rely more heavily on Indian soldiers for the army's composition. By the mid-19th century, Indian sepoys made up the majority of the army, with British officers leading them. The ratio of British to Indian soldiers in the army decreased, and Indian soldiers began to be given more responsibility in various ranks.

Another significant change was the shift from traditional military formations to European-style regiments. This was done to modernize the army, making it more efficient and disciplined. The British also introduced new weapons, uniforms, and tactics, which were unfamiliar to the Indian soldiers at the time.

In the later years, the British further increased the number of Indian soldiers in the army, as it was cheaper to maintain them compared to British soldiers. However, the officers continued to be British, as the Company wanted to maintain control over its military forces.

Solution:

Culture, Architecture, and Life in Colonial Calcutta

After the British conquest of Bengal, Calcutta transformed from a small village into a major urban center. The city became a hub of British colonial power, and its culture, architecture, and daily life reflected the complex relationship between Europeans and Indians during the colonial period.

Culture

During the colonial period, Calcutta was a melting pot of diverse cultures, as the British introduced Western education, literature, and art, while traditional Indian cultures persisted alongside. The British established schools and colleges such as the University of Calcutta, encouraging the spread of Western ideas. Meanwhile, Indian culture, including languages like Bengali, and traditional festivals, continued to thrive. The city became a center for both Western and Indian intellectuals, with debates on social reforms and the influence of Western thought.

Architecture

The architecture of Calcutta during British rule was a blend of European and Indian styles. The British constructed grand buildings in the neoclassical and Gothic Revival styles, often using materials from Europe. Iconic structures like the Victoria Memorial, the Howrah Bridge, and St. Paul's Cathedral are examples of British colonial architecture. At the same time, Indian architectural elements, such as those seen in temples and palaces, remained prominent in the city. This fusion of styles led to the creation of a unique urban landscape.

Life of Europeans in Calcutta

The life of Europeans in Calcutta was centered around comfort and privilege. They lived in large, luxurious homes or "bungalows" in the city's European quarter. British officials, traders, and missionaries formed a tight-knit community, often maintaining their own social circles and clubs. They were largely disconnected from the local population, with distinct neighborhoods, such as Chowringhee, where they enjoyed a European lifestyle, complete with schools, churches, and Western-style markets.

Life of Indians in Calcutta

Indians in Calcutta, especially during the early years of British rule, faced a significant divide from the Europeans. Many lived in crowded neighborhoods with narrow streets, and their lives were influenced by traditional practices and customs. However, as the city grew, a new middle class of educated Indians emerged, particularly in the Bengali community. This class began to influence the city's culture, taking part in social reform movements, literary activities, and the push for Indian rights. Despite the challenges, Calcutta became a center for intellectual and political activity in India during the colonial era.

Solution:

Rani of Jhansi

The Rani of Jhansi, Lakshmibai, was one of the prominent figures in Indian history, known for her bravery during the 1857 Revolt against British rule. Born as Manikarnika Tambe in 1828 in Varanasi, she was later married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao. When her husband died, she adopted a son and claimed the throne for him. However, the British East India Company refused to recognize her adoption and sought to annex Jhansi. In response, Rani Lakshmibai led her army in a courageous defense of her kingdom during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. She became a symbol of resistance and is remembered for her determination, valor, and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds.

Story of Rani Lakshmibai

During the rebellion, the Rani fought fiercely to defend her kingdom. She was instrumental in organizing resistance against the British, often taking part in battles herself. One of the most famous moments in her life was when she led her troops during the siege of Jhansi. Despite being outnumbered, she showed exceptional courage and tactical brilliance, inspiring many other leaders and soldiers in the revolt. She died in battle on June 18, 1858, while attempting to escape British forces. Her legacy lives on as one of India's greatest freedom fighters.

Poem about Rani Lakshmibai

Here is a famous poem celebrating her bravery:

The Rani of Jhansi, valiant and bold,  
Fought against the British with heart of gold.  
Her courage shone in battle's might,  
She rode to war, with sword held tight.  
  
With bravery unmatched, she made her stand,  
Fighting for freedom, to save her land.  
Though she fell in the fight, her name lives on,  
A heroine of India, whose legacy shone.  

Historical Context

Rani Lakshmibai's bravery and leadership in the First War of Indian Independence earned her a lasting place in Indian history. Her role as a female warrior and a symbol of resistance against colonial rule continues to inspire generations. Today, monuments and statues are erected in her memory across India, particularly in Jhansi, where she is celebrated annually for her sacrifices and heroism during the 1857 uprising.