100+ History Questions For UPSC exam (1. Advent of Europeans In India 2. India on the Eve of British Conquest 3. Expansion and Consolidation of British Power in India 4. People’s Resistance Against British Before 1857 5. Revolt of 1857)

1. Advent of Europeans In India

Q.1 Consider the following statements about Vasco Da Gama:

1. In May 1498, Vasco Da Gama reached Calicut with the assistance of a Gujarati pilot 

called Abdul Majid.

2. At the time, Calicut was controlled by the Hindu ruler of Calicut, Zamorin.

3. Vasco Da Gama only visited India once.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).1 and 2 only

(c). 2 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

● The arrival of three ships under Vasco Da Gama, led by a Gujarati pilot named 

Abdul Majid, at Calicut in May 1498 profoundly affected the course of Indian history.

● As the prosperity of his kingdom was due to Calicut’s position as an entrepot, the Hindu 

ruler of Calicut, the Zamorin (Samuthiri) accorded a friendly reception to Vasco Da 

Gama. He had no apprehensions as to the European’s intentions.

● Vasco da Gama set up a trading factory at Cannanore. Gradually, Calicut, Cannanore, 

and Cochin became the important trade centers of the Portuguese.

● Vasco da Gama once again came to India in 1501. So Vasco da Gama visited India 

twice.

Q.2 Consider the following locations:

1. State of Calicut 

2. San Thome

3. Cochin

4. Mangalore

Which of the following was/were Portuguese commercial stations in India?

(a).All except 1

(b).All except 2

(c).All except 3

(d).All except 4

Answer: B

Explanation:

● Many of the coastal parts of India had come under Portuguese power within fifty years of 

Vasco da Gama’s arrival.

● The Portuguese had occupied some sixty miles of coast around Goa.

● On the west coast from Mumbai to Daman and Diu to the approaches to Gujarat,

they controlled a narrow tract with four important ports and hundreds of towns and

villages.

● In the south, they had under them a chain of seaport fortresses and trading-posts like

Mangalore, Cannanore, Cochin, and Calicut.

● And though their power in Malabar was not consolidated, it was enough to ensure

influence or control over the local rulers who held the spice growing land.

● The Portuguese established further military posts and settlements on the east coast at

San Thome (in Chennai) and Nagapatnam (in Andhra).

● Towards the end of the sixteenth century, a wealthy settlement had grown at Hooghly

in West Bengal.

Q.3 Consider the following statements about a Portuguese governor in India:

1. He established outposts commanding all maritime exits to ensure Portugal's strategic

domination of the Indian Ocean.

2. In 1510, he acquired Goa from the Sultan of Bijapur.

3. During his reign, he abolished Sati.

Who is being discussed above?

(a).Francisco de Almeida

(b).Alphonso de Albuquerque

(c).Nino da Cunha

(d).Vasco De Gama

Answer: B

Explanation:

● Alphonso de Albuquerque, who succeeded Francisco de Almeida as the Portuguese

governor in India, was the real founder of the Portuguese power in the East, a task he

completed before his death.

● He secured for Portugal the strategic control of the Indian Ocean by establishing

bases overlooking all the entrances to the sea.

● There were Portuguese strongholds in East Africa, off the Red Sea, at Ormuz; in

Malabar; and at Malacca.

● The Portuguese, under Albuquerque bolstered their stranglehold by introducing a permit

system for other ships and exercising control over the major ship-building centres in the

region.

● Albuquerque acquired Goa from the Sultan of Bijapur in 1510 with ease; the

principal port of the Sultan of Bijapur became “the first bit of Indian territory to be under

the Europeans since the time of Alexander the Great”.

● An interesting feature of his rule was the abolition of sati.

Q.4 Consider the following statements about Nino da Cunha:

1. He relocated the Portuguese government's headquarters in India from Goa to Cochin.

2. He aided Gujarat's Bahadur Shah during his war with Mughal emperor Humayun.

Which of the above statement is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation: Statement 2 is correct.

● Nino da Cunha (c. 1487 – March 5, 1539) was a Portuguese admiral who was governor 

of Portuguese possessions in India from 1529 to 1538. He was the governor of 

Portuguese Asia that ruled in the sixteenth century for a total of nine years.

● He shifted the headquarters of the Portuguese government in India from Cochin to Goa.

● On his passage to Goa, he subdued the pirates at Mombasa who had been harassing the 

coast of Portuguese Mozambique. Mozambique had been brought within the Portuguese 

trading orbit and provided watering stations essential to Portugal's lifeline to the west 

coast of India.

● He helped Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, during his conflict with the Mughal emperor 

Humayun.

● Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, during his conflict with the Mughal emperor Humayun, secured 

help from the Portuguese by ceding to them in 1534 the island of Bassein with its 

dependencies and revenues. He also promised them a base in Diu.

Q.5 Captain William Hawkins of England arrived in India during the reign of:

(a).Akbar

(b).Jehangir

(c).Shajahan

(d).Humayun

Answer: B

Explanation:

● In 1608, Captain William Hawkins with his ship Hector reached Surat.

● He brought with him a letter from James I, King of England, to the Mughal court of 

Jahangir requesting permission to do business in India.

● Father Pinheiro and the Portuguese authorities did their best to prevent Hawkins from 

reaching the Mughal court, but did not succeed.

● Jahangir accepted the gifts Hawkins brought for him and gave Hawkins a very

favourable reception in 1609 and trading facilities were granted to the English.

Q.6 Consider the following points about a place:

1. Following the imperial farman from the Mughals, the Portuguese established in this

location.

2. Salt production and tobacco taxation were widespread in this area.

3. This location is in Bengal.

The place which is being discussed in above statements is-

(a).Kalikata

(b).Sutanaki

(c).Hoogly

(d).Satgaon

Answer: D

Explanation:

● On the basis of an imperial farman circa 1579, the Portuguese had settled down on a

river bank which was a short distance from Satgaon in Bengal to carry on their

trading activities.

● Over the years, they strengthened their position by constructing big buildings which led

to the migration of the trade from Satgaon to the new port known as Hooghly.

● They monopolised the manufacture of salt, built a custom house of their own and started

enforcing strictly the levy of duty on tobacco, which had become an important article of

trade since its introduction at the beginning of the 17th century.

Q.7 Consider the following places –

1. Masulipatnam

2. Nagapatam

3. Pulicat

4. Surat

Which of the above was / were established by the Dutch?

(a). 1, 2 and 3 only

(b).2, 3 and 4 only

(c). 1, 3 and 4 only

(d).1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

Explanation:

● After their arrival in India, the Dutch founded their first factory in Masulipatnam (inA ndhra) in 1605.

● They went on to establish trading centres in different parts of India and thus became a

threat to the Portuguese.

● They captured Nagapatam near Madras (Chennai) from the Portuguese and made it

their main stronghold in South India.

● The Dutch established factories on the Coromandel coast, in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh,

Bengal and Bihar.

● In 1609, they opened a factory in Pulicat, north of Madras. Their other principal

factories in India were at Surat (1616), Bimlipatam (1641), Karaikal (1645), Chinsura

(1653), Baranagar, Kasimbazar (near Murshidabad), Balasore, Patna, Nagapatam (1658)

and Cochin (1663).

Q.8 Consider the following commodities –

1. Indigo

2. Salpetre

3. Silk

4. Opium

Which of the above commodities were traded by the Dutch?

(a). 1, 2 and 3 only

(b).2, 3 and 4 only

(c). 1, 2 and 4 only

(d).1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Explanation:

● Participating in the redistributive or carrying trade, the Dutch took to the islands of the

Far East various articles and merchandise from India.

● They carried indigo manufactured in the Yamuna valley and Central India, textiles and

silk from Bengal, Gujarat and the Coromandel, saltpeter from Bihar and opium and rice

from the Ganga valley.

Q.9 Battle of Hooghly of 1759 was fought between:

(a).The English and The Portuguese

(b).The English and The Dutch

(c).The Dutch and The Portuguese

(d).The French and The English

Answer: B

Explanation:

● Battle of Hoogly took place near Chinsurah, India on 25 November 1759 during theS even Years' War between a force of British troops mainly of the British East India Company and a force of the Dutch East India Company which had been invited by 

the Nawab of Bengal Mir Jafar to help him expel the British and establish themselves 

as the leading commercial company in Bengal.

● Despite Britain and the Dutch Republic not formally being at war, the Dutch advanced up 

the Hooghly River. They met a mixed force of British and Indian troops at Chinsurah, 

just outside Calcutta.

● The British, under Colonel Francis Forde, defeated the Dutch, forcing them to withdraw. 

The British engaged and defeated the ships the Dutch used to deliver the troops in a 

separate naval battle on 24 November.

● The retaliation by the English resulted in the defeat of the Dutch, in the battle of Hooghly 

(November 1759), which dealt a crushing blow to Dutch ambitions in India

Q.10 Consider the following statements –

1. Rise of Marathas

2. Religious policies

3. Monopoly over the sea route to India

Which of the above factors led to the decline of Portuguese in India?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

The decline of the Portuguese was brought about by several factors:

● The local advantages gained by the Portuguese in India were reduced with the emergence 

of powerful dynasties in Egypt, Persia and North India and the rise of the turbulent 

Marathas as their immediate neighbours.

● The Marathas captured Salsette and Bassein in 1739 from the Portuguese.

● The religious policies of the Portuguese, such as the activities of the Jesuits, gave rise 

to political fears. Their antagonism for the Muslims apart, the Portuguese policy of 

conversion to Christianity made Hindus also resentful. Their dishonest trade practices 

also evoked a strong reaction.

Q.11 Consider the following statements -

1. Bombay was the British's first western coast headquarters.

2. The Sultan of Golconda presented the English with the Golden Farman.

Which of the above statement(s) is / are not correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).None of the above.

Answer: A

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect.

● Bombay had been gifted to King Charles II by the King of Portugal as dowry when

Charles married the Portuguese princess Catherine in 1662.

● Bombay was given over to the East India Company on an annual payment of ten

pounds only in 1668.

● Later Bombay was made the headquarters by shifting the seat of the Western

Presidency from Surat to Bombay in 1687.

● The English company’s position was improved by the ‘Golden Farman’ issued to them

by the Sultan of Golconda in 1632.

● On a payment of 500 pagodas a year, they earned the privilege of trading freely in the

ports of Golconda.

Q.12 Consider the following statements –

1. The English began their commercial interests in Surat, Gujarat.

2. The English established their first plant at Masulipatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Which of the above statements is / are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).None of the above

Answer: D

Explanation:

● In 1611, the English had started trading at Masulipatnam on the south-eastern coast

of India and later established a factory there in 1616.

● It was in 1612 that Captain Thomas Best defeated the Portuguese in the sea off

Surat; an impressed Jahangir granted permission to the English in early 1613 to

establish a factory at Surat under Thomas Aldworth.

Q.13 Consider the following events:

1. The English established a plant in Surat, Gujarat.

2. The English established a plant in Hooghly, Bengal.

3. The English established a fortified factory in Madras.

The correct chronological order for the above events is:

(a). 1 – 2 – 3

(b).1 – 3 – 2

(c). 3 – 1 – 2

(d).3 – 2 – 1

Answer: B

Explanation:

● The English established the factory at Surat, Gujarat in 1613.

● A member of the Masulipatnam council, the British merchant Francis Day in 1639

received from the ruler of Chandragiri permission to build a fortified factory at Madras

which later became the Fort St. George and replaced Masulipatnam as the headquarters of

the English settlements in south India.

● Shah Shuja, the subahdar (or governor) of Bengal in 1651, allowed the English to trade in

Bengal in return for an annual payment of Rs 3,000, in lieu of all duties. Factories in

Bengal were started at Hooghly (1651) and other places like Kasimbazar, Patna and

Rajmahal.

Q.14 Consider the following statements about the farmans issued by a Mughal emperor to the

East India Company–

1. The Company was to be exempted from extra customs charges on imports and exports in

Bengal.

2. The Company was permitted to rent more lands around Calcutta.

3. Exemption from all duties payable at Surat for the East India Company.

The above farman was issued by –

(a).Jahangir

(b).Shahjahan

(c).Farrukhsiyar

(d).Aurangzeb

Answer: C

Explanation:

In 1715, an English mission led by John Surman to the court of the Mughal emperor

Farrukhsiyar secured three famous farmans, giving the Company many valuable privileges in

Bengal, Gujarat, and Hyderabad. The farmers thus obtained were regarded the Magna Carta of

the Company. Their important terms were:

● In Bengal, the Company’s imports and exports were exempted from additional customs

duties excepting the annual payment of 3,000 rupees as settled earlier.

● The Company was permitted to issue dastaks (passes) for the transportation of such

goods.

● The Company was permitted to rent more lands around Calcutta.

● In Hyderabad, the Company retained its existing privilege of freedom from duties in trade

and had to pay the prevailing rent only for Madras.

● In Surat, for an annual payment of 10,000 rupees, the East India Company was exempted

from the levy of all duties.

● It was decreed that the coins of the Company minted at Bombay were to have currency

throughout the Mughal empire.

Apparently, the English East India Company managed to earn a number of trading concessions

in Bengal from the Mughal authority by means of flattery and diplomacy.

Q.15 Consider the following statements –

1. Masulipatnam was the site of the French's first factory in India.

2. The French were granted a patent by the Sultan of Golconda to build a factory at

Masulipatnam.

Which of the above statement(s) is / are not correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).None of the above.

Answer: A

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect.

● In 1667, Francois Caron headed an expedition to India, setting up the first factory by the

French in Surat.

● Mercara, a Persian who accompanied Caron, founded another French factory in

Masulipatnam in 1669 after obtaining a patent from the Sultan of Golconda.

Q.16 Arrange the following events in chronology.

1. Battle of Hooghly

2. Treaty of Ryswick

3. Battle of Wandiwash

Select the correct code:

(a). 1-2-3

(b).2-1-3

(c). 1-3-2

(d).2-3-1

Answer: B

Explanation:

● Treaty of Ryswick concluded in September 1697.

● Battle of Hooghly (November 1759).

● Battle of Wandiwash, the decisive battle of the Third Carnatic War was won by the

English on January 22, 1760.

Q.17 Consider the following places:

1. Chandernagore

2. Masulipatnam

3. Qasim Bazar

4. Karaikal

Which of the above was / were the French trading centres/ townships?

(a). 1, 2 and 3 only

(b).2, 3 and 4 only

(c). 1, 2 and 4 only

(d).1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Explanation:

● The French obtained permission from Shaista Khan, the Mughal subahdar of Bengal, to

establish a township at Chandernagore near Calcutta.

● In 1673, Sher Khan Lodi, the governor of Valikondapuram (under the Bijapur Sultan),

granted Francois Martin, the director of the Masulipatnam factory, a site for a

settlement.

● Pondicherry was founded in 1674. In the same year, Francois Martin replaced Caron as

the French governor.

● The French company established its factories in other parts of India also, particularly in

the coastal regions.

● Mahe, Karaikal, Balasore and Qasim Bazar were a few important trading centres of

the French East India Company.

Q.18 Consider the following statements about the First Carnatic War:

1. Immediate cause of this war was the death of the founder of the independent kingdom of

Hyderabad.

2. The Treaty of Aix- La Chapelle was signed to end the First Carnatic War.

Which of the above statements is/ are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).None of the above.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Immediate Cause of the First Carnatic War:

● Although France, conscious of its relatively weaker position in India, did not favour an

extension of hostilities to India, the English navy under Barnet seized some French ships

to provoke France.

● France retaliated by seizing Madras in 1746 with the help of the fleet from Mauritius, the

Isle of France, under Admiral La Bourdonnais, the French governor of Mauritius. Thus,

began the first Carnatic War.

● The First Carnatic War ended in 1748 when the Treaty of Aix-La Chapelle was

signed bringing the Austrian War of Succession to a conclusion.

● Under the terms of this treaty, Madras was handed back to the English, and the French, in

turn, got their territories in North America.

Q.19 Consider the following statements about First Carnatic War.

1. It was a continuation of Europe's Anglo-French War, which was triggered by the

Austrian War of Succession.

2. It ended in 1748 with the Treaty of Ryswick, which ended the Austrian War of

Succession.

Which of the above statement is/are incorrect?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect.

● The First Carnatic War ended in 1748 when the Treaty of Aix-La Chapelle was

signed bringing the Austrian War of Succession to a conclusion.

● Treaty of Ryswick between French and Dutch was to take over the control of

Pondicherry.

● The First Carnatic War (1746–1748) was the Indian theatre of the War of the Austrian

Succession and the first of a series of Carnatic Wars that established early British

dominance on the east coast of the Indian subcontinent.

Q.20 Consider the following statements with respect to Carnatic Wars.

1. During the first Carnatic war, the English requested assistance from Chanda Sahib; but

the French signed a contract with his adversary, the Nawab of Carnatic, Anwar Uddin.

2. The second Carnatic War ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b). 2 only

(c). Both 1 and 2

(d). None of the above

Answer: D

Explanation:

● In first Carnatic war, The English sought help from the Nawab of Carnatic, Anwar

Uddin. But the French concluded a treaty with his rival Chanda Sahib.

● The English army crushed a defeat on the French in the Battle of Adyar, near Madras.

● In the meantime, the Treaty of Aix-la-Chappelle was concluded in 1748 to end the

Austrian Succession War. Thus the First Carnatic War came to an end.

● But the English and French continued to take opposite sides in the internal politics of

India.

● This had resulted in the Second Carnatic War (1749-1754).

● It was the third Carnatic war that ended after Treaty of Paris in 1763.

Q.21 The first European to introduce the practice of subsidiary alliance in India was:

(a).William Hawkins

(b).Charles Babbage

(c).Joseph Francis Dupleix

(d).D. Robert Edward Clive

Answer: C

Explanation:

● Dupleix was the first European to interfere in the internal politics of the Indian rulers.

● He supported Muzzaffar Jang for Hyderabad and Chanda Sahib for Carnatic and his

candidates emerged successful and, in return, gave great concessions to Dupleix.

● Dupleix was, in fact, the originator of the practice of subsidiary alliance in India.

● He placed a French army at Hyderabad at the expense of the subahdar.

Q.22 Consider the following statements about causes for the French Failure.

1. The French business was a state-owned enterprise.

2. The English fleet outclassed the French navy.

3. The French prioritised territorial ambition over business interests, leaving the French

enterprise cash-strapped.

Which of the above statement is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).1 and 2 only

(c). 2 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

● The French company was a state concern.

● The English navy was superior to the French navy.

● The French subordinated their commercial interest to territorial ambition, which

made the French company short of funds.

● More superiority of the commanders in the British camp than French.

Q.23 Consider the following:

1. Battle of Plassey.

2. Battle of Wandiwash.

Which of the following proved important in establishing English control in India?

(a). 1only

(b). 2only

(c). Both 1 and 2

(d). None of the above

Answer: C

Explanation:

● Although the Treaty of Peace of Paris (1763) restored to the French their factories in

India, the French political influence disappeared after the Third Carnatic War.

● Thereafter, the French, like their Portuguese and Dutch counterparts in India, confined

themselves to their small enclaves and to commerce.

● The English became the supreme European power in the Indian subcontinent, since the

Dutch had already been defeated in the Battle of Bidara in 1759.

● The Battle of Plassey, in 1757, is usually regarded by historians as the decisive event

that brought about ultimate British rule over India.

● However, one cannot quite ignore the view that the true turning point for control of the

subcontinent was the victory of British forces over the French forces at Wandiwash

in 1760.

● The victory at Wandiwash left the English East India Company with no European

rival in India.

Q.24 Consider the following about a European East India Company:

1. It was founded in 1616.

2. It established a plant at Tranquebar, near Tanjore, in 1620.

3. Their main colony was Serampore, near Calcutta.

The above statements refer to the East India Company established by:

(a).French

(b).English

(c).Danes

(d).Dutch

Answer: C

Explanation:

● The Danish East India Company (Denmark) was established in 1616 and, in 1620,

they founded a factory at Tranquebar near Tanjore, on the eastern coast of India.

● Their principal settlement was at Serampore near Calcutta.

● The Danish factories, which were not important at any time, were sold to the British

government in 1845.

● The Danes are better known for their missionary activities than for commerce.

Q.25 Consider the following factors –

1. Naval Superiority

2. Industrial Revolution

3. Stable Government

4. Military Skill and Discipline

Which of the above factors is/are responsible for the English overpowering other European

powers?

(a). 1, 2 and 3 only

(b).1, 2 and 4 only

(c). 2, 3 and 4 only

(d).1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Explanation:

Of all the European nations who came as traders to India after new sea routes were discovered,

England emerged as the most powerful and successful by the end of the eighteenth century.

Some of the reasons for it are as follows-

● Naval Superiority – The Royal Navy was the largest, strongest and most technologically

advanced in its times. Apart from securing victory over Spanish Armada and the French

at Trafalgar, they contained the influence of the Portuguese and the French in the Indian

Ocean with the help of the fast and a strong movement of their fleets.

● Industrial Revolution – The Industrial Revolution started in England in the early 18th

century, with the invention of new machines like the spinning Jenny, steam engine, the

power loom and several others. These machines greatly improved production in the fields

of textiles, metallurgy, steam power and agriculture. The industrial revolution reached

other European nations late and this helped England to maintain its hegemony.

● Stable Government – With the exception of the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Britain

witnessed stable government with efficient monarchs.

● In addition, structure and nature of the trading company, lesser zeal for religion and use

of debt market were some other reasons for the English emerging as the most powerful

and successful European power in India.

● Military Skill and Discipline – The British soldiers were a disciplined lot and well

trained. The British commanders were strategists who tried new tactics in warfare.

Technological developments equipped the military well. All this combined to enable

smaller groups of English fighters defeat larger armies.

2: India on the Eve of British Conquest

Q.26 Consider the following statements about Ahmad Shah Abdali:

1. He was elected as the successor of Nadir Shah.

2. He defeated the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat.

3. He had recognised Alamgir II as the Mughal emperor and the Rohilla chief, Najib-ud-

Daula, as Mir Bakhshi of the empire.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

● Ahmad Shah Abdali (or Ahmad Shah Durrani), who was elected the successor of

Nadir Shah after the latter’s death in 1747, invaded India several times between 1748

and 1767.

● In 1757, Abdali captured Delhi and left behind an Afghan caretaker to watch over the

Mughal emperor.

● Before his return, Abdali had recognised Alamgir II as the Mughal emperor and the

Rohilla chief, Najib-ud-Daula, as Mir Bakhshi of the empire, who was to act as

personal ‘supreme agent’ of Abdali.

● In 1758, Najib-ud-Daula was expelled from Delhi by the Maratha chief, Raghunath Rao,

who also captured Punjab. In 1759, Ahmad Shah Abdali returned to India to take revenge

on the Marathas.

● In 1761, Abdali defeated the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat. The last of

Abdali’s invasions came in 1767.

Q.27 Consider the following statements about the battles of Panipat:

1. The First Battle of Panipat in 1526 was between Akbar and Hemu.

2. The Second Battle of Panipat was decided in favour of the continuation of the Mughal

rule.

3. The Third Battle of Panipat had put an end to the Maratha ambition of ruling over India.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

● The first Battle of Panipat in 1526 was between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. The result

of the battle laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire by ending the rule of the Delhi

Sultanate.

● The Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 was between Akbar and Hemu; it decided in

favour of the continuation of the Mughal rule.

● The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali

put an end to the Maratha ambition of ruling over India.

Q.28 Consider the following statements:

1. Khafi Khan gave the title of Shah-i-Bekhabar to Bahadur Shah I.

2. Bahadur Shah introduced the izara system to improve the financial condition of the

empire.

3. Jahandar Shah abolished Jaziya.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Bahadur Shah I (1709–March 1712)

● After a nearly two-year-long war of succession, the 63-year-old Prince Muazzam, the

eldest son of Aurangzeb, became the emperor, taking the title Bahadur Shah.

● He was later called Bahadur Shah I). He had killed his brothers Muhammad Azam and

Kam Bakhsh in the war of succession.

● Khafi Khan gave the title of Shah-i-Bekhabar to Bahadur Shah.

● He adopted a pacific policy with the Marathas, the Rajputs and the Jats.

● Shahu, the Maratha prince, was released from Mughal captivity, and Rajput chiefs were

confirmed in their respective states.

● However, the Sikh leader Banda Bahadur attacked the Muslims in Punjab and hence the

emperor took action against him. Bahadur Shah I died in February 1712.

Jahandar Shah (March 1712-February 1713)

● With the help of Zulfikar Khan, Jahandar Shah became the emperor. Zulfikar Khan was

appointed prime minister.

● He introduced izara system to improve the financial condition of the empire.

● Jahandar Shah abolished Jaziya.

Q.29 Consider the following statements:

1. The Sayyid brothers placed Rafi-ud-Daula with the title Shah Jahan II on the throne

2. Rafi-ud-Daula was known as 'Rangeela'.

3. In 1739, Nadir Shah defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Karnal.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Rafi-ud-Daula (June 6 to September 17, 1719)

● The Sayyid brothers placed Rafi-ud-Daula with the title Shah Jahan II on the

throne.

Muhammad Shah (1719-48)

● After the death of Rafiud- Daula, Raushan Akhtar became the choice of the Sayyid

Brothers.

● Muhammad Shah, as he came to be known in history, was given the title of ‘Rangeela’

due to his luxurious life-style.

● Muhammad Shah, with the help of Nizam-ul-Mulk, killed the Sayyid Brothers. In 1724,

Nizam-ul-Mulk became the wazir and founded the independent state of Hyderabad.

● In 1737, Baji Rao I, the Maratha Peshwa invaded Delhi with a small army of 500

horsemen.

● In 1739, Nadir Shah defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Karnal and later

imprisoned Muhammad Shah and annexed areas west of the Indus into the Persian

empire.

Q.30 Consider the following statements:

1. Ahmad Shah was a very competent ruler till his death.

2. During the reign of Ahmad Shah, the Battle of Plassey was fought.

3. Akbar II gave the title of Raja to Rammohan Roy.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Ahmad Shah (1748-1754)

● Ahmad Shah was an incompetent ruler who left the state affairs in the hands of Udham

Bai, the ‘Queen Mother’.

● Udham Bai, given the title of Qibla-i-Alam, was a lady of poor intellect who ruled with

the help of her paramour, Javid Khan (a notorious eunuch).

Alamgir II (1754-1758)

● Alamgir II was a grandson of Jahandar Shah. Ahmed Shah Abdali, the Iranian invader,

reached Delhi in January 1757.

● During his reign, the Battle of Plassey was fought in June 1757.

Shahjehan III (1758-1759)

Akbar II (1806-37)

● He gave the title of Raja to Rammohan Rai.

● In 1835, the coins bearing the names of Mughal emperors were stopped.

Q.31 Consider the following statements about Shah Alam II:

1. The reign of Shah Alam II saw the Second Battle of Panipat and the Battle of Buxar.

2. He was taken under the East India Company’s protection as per the terms of Treaty of

Allahabad.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

Shah Alam II (1759-1806)

● His reign saw two decisive battles—the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) and the Battle

of Buxar (1764).

● He also issued a farman granting to the Company in perpetuity the Diwani (the right to

collect revenue) of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.

● In 1765, according to the terms of Treaty of Allahabad (August 1765), he was taken

under the East India Company’s protection and resided at Allahabad.

● In 1772, the Marathas took him to Delhi where he lived till 1803.

● In 1803, he again accepted the protection of the English, after the defeat of Daulat Rao

Scindia by the English.

● Afterwards, the Mughal emperors became the pensioners of the English.

Q.32 Consider the following statements about Bahadur Shah Zafar:

1. He was the last Mughal emperor.

2. He was declared the Emperor of India during the revolt of 1857.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

Bahadur Shah II (1837-1857)

● Bahadur Shah II or Bahadur Shah Zafar (Zafar being his surname) was the last Mughal

emperor.

● The Revolt of 1857 had made a futile attempt to declare him the Emperor of India.

● He was captured by the English and sent to Rangoon where he died in 1862.

● In legal terms, the Mughal Empire came to an end on November 1, 1858 with the

declaration of Queen Victoria.

Q.33 Consider the following statements:

1. Kilich Khan was the founder of the Asaf-Jah house of Hyderabad.

2. Kilich Khan appointed Zulfikar Khan, who had first conceived the idea of an independent

state in the Deccan, as the viceroy of Deccan.

3. Nizam-ul-Mulk assumed the title of Asaf-Jah.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

● The founder of the Asaf-Jah house of Hyderabad was Kilich Khan, popularly

known as Nizam-ul-Mulk.

● It was Zulfikar Khan who had first conceived the idea of an independent state in the

Deccan. But with his death in 1713 the dream remained unfulfilled.

● Kilich Khan, disgusted with the Mughal emperor who had appointed Mubariz Khan as

a full-fledged viceroy of the Deccan, decided to fight Mubariz Khan.

● He defeated and later killed Mubariz Khan in the Battle of Shakr-Kheda (1724).

● He now assumed control of the Deccan.

● In 1725, he became the viceroy and conferred on himself the title of Asaf-Jah.

Q.34 Consider the following about the state of Awadh:

1. The founder of the independent principality of Awadh was Burhan-ul-Mulk.

2. Safdar Jang successfully undertook a conspiracy against the Sayyid brothers.

Which of the above is/are true?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).None of the above

Answer: A

Explanation:

● The founder of the independent principality of Awadh was Saadat Khan, popularly

known as Burhan-ul-Mulk. Saadat Khan was a Shia.

● He had joined in a conspiracy against the Sayyid brothers, which resulted in his

being given an increased mansab.

● Later, driven out of the court, he was prompted to found a new independent state.

● Saadat Khan committed suicide due to pressure from Nadir Shah who was demanding a

huge booty from him.

● He was succeeded by Safdar Jang as the Nawab of Awadh.

Q.35 Consider the following pairs about the Empires and their rulers:

1. Rajput- Jai Singh II

2. Mysore- Wodeyars

3. Travancore- Martanda Varma

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Rajputs

● The Rajputs tried to re-establish their independence in the 18th century.

● This forced the Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah I to march against Ajit Singh (1708),

who had formed an alliance with Jai Singh II and Durgadas Rathor.

● But the alliance was broken and the situation was saved for the Mughals.

● At one time the Rajputs controlled the entire territory extending from the south of Delhi

up to the western coast.

Mysore

● This territory located at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats was ruled by the

Wodeyars.

● Various powers, interested in this territory, turned the area into a constant battlefield.

● In the end the Mysore state was brought under the rule of Haider Ali who ruled the state

but not without trouble.

● He was involved in constant warfare with the British and so was his son Tipu Sultan.

Kerala

● Martanda Varma established an independent state of Kerala with Travancore as his

capital.

● He extended the boundaries of his state from Kanyakumari to Cochin.

● He made efforts to organise his army along the Western model and adopted various

measures to develop his state.

Q.36 Consider the following statements about the Jat Empire as it was on the eve of British

conquest of India:

1. Suraj Mal had set up the Jat state of Bharatpur.

2. Churaman and Badan Singh provided an efficient system of administration and also

included the Subahs of Agra, Mathura, Meerut and Aligarh to the Jat empire.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).None of the above

Answer: D

Explanation:

The Jats

● The agriculturist Jat settlers living around Delhi, Mathura, and Agra revolted against the

oppressive policies of Aurangzeb.

● After some initial setbacks, Churaman and Badan Singh succeeded in setting up the

Jat state of Bharatpur. But it was under Suraj Mal that Jat power reached its

zenith.

● He not only provided an efficient system of administration but also territories from

Ganga in the east to Chambal in the south and included the Subahs of Agra,

Mathura, Meerut and Aligarh.

● However, the Jat state suffered a decline after the death of Suraj Mal in 1763.

● Thereafter, the state split into small areas controlled by petty zamindars who mainly lived

by plunder.

Q.37 Consider the following statements:

1. Guru Gobind Singh transformed the Sikhs into a militant sect in defence of their religion.

2. In the wake of the invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Sikhs organised

themselves into 12 misls or confederacies which exercised control over different parts of

the Sikh kingdom.

3. Ranjit Singh established a strong kingdom of Punjab and also entered into the Treaty of

Amritsar with the British.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 3 only

(b).3 only

(c). 1 and 2 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

The Sikhs

● Guru Gobind Singh transformed the Sikhs into a militant sect in defence of their

religion and liberties.

● Banda Bahadur, who later assumed the leadership of the Sikhs in 1708, was defeated and

killed.

● In the wake of the invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Sikhs once

again asserted their authority.

● At this stage they organised themselves into 12 misls or confederacies which

exercised control over different parts of the kingdom.

● The credit for establishing a strong kingdom of Punjab goes to Ranjit Singh.

● He was the son of Mahan Singh, the leader of the Sukarchakiya misl.

● Ranjit Singh brought under control the area extending from the Sutlej to the Jhelum.

● He conquered Lahore in 1799 and Amritsar in 1802.

● By the Treaty of Amritsar with the British, Ranjit Singh acknowledged the British

right over the cis- Sutlej territories.

● Ranjit Singh proved to be an efficient administrator. He greatly modernised his army with

the help of Europeans.

● But towards the close of his reign, the English forced him to sign the Tripartite Treaty in

1838 with Shah Shuja and the English Company whereby he agreed to provide passage to

the British troops through Punjab with a view to placing Shah Shuja on the throne of

Kabul.

● Ranjit Singh died in 1839. His successors could not keep the state intact and, soon

enough, the British took control over it.

Q.38 Consider the following statements:

1. Ali Muhammad Khan set up the kingdom of Rohilakhand after Nadir Shah’s invasion.

2. Mohammad Khan Bangash set up Farrukhabad during the reigns of Farrukhsiyar and

Muhammad Shah.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

Rohilakhand and Farukhabad

● The states of Rohilakhand and the kingdom of the Bangash Pathans were a fall out of the

Afghan migration into India.

● Large scale immigration of Afghans into India took place in mid-18th century because of

political and economic turmoil in Afghanistan.

● Ali Muhammad Khan took advantage of the collapse of authority in north India

following Nadir Shah’s invasion, to set up a petty kingdom, Rohilakhand.

● This was the area of the Himalayan foothills between Kumaon in the north and the Ganga

in the south.

● The Rohillas, as the inhabitants of Rohilakhand were known, suffered heavily at the

hands of the other powers in the area, the Jats and the Awadh rulers and, later, the

Marathas and the British.

● Mohammad Khan Bangash, an Afghan, set up an independent kingdom to the east

of Delhi in the area around Farrukhabad, during the reigns of Farrukhsiyar and

Muhammad Shah.

Q.39 Consider the following pairs of items and the places India used to import goods from

before the British came to India:

1. Arabia—coffee, gold, drugs, and honey

2. Africa—ivory and drugs

3. China—tea, sugar, porcelain, and silk

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

On account of being self-sufficient in handicrafts and agricultural products, India did not import

foreign goods on a large scale. On the other hand, its industrial and agricultural products were in

good demand in foreign markets. Hence its exports were more than its imports; trade was

balanced by import of silver and gold.

Items of Import:

 from Arabia—coffee, gold, drugs, and honey;

 from China—tea, sugar, porcelain, and silk;

 from Tibet—gold, musk, and woollen cloth;

 from Africa—ivory and drugs;

 from Europe— woollen cloth, copper, iron, lead and paper.

Items of Export

Cotton textiles, raw silk and silk fabrics, hardware, indigo, saltpetre, opium, rice, wheat, sugar,

pepper and other spices, precious stones, and drugs.

Q.40 Before the British came to India,

1. Surat, Multan, Lahore, Masulipatnam, Vishakhapatnam, Coimbatore were the important

centres of textile industry in India.

2. Kashmir was a centre of woollen manufactures.

3. Indian shipping also flourished on the Kerala coast at Calicut and Quilon.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 only

(c). 2 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Important Centres of Textile Industry

● Dacca, Murshidabad, Patna, Surat, Ahmedabad, Broach, Chanderi, Burhanpur,

Jaunpur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra, Multan, Lahore, Masulipatnam, Aurangabad,

Chicacole, Vishakhapatnam, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai, etc.;

● Kashmir was a centre of woollen manufactures.

Ship-building Industry

● Maharashtra, the Andhra region and Bengal were the leaders in ship-building.

● Indian shipping also flourished on the Kerala coast at Calicut and Quilon.

● The Zamorin of Calicut used the Muslim Kunjali Maraikkars (who were well known for

their seafaring ability) for his navy.

● Shivaji Bhonsle’s navy put up a good defence on the west coast against the Portuguese.

Q.41 Consider the following statements about Socio-Economic Conditions during the British

conquest of India:

1. Stagnant and technologically backward agriculture, compensated by very hard labour of

peasants.

2. Peasants paid revenues to state, zamindars, jagirdars and revenue-farmers.

3. Trade flourished with gold, musk, woollen cloth, tea, ivory, rose water being exported.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Socio-Economic Conditions during the British conquest of India:

Agriculture

● Stagnant and technologically backward agriculture, compensated by very hard

labour of peasants.

● Peasants paid revenues to state, zamindars, jagirdars and revenue-farmers.

● Major produce/crops: rice, wheat, sugar, pepper, spices, cotton, etc.

Trade and Industry

● Trade flourished. Cotton textiles, raw silk, silk fabrics, hardware, indigo, saltpetre,

opium, rice, wheat, sugar, pepper, spices, precious stones, and drugs were exported.

● Gold, musk, woollen cloth, copper, iron, lead, paper, porcelain, pearls, dates, dried

fruits, coffee, tea, ivory, rose water, etc., were imported.

● The textile industry was famous for its produce. The shipbuilding industry flourished.

The metal industry was also well developed.

Q.42 During the British conquest of India,

1. Hindus in Indian society were divided into many sub-castes which were consistent at any

given place.

2. Higher education was imparted through pathshalas and maktabs.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation:

Society

● Apart from the four varnas, Hindus were divided into many sub-castes which differed

in their nature from place to place.

● Muslims were also divided by considerations of caste, race, tribe, and status, even though

their religion propagated equality.

Education

● Elementary education imparted through pathshalas and maktabs.

● Chatuspathis or Tols among Hindus, and Madrasahs among Muslims were the institutes

of higher learning.

● Absence of the study of science and technology and geography was a general feature.

Q.43 Consider the following statements:

1. Asaf-ud-Daula built the Bada Imambara at Lucknow.

2. Mir, Sauda, Nazir, and Mirza Ghalib were the prominent Urdu poets in the Indian

subcontinent.

3. Telugu language was enriched by Sittar poetry.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).None of the above

Answer: A

Explanation:

Art, Architecture and Culture

● Asaf-ud-Daula, in 1784, built Bada Imambara at Lucknow.

● Sawai Jai Singh built pink-city of Jaipur and five astronomical observatories (Delhi,

Jaipur, Mathura, Benares, Ujjain).

● Painting schools of Kangra and Rajputana came into prominence.

● In northern India, growth of Urdu language and poetry took place.

● Prominent Urdu poets were Mir, Sauda, Nazir, and Mirza Ghalib.

● Regional languages developed. Tamil language was enriched by Sittar poetry.

Q.44 Consider the following statements about the Status of Education during the British

conquest of India:

1. The knowledge excluded the study of physical and natural sciences, technology and

geography.

2. Children from lower castes and females witnessed equal access to education at par with

the higher caste students.

3. Chatuspathis or Tols were the centres of primary education in Bihar and Bengal.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).None of the above

Answer: D

Explanation: Only statement 1 is correct.

Status of Education

● The education imparted in 18th-century India was still traditional which could not match

with the rapid developments in the West.

● The knowledge was confined to literature, law, religion, philosophy, and logic and

excluded the study of physical and natural sciences, technology and geography.

● In fact, due to over-reliance placed on ancient learning, any original thought got

discouraged. Elementary education among the Hindus and the Muslims was quite

widespread. The Hindu and Muslim elementary schools were called pathshalas and

maktabs respectively. The education was confined to reading, writing, and arithmetic.

● Children from the lower caste sometimes attended the schools, but female presence

was rare.

● Chatuspathis or Tols, as they were called in Bihar and Bengal, were the centres of

higher education.

● Some of the famous centres for Sanskrit education were Kasi (Varanasi), Tirhut

(Mithila), Nadia and Utkala.

● Madrasahs were the institutions of higher learning for Persian and Arabic, Persian being

the court language and learnt by the Muslims as well as the Hindus.

● Azimabad (Patna) was a famous centre for Persian education. People interested in the

study of the Quran and Muslim theology had to acquire proficiency in Arabic.

Q.45 Consider the following factors:

1. Shifting allegiance of Zamindars.

2. Rise of regional aspirations.

3. Foreign invasions.

Which of the above factor(s) is/are responsible for the decline of the Mughal Empire?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Some of the main causes for the decline of the Mughals were as follows:

● The government of the Mughals was a personal despotism and so its success depended on

the character of the reigning ruler. The later Mughals were worthless and neglected the

administration of the state.

● With the absence of a definite law of succession, there always occurred a war of

succession; this weakened the stability of the government, and fostered partisanship

at the cost of patriotism.

● The degeneration of the rulers led to the degeneration of the nobility, with factious

quarrels and intrigues costing the empire heavily.

● The deterioration of the army also proved disastrous for the empire.

● The empire had become too vast and unwieldy to be efficiently governed from a central

authority under weak rulers, especially under the existing conditions of transport and

communication.

● Aurangzeb’s religious policy was largely responsible, leading to revolts by Rajputs,

Sikhs, Jats and Marathas.

● Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy was a complete failure and was an important cause of the

downfall of the Mughal empire.

● Invasions of Irani and Durrani kingdoms gave a death-blow to the Mughal empire.

 3: Expansion and Consolidation of British Power in India

Q.46 Consider the following statements about the causes of the Battle of Plassey:

1. The widespread abuse of the Nawab of Bengal's trading rights granted to the British.

2. Non-payment of tax and levy by British East India Company employees

3. British fortification of Calcutta without the Nawab's consent.

Which of the above statement is/are incorrect?

(a). 1 only

(b).1 and 2 only

(c). 3 only

(d).None of the above

Answer: D

Explanation: All the statements are correct.

Majorly, the reasons for the Battle of Plassey are:

● The rampant misuse of the trade privileges given to the British by the Nawab of 

Bengal.

● Non-payment of tax and duty by the workers of the British East India Company.

● Fortification of Calcutta by the British without the Nawab’s permission.

● Misleading Nawab on various fronts by British.

● An asylum was provided to Nawab’s enemy Krishna Das.

Q.47 According to a treaty between Mir Kasim and the Company signed in 1760,

1. Mir Kasim agreed to cede to the Company the districts of Burdwan, Midnapur and 

Chittagong.

2. Mir Kasim agreed to pay off the outstanding dues to the Company.

3. It was agreed that tenants of the nawab’s territory would be allowed to settle in the lands 

of the Company.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c). 1 and 2 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

● Mir Jafar was increasingly irritated by the interference of Clive.

● He entered into a conspiracy with the Dutch at Chinsura.

● But the Dutch were defeated and humbled by the English forces at Bedara in November 

1759.

● The treachery of Mir Jafar and his failure to make the payments due to the Company, 

annoyed the English.

● Meanwhile, Miran, the son of Jafar died and there started a fight for the nawabship of 

Bengal between Mir Kasim, the son-in-law of Mir Jafar, and Miran’s son.

● Vansittart, the new Governor of Calcutta, agreed to support Mir Kasim’s claim after a 

treaty between Mir Kasim and the Company was signed in 1760.

Important features of the treaty were as follows:

● Mir Kasim agreed to cede to the Company the districts of Burdwan, Midnapur and 

Chittagong.

● The Company would get half of the share in chunam trade of Sylhet.

● Mir Kasim agreed to pay off the outstanding dues to the Company.

● Mir Kasim promised to pay a sum of rupees five lakh towards financing the Company’s war 

efforts in southern India.

● It was agreed that Mir Kasim’s enemies were the Company’s enemies, and his friends, the 

Company’s friends.

● It was agreed that tenants of the nawab’s territory would not be allowed to settle in the 

lands of the Company, and vice-versa.

● Under the pressure of the Company, Mir Jafar decided to resign in favour of Mir Kasim. A 

pension of Rs 1,500 per annum was fixed for Mir Jafar.

Q.48 Consider the following about the Battle of Buxar:

1. The combined armies of Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Awadh and Shah Alam II were 

defeated by the English forces under Major Hector Munro.

2. The English were also permitted duty-free trade in Bengal, except for a duty of 2% on 

salt.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 and 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Battle of Buxar

● The combined armies of Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Awadh and Shah Alam II were 

defeated by the English forces under Major Hector Munro at Buxar on October 22, 

1764 in a closely contested battle.

● The English campaign against Mir Kasim was short but decisive.

● The importance of this battle lay in the fact that not only the Nawab of Bengal but also 

the Mughal Emperor of India was defeated by the English.

● The victory made the English a great power in northern India and contenders for the

supremacy over the whole country.

● After the battle, Mir Jafar, who was made Nawab in 1763 when relations between Mir

Kasim and the Company became strained, agreed to hand over the districts of Midnapore,

Burdwan and Chittagong to the English for the maintenance of their army.

● The English were also permitted duty-free trade in Bengal, except for a duty of two

per cent on salt.

● After the death of Mir Jafar, his minor son, Najimud- daula, was appointed nawab, but

the real power of administration lay in the hands of the naib-subahdar, who could be

appointed or dismissed by the English.

Q.49 As per the Treaty of Allahabad,

1. Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula agreed to pay Rs 50 lakh to the Company as war indemnity.

2. Shah Alam II agreed to issue a farman granting the diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa to

the East India Company in lieu of an annual payment.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 and 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Treaty of Allahabad

Robert Clive concluded two important treaties at Allahabad in August 1765—one with the

Nawab of Awadh and the other with the Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II.

Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula agreed to:

● surrender Allahabad and Kara to Emperor Shah Alam II;

● pay Rs 50 lakh to the Company as war indemnity;

● give Balwant Singh, Zamindar of Banaras, full possession of his estate.

Shah Alam II agreed to:

● reside at Allahabad, to be ceded to him by the Nawab of Awadh, under the Company’s

protection;

● issue a farman granting the diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa to the East India

Company in lieu of an annual payment of Rs 26 lakh;

● a provision of Rs 53 lakh to the Company in return for nizamat functions (military

defence, police, and administration of justice) of the said provinces.

Q.50 Consider the following about First Anglo-Mysore War:

1. The English concluded a treaty with the Nizam of Hyderabad (1766) persuading him.

2. The Nizam paid the Marathas to turn them neutral and, promising to share the conquered

territories with the Nizam, converted the Nizam into his ally.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 and 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-69)

● After their easy success in Bengal, the English were confident of their military strength.

● They concluded a treaty with the Nizam of Hyderabad (1766) persuading him to

give them the Northern Circars (region) in lieu of which they said they would

protect the Nizam from Haidar Ali.

● Haidar already had territorial disputes with the Nawab of Arcot and differences with the

Marathas.

Changing Alliances

● The Nizam, the Marathas, and the English allied together against Haidar Ali.

● Haidar acted with considerable tact and diplomatic skill.

● He paid the Marathas to turn them neutral and, promising to share conquered

territories with the Nizam, converted the Nizam into his ally.

● He then joined the Nizam to attack the Nawab of Arcot.

Q.51 Consider the following statements:

1. Annexation of Mahe by the British.

2. Failure of British to fulfill the terms of the defensive treaty with Haider when he was

attacked by the Marathas in 1771.

3. Haider Ali formed a grand alliance with the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Marathas

against the British.

Which of the above is/are considered the reasons for the Second Anglo-Maratha War?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation:

The main causes for the second Anglo-Mysore War were (1780-84):

● The British failed to fulfill the terms of the defensive treaty with Haider when he

was attacked by the Marathas in 1771.

● There was an outbreak of hostilities between the English and the French (an ally of

Haider) during the American War of Independence.

● The British captured Mahe, a French settlement within Haider’s territories.

● Haider Ali formed a grand alliance with the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Marathas

against the British in 1779.

The Second Mysore War came to an end by the Treaty of Mangalore in 1783. Accordingly, all

conquests were mutually restored and the prisoners on both sides were liberated.

Q.52 Which of the following can be stated to be the causes of Third Mysore War held between

1790 and 1792?

1. Expansion of territories by Tipu Sultan at the cost of Raja of Travancore.

2. The tripartite alliance between the British, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Marathas.

Choose the correct statement(s):

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).None of the above

Answer: C

Explanation:

Causes for Third Mysore War (1790-92)

● Tipu Sultan strengthened his position by undertaking various internal reforms. This

created worries to the British, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Marathas.

● Moreover, Tipu made attempts to seek the help of France and Turkey by sending envoys

to those countries.

● He also expanded his territories at the cost of his neighbours, particularly the Raja

of Travancore, who was an ally of the British.

● In 1789, the British concluded a tripartite alliance with the Nizam and the Marathas

against Tipu.

Q.53 Consider the following about the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War:

1. Tipu fulfilled all the terms of the Treaty of Seringapatam and got his sons released.

2. Tipu defeated the English General Stuart and General Harris.

3. The Treaty of Madras was associated with it.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).1 and 2 only

(c). 2 and 3 only

(d).3 only

Answer: A

Explanation:

Fourth Anglo-Mysore War

● The English as well as Tipu Sultan used the period 1792 to 1799 to recoup their losses.

● Tipu fulfilled all the terms of the Treaty of Seringapatam and got his sons released.

● In 1796, when the Hindu ruler of Wodeyar dynasty died, Tipu refused to place

Wodeyar’s minor son on the throne and declared himself sultan.

● He also decided to avenge his humilitating defeat and the terms put by the Treaty of

Seringapatam.

● In 1798, Lord Wellesley succeeded Sir John Shore as the new Governor General.

Course of War

● The war began on April 17, 1799 and ended on May 4, 1799 with the fall of

Seringapatam. Tipu was defeated first by English General Stuart and then by

General Harris.

● Arthur Wellesley, the brother of Lord Wellesley, also participated in the war.

● The English were again helped by the Marathas and the Nizam.

● The English chose a boy from the earlier Hindu royal family of Mysore as the maharaja

and also imposed on him the subsidiary alliance system.

The Treaty of Madras was related to the 1st Anglo-Mysore war. It provided for the

exchange of prisoners and mutual restitution of conquests. Haidar Ali was promised the

help of the English in case he was attacked by any other power.

Q.54 Consider the following with respect to the First Anglo-Maratha War:

1. The Treaty of Purander made Nana Phadnavis the new Peshwa.

2. Treaty of Salbai between Warren Hastings and Mahadaji Scindia gave Salsette and

Bassein to the British.

3. Treaty of Mangalore and Treaty of Surat are associated with the First Anglo-Maratha

War.

Which amongst the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).None of the above

Answer: D

Explanation:

First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-82)

● In 1775, there was a dispute for the post of Peshwa between Madhav Rao and his uncle

Ragunatha Rao. The British authorities in Bombay concluded the Treaty of Surat with

Raghunatha Rao in March 1775. Rahunatha Rao promised to cede Bassein and Salsette to

the British but later when he was unwilling to fulfill his promise, the British captured

them.

● He cancelled the Treaty of Surat and concluded the Treaty of Purandar with Nana

Fadnavis, another Maratha leader. According to this treaty Madhava Rao II was

accepted as the new Peshwa.

● Later in May 1782, the Treaty of Salbai was signed between Warren Hastings and

Mahadaji Scindia. Accordingly, Salsette and Bassein were given to the British.

Raghunath Rao was pensioned off and Madhav Rao II was accepted as the Peshwa.

Q.55 Consider the following about the Second Anglo-Maratha war:

1. The death of Nana Phadnavis in 1800 gave the British an added advantage.

2. Jaswant defeated the armies of the Peshwa and Sindhia decisively at Hadapsar near

Poona.

3. The Peshwa murdered Jaswantrao Holkar.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Second Anglo Maratha War (1803-1805)

● The Second Anglo-Maratha war started in circumstances similar to those of the first.

● After Peshwa Madhavrao Narayan committed suicide in 1795, Bajirao II, the worthless

son of Raghunathrao, became the Peshwa.

● Nana Phadnavis, a bitter foe of Bajirao II, became the chief minister. The dissensions

among the Marathas provided the English with an opportunity to intervene in Maratha

affairs.

● The death of Nana Phadnavis in 1800 gave the British an added advantage.

Course of War

● On April 1, 1801 the Peshwa brutally murdered the brother of Jaswantrao (also called Yashwantrao by some historians) Holkar, Vithuji.

● A furious Jaswant arrayed his forces against the combined armies of Sindhia and Bajirao II.

● The turmoil continued and on October 25, 1802, Jaswant defeated the armies of the

Peshwa and Sindhia decisively at Hadapsar near Poona and placed Vinayakrao, son

of Amritrao, on the Peshwa’s seat.

● A terrified Bajirao II fled to Bassein where, on December 31, 1802, he signed a treaty

with the English.

Q.56 As per the Treaty of Bassein,

1. The Peshwa agreed to give up all claims for chauth on the Nizam’s dominions.

2. The Peshwa agreed to accept the Company’s arbitration in all differences between him

and the Nizam or the Gaekwad.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 and 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

Treaty of Bassein (1802)

Under the treaty, the Peshwa agreed:

● to receive from the Company a native infantry (consisting of not less than 6,000 troops),

with the usual proportion of field artillery and European artillery men attached, to be

permanently stationed in his territories;

● to cede to the Company territories yielding an income of Rs 26 lakh;

● to surrender the city of Surat;

● to give up all claims for chauth on the Nizam’s dominions;

● to accept the Company’s arbitration in all differences between him and the Nizam

or the Gaekwad;

● not to keep in his employment Europeans of any nation at war with the English; and

● to subject his relations with other states to the control of the English.

Q.57 Consider the following pairs:

1. Treaty of Devgaon- Defeat of Bhonsle

2. Treaty of Surajianjangaon- Defeat of Holkar

3. Treaty of Rajpurghat- Defeat of Sindhia

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c). 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

● Defeat of Bhonsle (December 17, 1803, Treaty of Devgaon);

● Defeat of Sindhia (December 30, 1803, Treaty of Surajianjangaon); and

● Defeat of Holkar (1806, Treaty of Rajpurghat).

Q.58 Consider the following about the Third Anglo-Maratha War:

1. The English charged the Marathas with giving shelter to the Pindaris.

2. Pindari leaders like Amir Khan and Karim Khan surrendered.

3. Lord Hastings’ actions taken against the Pindaris were seen as a transgression of the

sovereignty of the Marathas.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-19)

Background

● Lord Hastings had the imperialistic design of imposing British paramountcy. By the

Charter Act of 1813, the East India Company’s monopoly of trade in China (except tea)

ended and hence the company needed more markets.

● The Pindaris, made up of many castes and classes, were attached to Maratha armies as

mercenaries.

● When the Marathas became weak, the Pindaris could not get regular employment.

● As a consequence, they started plundering neighbouring territories, including those of the

Company.

● The English charged the Marathas with giving shelter to the Pindaris.

● Pindari leaders like Amir Khan and Karim Khan surrendered while Chitu Khan fled

into the jungles.

● The Treaty of Bassein, described as “a treaty with a cipher (the Peshwa)”, wounded the

feelings of the other Maratha leaders. They saw the treaty as an absolute surrender of

independence.

● Lord Hastings’ actions taken against the Pindaris were seen as a transgression of

the sovereignty of the Marathas; they served to once again unite the Maratha

confederacy.

● A repentant Bajirao II made a last bid in 1817 by rallying together the Maratha chiefs

against the English in course of the Third Anglo-Maratha War.

Q.59 Consider the following about the Result of the third anglo-maratha war:

1. The Peshwa was defeated at Khirki, Bhonsle at Sitabuldi, and Holkar at Mahidpur.

2. Treaty of Mandasor was signed with Peshwa.

3. The Peshwaship was abolished.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Result of the third anglo-maratha war:

The Peshwa was defeated at Khirki, Bhonsle at Sitabuldi, and Holkar at Mahidpur.

Some important treaties were signed. These were:

o June 1817, Treaty of Poona, with Peshwa.

o November 1817, Treaty of Gwalior, with Sindhia.

o January 1818, Treaty of Mandasor, with Holkar.

● In June 1818, the Peshwa finally surrendered and the Maratha confederacy was dissolved.

● The peshwaship was abolished.

● Peshwa Bajirao became a British retainer at Bithur near Kanpur.

● Pratap Singh, a lineal descendant of Shivaji, was made ruler of a small principality, Satara,

formed out of the Peshwa’s dominions.

Q.60 Consider the following about the Treaty of ‘Eternal Friendship’:

1. Lord Minto sent 3 delegations, Metcalfe was sent to Lahore, Elphinstone to Kabul and

Malcolm to Teheran.

2. The Amirs agreed to a treaty with the English.

3. The Maratha confederacy was defeated in 1818.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Treaty of ‘Eternal Friendship’

● In June 1807, the alliance of Tilsit with Alexander I of Russia was joined by Napoleon

Bonaparte.

● The alliance had as one of its conditions a combined invasion of India by the land route.

Now the British wanted to create a barrier between Russia and British India.

● To achieve this, Lord Minto sent three delegations under the leadership of various

prominent persons to forge alliances.

● Accordingly, Metcalfe was sent to Lahore, Elphinstone to Kabul and Malcolm to

Teheran.

● Sindh was visited by Nicholas Smith who met the Amirs to conclude a defensive

arrangement.

● After negotiations, the Amirs agreed to a treaty—their first-ever treaty with the

English.

● After professing eternal friendship, both sides agreed to exclude the French from Sindh

and to exchange agents at each other’s court.

● The treaty was renewed in 1820 with the addition of an article excluding the Americans

and resolving some border disputes on the side of Kachch after the final defeat of the

Maratha confederacy in 1818.

Q.61 Consider the following about the Treaty of 1832:

1. William Bentinck sent Colonel Pottinger to Punjab to sign this treaty with the Amirs.

2. As per the treaty, no English merchant would settle down in Sindh, and passports would

be needed for travellers.

3. The Amirs agreed to work with the Raja of Jodhpur to put down the robbers of Kachch.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 3 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 2 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Treaty of 1832:

In 1832, William Bentinck sent Colonel Pottinger to Sindh to sign a treaty with the Amirs.

The provisions of the treaty were as follows:

● Free passage through Sindh would be allowed to the English traders and travellers and

the use of Indus for trading purposes; however, no warships would ply, nor any materials

for war would be carried.

● No English merchant would settle down in Sindh, and passports would be needed

for travellers.

● Tariff rates could be altered by the Amirs if found high and no military dues or tolls

would be demanded.

● The Amirs would work with the Raja of Jodhpur to put down the robbers of

Kachch.

● The old treaties were confirmed and the parties would not be jealous of each other.

Q.62 Consider the following about the Tripartite Treaty of 1838:

1. Ranjit Singh signed a tripartite treaty agreeing to British mediation in his disputes with

the Amirs.

2. The exact amount of the tribute was to be determined by the English whose main

objective was to obtain finances for the Afghan adventure.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 and 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

Tripartite Treaty of 1838

● To address the Afghan problem (as the British imagined it) the Company resorted to

further duplicity.

● Firstly, they persuaded Ranjit Singh to sign a tripartite treaty in June 1838 agreeing

to British mediation in his disputes with the Amirs, and then made Emperor Shah

Shuja give up his sovereign rights on Sindh, provided the arrears of tribute were paid.

● The exact amount of the tribute was to be determined by the English whose main

objective was to obtain finances for the Afghan adventure and obtain so much of the

Amirs’ territory as would secure a line of operation against Afghanistan through Sindh.

Q.63 Consider the following about the Treaty of Amritsar:

1. Ranjit Singh was checked to extend his rule over the entire Sikh nation.

2. Ranjit Singh refused to give passage to the British army through his territories to attack

Dost Mohammad.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 and 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

Treaty of Amritsar

● The Treaty of Amritsar was significant for its immediate as well as potential effects.

● It checked one of the most cherished ambitions of Ranjit Singh to extend his rule

over the entire Sikh nation by accepting the river Sutlej as the boundary line for his

dominions and the Company’s.

● Now he directed his energies towards the west and captured Multan (1818), Kashmir

(1819) and Peshawar (1834).

● In June 1838, Ranjit Singh was compelled by political compulsions to sign the Tripartite

Treaty with the English; however he refused to give passage to the British army

through his territories to attack Dost Mohammad, the Afghan Amir.

● The relations of Raja Ranjit Singh with the Company, from 1809 to 1839, clearly indicate

the former’s weak position.

● Although he was conscious of his weak position, he took no step to organise a coalition

of other Indian princes or maintain a balance of power.

● Ranjit Singh died in June 1839 and with his death the process of the decline of his empire

began.

Q.64 Consider the following about the causes of First Anglo-Sikh War:

1. the action of the Sikh army crossing the River Sutlej.

2. the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh resulting in a power struggle.

3. increase in the number of English troops being stationed near the border with the Lahore

kingdom.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1, 2 and 3

(d).None of the above

Answer: C

Explanation:

First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46)

Causes

● The outbreak of the first of the Anglo-Sikh wars has been attributed to the action of the

Sikh army crossing the River Sutlej on December 11, 1845.

● This was seen as an aggressive manoeuvre that provided the English with the

justification to declare war.

● The causes were, however, much more complex and may be listed as follows:

o the anarchy in the Lahore kingdom following the death of Maharaja Ranjit

Singh resulting in a power struggle for domination between the court at Lahore

and the ever powerful and increasingly local army;

o suspicions amongst the Sikh army arising from English military campaigns to

achieve the annexation of Gwalior and Sindh in 1841 and the campaign in

Afghanistan in 1842; and

o the increase in the number of English troops being stationed near the border

with the Lahore kingdom.

Q.65 Consider the following:

1. As per the Treaty of Bhairowal, war indemnity of more than 1 crore of rupees was to be

given to the English.

2. According to the provisions of the Treaty of Lahore, Rani Jindan was removed as regent

and a council of regency for Punjab was set up.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 and 2

Answer: D

Explanation:

Treaty of Lahore (March 8, 1846)

The end of the first Anglo-Sikh War forced the Sikhs to sign a humiliating treaty on March 8,

1846.

The main features of the Treaty of Lahore were as follows:

● War indemnity of more than 1 crore of rupees was to be given to the English.

● The Jalandhar Doab (between the Beas and the Sutlej) was annexed to the Company’s

dominions.

● A British resident was to be established at Lahore under Henry Lawrence.

● The strength of the Sikh army was reduced.

● Daleep Singh was recognised as the ruler under Rani Jindan as regent and Lal Singh as

wazir.

● Since, the Sikhs were not able to pay the entire war indemnity, Kashmir including Jammu

was sold to Gulab Singh and he was required to pay Rupees 75 lakh to the Company as

the price.

● The transfer of Kashmir to Gulab Singh was formalised by a separate treaty on March 16,

1846.

Treaty of Bhairowal

● The Sikhs were not satisfied with the Treaty of Lahore over the issue of Kashmir, so they

rebelled.

● In December, 1846, the Treaty of Bhairowal was signed.

● According to the provisions of this treaty, Rani Jindan was removed as regent and a

council of regency for Punjab was set up.

● The council consisted of 8 Sikh sardars presided over by the English Resident, Henry

Lawrence.

Q.66 Consider the following about the Second Anglo-Sikh War:

1. It took place during the reign of Lord Dalhousie.

2. Battle of Ramnagar and Battle of Gujarat are associated with it.

3. It resulted into the surrender of the Sikh army and Sher Singh in 1849.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49)

● The then Governor-General of India, Lord Dalhousie, a hardcore expansionist, got the

pretext to annex Punjab completely.

Course of War

Lord Dalhousie himself proceeded to Punjab. Three important battles were fought before the

final annexation of Punjab. These three battles were:

o Battle of Ramnagar, led by Sir Hugh Gough, the commander-in-chief of the

Company.

o Battle of Chillhanwala, January, 1849.

o Battle of Gujarat, February 21, 1849; the Sikh army surrendered at Rawalpindi,

and their Afghan allies were chased out of India. (Gujarat is a small town on the

banks of River Jhelum.)

At the end of the war came:

● surrender of the Sikh army and Sher Singh in 1849;

● annexation of Punjab; and for his services the Earl of Dalhousie was given the thanks of

the British Parliament and a promotion in the peerage, as Marquess;

Q.67 Consider the following about the Application of Subsidiary Alliance:

1. The Company offered to help a friendly Indian state with its troops to fight any war the

state might be engaged in.

2. The Company promised that it would recruit, train, and maintain a fixed number of

soldiers under the Kings and Princes of the state.

3. When the state failed to pay the protection fee in time, it was asked to cede certain parts

of its territories to the Company in lieu of payment.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Stages of Application of Subsidiary Alliance

There were four stages in the evolution of the subsidiary alliance.

● In the first stage, the Company offered to help a friendly Indian state with its troops

to fight any war the state might be engaged in.

● The second stage consisted of making a common cause with the Indian state now made

friendly and taking the field with its own soldiers and those of the state.

● Now came the third stage when the Indian ally was asked not for men but for money. In

return, the Company promised that it would recruit, train, and maintain a fixed

number of soldiers under British officers, and that the contingent would be available to

the ruler for his personal protection as also for keeping out aggressors.

● In the fourth or the last stage, the money or the protection fee was fixed, usually at a

high level; when the state failed to pay the money in time, it was asked to cede

certain parts of its territories to the Company in lieu of payment.

Q.68 Which of the following forms the correct sequence of states who accepted subsidiary

alliance

(a).Hyderabad - Tanjore - Awadh

(b).Berar - Peshwa - Bharatpur

(c).Mysore - Tanjore - Hyderabad

(d).Jaipur - Holkars - Sindhia

Answer: A

Explanation:

States which Accepted Subsidiary Alliance

The Indian princes who accepted the subsidiary system were:

● the Nizam of Hyderabad (September 1798 and 1800),

● the ruler of Mysore (1799),

● the ruler of Tanjore (October 1799),

● the Nawab of Awadh (November 1801),

● the Peshwa (December 1801),

● the Bhonsle Raja of Berar (December 1803),

● the Sindhia (February 1804),

● the Rajput states of Jodhpur, Jaipur, Macheri, Bundi and the ruler of Bharatpur (1818).

The Holkars were the last Maratha confederation to accept the Subsidiary Alliance in 1818.

Q.69 As per the 'Doctrine of Lapse' of the colonial government,

1. If an Indian ruler died without a male heir his kingdom would become part of Company

territory

2. Payment lapses from a Kingdom to the British crown would lead to automatic annexation

of the kingdom

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).None

Answer: A

Explanation:

● Lord Dalhousie started the final wave of annexation as the Governor-General from 1848

to 1856. He devised a policy that came to be known as the Doctrine of Lapse.

● The doctrine declared that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir his kingdom

would "lapse", that is, become part of Company territory.

● One kingdom after another was annexed simply by applying this doctrine: Satara (1848),

Sambalpur (1850), Udaipur (1852), Nagpur (1853) and Jhansi (1854).

● Finally, in 1856, the Company also took over Awadh citing "obligation" and "duty" to

protect Awadh people from exploitation.

● This finally lead to the 1857 revolt.

Q.70 Consider the following with reference to Modern Indian History:

1. The Doctrine of Lapse

2. The Subsidiary Alliance

3. The Treaty of Lahore

4. The Pitt's India Act

The right order of the above Indian historical events (beginning with the most recent) is-

(a). 3214

(b).1234

(c). 2143

(d).4231

Answer: D

Explanation:

● Elimination can easily yield the right answer. There is only option where Doctrine of

lapse (Dalhousie 1848-1856) is shown to have happened after enactment of Pitt’s India

Act 1784.

● The doctrine of subsidiary alliance was introduced by Lord Wellesley, British

Governor-General in India from 1798 to 1805.

● After the defeat of the Sikhs at the Battle of Sobraon the British were able to march into

Lahore without any further battles.

● The Treaty of Lahore was signed in 1846 after the First Sikh War.

Q.71 Consider the following about the Anglo-Nepalese Relations:

1. The Gorkhas wrested control of Nepal from the successors of Ranjit Malla of Bhatgaon

in 1760.

2. In 1801, the English annexed Gorakhpur.

3. As per the treaty of Sagauli, Nepal got the districts of Garhwal and Kumaon from the

British.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Anglo-Nepalese Relations

● The Gorkhas wrested control of Nepal from the successors of Ranjit Malla of

Bhatgaon in 1760.

● They began to expand their dominion beyond the mountains.

● They found it easier to expand in the southern direction, as the north was well defended

by the Chinese.

● In 1801, the English annexed Gorakhpur which brought the Gorkhas’ boundary

and the Company’s boundary together.

● The conflict started due to the Gorkhas’ capture of Butwal and Sheoraj in the period of

Lord Hastings (1813-23).

● The war, ended in the Treaty of Sagauli, 1816 which was in favour of the British.

As per the treaty,

● Nepal accepted a British resident.

● Nepal ceded the districts of Garhwal and Kumaon, and abandoned claims to Terai.

● Nepal also withdrew from Sikkim.

This agreement brought many advantages to the British—

● the British empire now reached the Himalayas;

● it got better facilities for trade with Central Asia;

● it acquired sites for hill stations, such as Shimla, Mussoorie and Nainital; and

● The Gorkhas joined the British Indian Army in large numbers.

Q.72 Consider the following about the First Burma War:

1. It was fought upon the continuous friction along the ill-defined border between Bengal

and Burma.

2. Treaty of Yandabo established peace after the war.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 and 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

First Burma War (1824-26)

● The first war with Burma was fought when the Burmese expansion westwards and

occupation of Arakan and Manipur, and the threat to Assam and the Brahmaputra

Valley led to continuous friction along the ill-defined border between Bengal and

Burma, in the opening decades of the nineteenth century.

● The British expeditionary forces occupied Rangoon in May 1824 and reached within 72

km of the capital at Ava.

● Peace was established in 1826 with the Treaty of Yandabo which provided that the

Government of Burma

o pay rupees one crore as war compensation;

o cede its coastal provinces of Arakan and Tenasserim;

o abandon claims on Assam, Cachar and Jaintia;

o recognise Manipur as an independent state;

o negotiate a commercial treaty with Britain; and

● accept a British resident at Ava, while posting a Burmese envoy at Calcutta.

Q.73 Consider the following about the Second Burma War:

1. It was the result of the imperialist policy of Lord Hastings.

2. The British occupied Pegu.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 and 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

Second Burma War (1852)

● The second war was the result of the British commercial need and the imperialist

policy of Lord Dalhousie.

● The British merchants were keen to get hold of timber resources of upper Burma and also

sought further inroads into the Burmese market.

● This time, the British occupied Pegu, the only remaining coastal province of Burma.

● An intense guerrilla resistance had to be overcome before complete British control of

lower Burma could be established.

Q.74 Consider the following about the Third Burma War:

1. Lord Dufferin played a vital role in it.

2. The Burmese nationalist movement intensified under Aung San during the Third Burma

War.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 and 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

Third Burma War (1885)

● After the death of Burmese King Bhindan, his son Thibaw succeeded to the throne.

● Thibaw, from the beginning itself, was hostile towards the British.

● The British merchants at Rangoon and lower Burma had been complaining about the

step-motherly treatment by Thibaw, who had also been negotiating commercial treaties

with the rival powers of France, Germany and Italy.

● The French also planned to lay a rail link from Mandalay to the French territory at a time

when the British were in conflict with the French in Niger, Egypt and Madagascar.

● A humiliating fine had been imposed on a British timber company by Thibaw.

● Dufferin ordered the invasion and final annexation of upper Burma in 1885.

o The British had to face a strong guerrilla uprising in the whole of Burma soon

after, and a nationalist movement after the First World War.

o The Burmese nationalists joined hands with the Indian National Congress. To

weaken this link, Burma was separated from India in 1935.

o The Burmese nationalist movement further intensified under Aung San

during the Second World War, which finally led to the independence of Burma

on January 4, 1948.

Q.75 Consider the following:

1. Younghusband Commission provided that Tibet would pay an indemnity to the British.

2. Tibet would not grant any control over foreign affairs of Tibet to any foreign state

including the Great Britain.

Which of the above is/are incorrect?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 and 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

Younghusband dictated terms to the Tibetan officials which provided that—

● Tibet would pay an indemnity of Rs 75 lakh at the rate of one lakh rupees per

annum;

● as a security for payment, the Indian Government would occupy the Chumbi Valley

(territory between Bhutan and Sikkim) for 75 years;

● Tibet would respect the frontier of Sikkim;

● Trade marts would be opened at Yatung, Gyantse, Gartok; and

● Tibet would not grant any concession for railways, roads, telegraph, etc., to any

foreign state, but give Great Britain some control over foreign affairs of Tibet.

● Later, on the insistence of the Secretary of State and true to the pledge given to Russia,

the treaty was revised reducing the indemnity from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 25 lakh and

providing for evacuation of Chumbi valley after three years (the valley was actually

evacuated only in January 1908).

Q.76 The provisions of the Tripartite Treaty of 1838 that was entered into by the British, Sikhs

and Shah Shuja included that:

1. Shah Shuja was enthroned with the armed help of the Amirs of Sindh.

2. Shah Shuja give up his sovereign rights over the Sikhs.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 and 2

Answer: D

Explanation:

a Tripartite Treaty (1838) was entered into by the British, Sikhs and Shah Shuja (who had been

deposed from the Afghan throne in 1809 and had been living since then as a British pensioner at

Ludhiana). The treaty provided that—

● Shah Shuja be enthroned with the armed help of the Sikhs, the Company remaining

in the background, ‘jingling the money-bag’;

● Shah Shuja conduct foreign affairs with the advice of the Sikhs and the British;

● Shah Shuja give up his sovereign rights over Amirs of Sindh in return for a large

sum of money;

● Shah Shuja recognise the Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s claims over the Afghan

territories on the right bank of the River Indus.

Q.77 Consider the following about the policy of masterly inactivity:

1. It was started by John Lawrence.

2. It was a reaction to the disasters of the First Afghan War.

3. It rested on the fulfilment of 2 conditions one of which was that no candidate in civil war

sought foreign help.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation:

John Lawrence and the Policy of Masterly Inactivity

● John Lawrence (1864-1869) started a policy of masterly inactivity which was a

reaction to the disasters of the First Afghan War and an outcome of practical common

sense and an intimate knowledge of the frontier problem and of Afghan passion for

independence.

● Even when Dost Mohammed died in 1863, there was no interference in the war of

succession.

● Lawrence’s policy rested on the fulfilment of two conditions—

o that the peace at the frontier was not disturbed, and

o that no candidate in civil war sought foreign help.

And as Sher Ali established himself on the throne, Lawrence tried to cultivate friendship with

him.

Q.78 Consider the following statements:

1. The Treaty of Gandamak that was signed with Yakub Khan was associated with the

Second Anglo-Afghan War.

2. The treaty of Gandamak provided that a permanent British resident be stationed at Kabul.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).None of the above

Answer: C

Explanation:

Second Anglo-Afghan War (1870-80)

Lytton made an offer of a favourable treaty to Sher Ali, but the Amir wanted friendship with

both his powerful neighbours, Russia and British India, while keeping both of them at an arm’s

length. Later, Sher Ali refused to keep a British envoy in Kabul while having earlier granted a

similar concession to the Russians. Lytton was displeased, and when the Russians withdrew their

envoy from Kabul, Lytton decided to invade

Afghanistan. Sher Ali fled in face of the British invasion, and the Treaty of Gandamak (May

1879) was signed with Yakub Khan, the eldest son of Sher Ali.

Treaty of Gandamak (May 1879)

The treaty signed after the Second-Anglo Afghan War provided that:

● the Amir conduct his foreign policy with the advice of Government of India

● a permanent British resident be stationed at Kabul

● the Government of India give Amir all support against foreign aggression, and an annual

subsidy.

But soon, Yakub had to abdicate under popular pressure.

Q.79 Which of the following statements about the 'Summary Settlement of 1856' is correct?

(a).It was the British-introduced revenue settlement system in the Maratha area that

superseded the Chauth and Sardeshmukhi systems.

(b).It was the British-introduced revenue settlement method in the Awadh area.

(c).It was a mechanism created by the British in order to reach an agreement with the

princely kingdoms over disputed regions.

(d).None of the above

Answer: C

Explanation:

● In 1851 Governor General Lord Dalhousie described the kingdom of Awadh as “a cherry

that will drop into our mouth one day”.

● Five years later, in 1856, the kingdom was formally annexed to the British Empire.

● The annexation displaced not just the Nawab. It also dispossessed the taluqdars of the

region. The British land revenue policy further undermined the position and authority of

the taluqdars.

● After annexation, the first British revenue settlement, known as the Summary Settlement

of 1856, was based on the assumption that the taluqdars were interlopers with no

permanent stakes in land, they had established their hold over land through force and

fraud.

● The Summary Settlement proceeded to remove the taluqdars wherever possible.

● It was a mechanism created by the British in order to reach an agreement with the

princely kingdoms over disputed regions.

4: People’s Resistance Against British Before 1857

Q.80 Consider the following about factors responsible for the people’s resentment and uprisings

against the Company rule:

1. Extension of revenue administration over tribal lands.

2. Heavy duties on Indian industries, especially export duties.

3. Destruction of indigenous industry.

4. Forceful migration of workers from industry to agriculture.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 2, 3 and 4 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1, 2 and 3 only

(d).All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation:

Causative Factors for People’s Uprisings

The major factors responsible for the people’s resentment and uprisings against the Company

rule are as follows.

● Colonial land revenue settlements, heavy burden of new taxes, eviction of peasants from

their lands, and encroachments on tribal lands.

● Exploitation in rural society coupled with the growth of intermediary revenue collectors,

tenants and moneylenders.

● Expansion of revenue administration over tribal lands leading to the loss of tribal

people’s hold over agricultural and forest land.

● Promotion of British manufactured goods, heavy duties on Indian industries, especially

export duties, leading to devastation of Indian handloom and handicraft industries.

● Destruction of indigenous industry leading to migration of workers from industry to

agriculture, increasing the pressure on land/agriculture.

Q.81 Consider the following about the causes of Civil Uprisings during British rule:

1. Several zamindars and poligars had personal issues with the British rulers.

2. The British exploited the handicraft artisans by making them to work at unacceptable

working conditions.

3. The priestly classes instigated hatred and rebellion against alien rule.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Major Causes of Civil Uprisings

● Under the Company rule, there were rapid changes in the economy, administration and

land revenue system that went against the people.

● Several zamindars and poligars who had lost control over their land and its

revenues due to the colonial rule, had personal scores to settle with the new rulers.

● The ego of traditional zamindars and poligars was hurt due to being sidelined in rank by

government officials and a new class comprising of merchants and money-lenders.

● The ruin of Indian handicraft industries due to colonial policies impoverished

millions of artisans whose misery was further compounded by the disappearance of their

traditional patrons and buyers—princes, chieftains, and zamindars.

● The priestly classes instigated hatred and rebellion against alien rule, because the

religious preachers, priests, pundits, maulvis, etc., had been dependent on the traditional

landed and bureaucratic elite. The fall of zamindars and feudal lords directly affected

the priestly class.

● The foreign character of the British rulers, who always remained alien to this land, and

their contemptuous treatment of the native people hurt the pride of the latter.

Q.82 Consider the following about the Sanyasi Revolt of 1763- 1800:

1. Warren Hastings could not subdue it and hence he ended up resigning from his position.

2. Majnum Shah, Chirag Ali, Musa Shah and Bhawani Pathak were associated with it.

3. Bankim Chandra's novel Devi Chaudhurani was based on this very revolt.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Sanyasi Revolt (1763-1800)

● The disastrous famine of 1770 and the harsh economic order of the British

compelled a group of sanyasis in Eastern India to fight the British yoke.

● Originally peasants, even some evicted from land, these sanyasis were joined by a large

number of dispossessed small zamindars, disbanded soldiers and rural poor.

● They raided Company factories and the treasuries, and fought the Company’s forces.

● It was only after a prolonged action that Warren Hastings could subdue the

sanyasis.

● Equal participation of Hindus and Muslims characterised the uprisings, sometimes

referred to as the Fakir Rebellion.

● Majnum Shah (or Majnu Shah), Chirag Ali, Musa Shah, Bhawani Pathak and Debi

Chaudhurani were important leaders.

● Debi Chaudhurani’s participation recognises the women’s role in early resistances against

the British.

● Anandamath, a semi-historical novel by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, is based on the

Sanyasi Revolt.

● Bankim Chandra also wrote a novel, Devi Chaudhurani, as he saw the importance

of women too taking up the struggle against an alien rule that posed a threat to

traditional Indian values.

Q.83 Consider the following statements about the revolt of the Moamarias:

1. The revolt of the Moamarias in 1769 was a potent challenge to the authority of Ahom

kings of Assam.

2. The Moamarias were the high-caste peasants who followed the teachings of

Aniruddhadeva.

3. British help was sought to crush the revolt of the Moamarias by the Ahom ruler.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Revolt of Moamarias (1769-99)

● The revolt of the Moamarias in 1769 was a potent challenge to the authority of

Ahom kings of Assam.

● The Moamarias were low-caste peasants who followed the teachings of

Aniruddhadeva (1553-1624), and their rise was similar to that of other low-caste groups

in north India.

● Their revolts weakened the Ahoms and opened the doors for others to attack the region,

for instance, in 1792, the King of Darrang (Krishnanarayan), assisted by his band of

burkandazes (the demobilised soldiers of the Muslim armies and zamindars) revolted.

● To crush these revolts, the Ahom ruler had to request for British help. The

Moamarias made Bhatiapar their headquarters.

● Rangpur (now in Bangladesh) and Jorhat were the most affected region. Although, the

Ahom kingdom survived the rebellion, the weakened kingdom fell to a Burmese invasion

and finally came under British rule.

Q.84 Consider the following:

1. Damodar Singh and Jagannath Dhal were associated with the uprisings in Palamau.

2. Bhukhan Singh, an Ahom chief, rose in rebellion in the Uprisings in Palamau.

3. Colonel Jones from the British side was associated with the Palamau uprisings.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).None of the above

Answer: D

Explanation: Only statement 3 is correct.

Revolt in Midnapore and Dhalbhum (1766-74)

● The English took hold of Midnapore in 1760 and at that time there were about 3,000

zamindars and talukdars having cordial relations with their ryots.

● But this harmonious scenario changed after the introduction of new land revenue system

by the English in 1772.

● The zamindars of Midnapore sided with the ryots in case of conflict between the ryots

and the English revenue collecting officials.

● The zamindars of Dhalbhum, Manbhum, Raipur, Panchet, Jhatibuni, Karnagarh, and

Bagri, living in the vast tract of Jungle Mahals of west and north-west Midnapore—were

ultimately dispossessed of their zamindaries by 1800s. The important leaders of the

uprisings were Damodar Singh and Jagannath Dhal.

Uprisings in Palamau (1800-02)

● The political situation of Palamau was complicated by the crises of agrarian landlordism

and feudal system.

● In 1800, Bhukhan Singh, a Chero chief, rose in rebellion.

● Colonel Jones camped for two years in Palamau and Sarguja to suppress the rebellion.

● Bhukhan Singh died in 1802 and subsequently the insurrection calmed down.

Q.85 Consider the following about the Poligars’ Revolt:

1. The main centres of included Thirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, and North Arcot.

2. It was a result of the Nawab of Arcot giving the management and control of Tirunelveli

and the Carnatic Provinces to the East India Company.

3. It started with the resentment over taxation which later came to have a larger political

dimension.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Poligars’ Revolt (1795-1805)

● The poligars (or palayakkarargal) of South India gave a stiff resistance to the British

between 1795 and 1805.

● The main centres of these strong uprisings were Tinneveli (or Thirunelveli),

Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Sivagiri, Madurai, and North Arcot.

● The problem started in 1781, when the Nawab of Arcot gave the management and

control of Tinneveli and the Carnatic Provinces to the East India Company.

● This arrangement caused resentment among the poligars who had, for long considered

themselves as independent sovereign authorities within their respective territories.

● The first revolt of the poligars against the Company was basically over taxation, but

had a larger political dimension in that the English considered and treated the

poligars as enemies.

Q.86 Consider the following statements with respect to Diwan Velu Thampi’s Revolt.

1. The area was deeply resentful of Wellesley's subsidiary alliance arrangement in 1805.

2. The Maharaja of Travancore backed the insurgency.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

Diwan Velu Thampi’s Revolt (1808-1809)

● The East India Company’s harsh conditions imposed on the state of Travancore, after

both of them agreed to a subsidiary alliance arrangement under Wellesley in 1805,

caused deep resentment in the region.

● The ruler was not able to pay the subsidy and fell in arrears.

● The British resident of Travancore was meddling in the internal affairs of the state.

● The high-handed attitude of the Company compelled Prime Minister (or Dalawa) Velu

Thampi to rise against the Company, assisted by the Nair troops.

● Velu Thampi addressed a gathering in Kundara, openly calling for taking up arms against

the British to oust them from the native soil. This was later known as the Kundara

Proclamation.

● There was a large-scale rebellion against the British as a result.

● A large military operation had to be undertaken to restore peace.

● The Maharaja of Travancore had not wholly supported the rebellion and defected

to the side of the Company.

● Velu Thampi killed himself to avoid capture. The rebellion petered out.

Q.87 Consider the following statements about Kutch Rebellion of 1816-1832:

1. The British defeated and deposed the Kutch ruler Rao Bharamal in favour of his infant

son.

2. A British resident governed the areas as the de facto ruler with the help of a regency

council.

3. The Company's extensive military operations successfully subdued the rebellion.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Kutch or Cutch Rebellion (1816-1832)

● There was a treaty between the British and Maharaja Bharamal II of Kutch in 1816, by

which power was vested in the throne.

● There was, however, a power struggle between the maharaja and a group of chieftains.

● The British interfered in the internal feuds of the Kutch and, in 1819, Raja Bharmal II

raised Arab and African troops with the firm intention of removing the British from his

territory.

● The chieftains ranged on his side.

● The British defeated and deposed the Kutch ruler Rao Bharamal in favour of his

infant son.

● A British resident governed the areas as the de facto ruler with the help of a regency

council.

● The administrative innovations made by the regency council coupled with excessive land

assessment caused deep resentment.

● In the meanwhile, some of the chieftains continued their rebellion against alien rule.

● The news of the British reverses in the Burma War emboldened the chiefs to rise in revolt

and demand the restoration of Bharamal II.

● After extensive military operations failed to control the situation, the Company’s

authorities were compelled to follow a conciliatory policy.

Q.88 Consider the pairs of the risings and the facts associated with them:

1. Rising at Bareilly (1816): immediate cause was the imposition of the police tax.

2. Upsurge in Hathras (1817): Dayaram was an associated personality

3. Rising at Bareilly (1816): Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur and Rampur

Which of the above pair(s) is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Rising at Bareilly (1816)

● The immediate cause of upsurge was the imposition of the police tax which aroused

the burning indignation of the citizens. The issue became religious when Mufti

Muhammad Aiwaz, a venerated old man, gave a petition to the magistrate of the town in

March 1816.

● The situation aggravated further when the police, while collecting tax, injured a woman.

This event led to a bloody scuffle between the followers of the Mufti and the police.

● Within two days of the event, several armed Muslims from Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur and

Rampur rose in rebellion for the defence of the faith and the Mufti.

● In April 1816, the insurgents murdered the son of Leycester (judge of provincial court of

Bareilly). The uprising could only be suppressed with heavy deployment of military

forces in which more than 300 rebels were killed and even more wounded and

imprisoned.

● The upsurge seems to have been the product more of discontent than of actual

grievance—the elements of discontent lying in the very nature of the alien administration.

Upsurge in Hathras (1817)

● Dayaram, a talukdar of several villages in the district of Aligarh, had a strong base

in the fort of Hathras.

● The fort, considered to be among the strongest in India—a ‘second Bharatpur’—had

walls of great height, and thickness, defended by a deep ditch and artillery mounted at the

top.

● The English had concluded the settlement of Hathras estate with Dayaram as a farmer.

But due to progressively increasing high revenues, Dayaram constantly failed to pay

arrears and even committed many acts of hostility by giving harbour to government

fugitives.

● So, the Company with a large army attacked Hathras in February 1817. Dayaram fought

bravely for more than 15 days and escaped unharmed.

● But, ultimately, he was obliged to come back on condition of submission and settled

down with a pension. Another noted rebel Bhagwant Singh, Raja of Mursan, frightened

to dismantle his fort, submitted to the government.

Q.89 Consider the following about the Paika Rebellion of 1817:

1. The Paiks of Andhra Pradesh were the traditional landed militia who enjoyed rent free

land tenures for their military service and policing functions on a hereditary basis.

2. The dethronement of the Raja of Khurda had greatly reduced the power and prestige of

the Paiks.

3. Dinabandhu Santra is associated with it.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Paika Rebellion (1817)

● The Paiks of Odisha were the traditional landed militia (‘foot soldiers’ literally) and

enjoyed rent free land tenures for their military service and policing functions on a

hereditary basis.

● The English Company’s conquest of Odisha in 1803, and the dethronement of the Raja

of Khurda had greatly reduced the power and prestige of the Paiks.

● Further, the extortionist land revenue policy of the Company caused resentment among

zamindars and peasants alike. Common masses were affected by the rise in prices of salt

due to taxes imposed on it, abolition of cowrie currency and the requirement of payment

of taxes in silver, etc.

● Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar had been the military chief of the forces of the Raja

of Khurda.

● In 1814, Jagabandhu’s ancestral estate of Killa Rorang was taken over by the Company,

reducing him to penury. The spark was lighted by the arrival of a body of Khonds from

Gumsur into

● the Khurda territory in March 1817. With active support of Mukunda Deva, the last Raja

of Khurda, and other zamindars of the region, Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar led a sundry

army of Paikas forcing the East India Company forces to retreat for a time.

● The rebellion came to be known as the Paika Bidroh (rebellion). The initial success of the

rebels set the whole province covering Odisha in arms against the British government for

some time.

● Jagabandhu, declared an outlaw, along with other rebels, was sheltered by the Raja of

Nayagarh.

● Although Dinabandhu Santra and his group surrendered in November 1818,

Jagabandhu evaded British vigilance.

● In spite of rewards offered, none of the people of the province betrayed their leaders.

● Though Khurda was back under Company control by mid-1817, the Paika rebels resorted

to guerilla tactics. The rebellion was brutally repressed by 1818.

● Priests at the Puri temple who had sheltered Jagabandhu were caught and hanged. Paiks

on the whole suffered greatly. In 1825 Jagabandhu surrendered under negotiated terms.

(Some sources say he was captured and died in captivity in 1829).

● The Paik Rebellion succeeded in getting large remissions of arrears, reductions in

assessments, suspension of the sale of the estates of defaulters at discretion, a new

settlement on fixed tenures and other adjuncts of a liberal governance

Q.90 Consider the following:

1. Waghera Rising of 1818-1820 was a result of the exactions of the Gaekwad of Baroda

supported by the British government.

2. Gomdhar Konwar, Dhanjoy Bongohain, and Jairam Khargharia Phukan are related to the

Ahom Revolt of 1828.

3. The Company decided to follow a conciliatory policy to subdue the Ahom Revolt of 1828

and handed over Upper Assam to Maharaja Purandar Singh Narendra.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Waghera Rising (1818-1820)

● Resentment against the alien rule coupled with the exactions of the Gaekwad of Baroda

supported by the British government compelled the Waghera chiefs of Okha

Mandal to take up arms. The Wagheras carried out inroads into British territory during

1818-19. A peace treaty was signed in November 1820.

Ahom Revolt (1828)

● The British had pledged to withdraw from Assam after the First Burma War (1824-26).

● But, after the war, instead of withdrawing, the British attempted to incorporate the

Ahoms’ territories in the Company’s dominion.

● This sparked off a rebellion in 1828 under the leadership of Gomdhar Konwar, an

Ahom prince, alongwith compatriots, such as Dhanjoy Bongohain, and Jairam

Khargharia Phukan.

● Assembling near Jorhat, the rebels formally made Gomdhar Konwar the king.

● Finally, the Company decided to follow a conciliatory policy and handed over Upper

Assam to Maharaja Purandar Singh Narendra and part of the kingdom was restored

to the Assamese king.

Q.91 Consider the following statements about Surat salt agitations,

1. The increase in salt tax from 50 paise to one rupee sparked widespread outrage.

2. Following the agitation, the government removed the extra salt fee.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

Surat Salt Agitation: The raising of salt duty from 50 paise to one rupee in 1844 by the

government caused great discontent among the people.

● They attacked some Europeans. Faced with a popular movement, the Government

withdrew the additional salt levy.

● Similarly in 1848, the Government's decision to introduce Bengal Standard Weights and

Measures had to be withdrawn against the people's determined bid to resort to boycott

and passive resistance.

Q.92 Consider the following statements with respect to Kuka Movement.

1. Bhagat Jawahar Mal started the movement in Western Punjab.

2. After the British took over Punjab, the religious cleansing drive became a political one.

3. The Kukas popularised the concepts of Swadeshi and non-cooperation.

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Kuka Movement

● The Kuka Movement was founded in 1840 by Bhagat Jawahar Mal (also called Sian

Saheb) in western Punjab.

● A major leader of the movement after him was Baba Ram Singh. (He founded the

Namdhari Sikh sect.)

● After the British took Punjab, the movement got transformed from a religious

purification campaign to a political campaign.

● Its basic tenets were the abolition of caste and similar discriminations among Sikhs,

discouraging the consumption of meat and alcohol and drugs, permission for

intermarriages, widow remarriage, and encouraging women to step out of seclusion.

● On the political side, the Kukas wanted to remove the British and restore Sikh rule over

Punjab; they advocated wearing hand-woven clothes and boycott English laws and

education and products.

● So, the concepts of Swadeshi and non-cooperation were propagated by the Kukas,

much before they became part of the Indian national movement in the early twentieth

century.

● As the movement gained in popularity, the British took several steps to crush it in the

period between 1863 and 1872.

● In 1872, Ram Singh was deported to Rangoon.

Q.93 Consider the following:

1. The Narkelberia revolt later merged into the Wahabi movement.

2. The Pagal Panthis were a semi-religious group constituting of the Hajong and Garo tribes

of Mymensingh district in Bengal, was founded by Karam Shah.

3. The government introduced an equitable arrangement to protect the Pagal Panthi tribal

peasants.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Peasant Movements with religious overtones:

Narkelberia Uprising

● Mir Nithar Ali (1782-1831) or Titu Mir inspired the Muslim tenants in West Bengal to

rise against landlords, mainly Hindu, who imposed a beard-tax on the Faraizis, and

British indigo planters.

● Often considered the first armed peasant uprising against the British, these revolt soon

took on a religious hue.

● The revolt later merged into the Wahabi movement.

The Pagal Panthis

● The Pagal Panthi, a semi-religious group mainly constituting the Hajong and Garo

tribes of Mymensingh district (earlier in Bengal), was founded by Karam Shah.

● But the tribal peasants organised themselves under Karam Shah’s son, Tipu, to fight the

oppression of the zamindars. From 1825 to 1835, the Pagal Panthis refused to pay rent

above a certain limit and attacked the houses of zamindars.

● The government introduced an equitable arrangement to protect these peasants, but

the movement was violently suppressed.

Q.94 Consider the following statements about Moplah Uprisings:

1. The second Moplah uprising occurred after the Moplahs came to be organised during the

Non-cooperation Movement.

2. Hindu- Muslim unity was a remarking factor of the movement.

Which of the above statement is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

Moplah Uprisings

● Hike in revenue demand and reduction of field size, coupled with the oppression of

officials, resulted in widespread peasant unrest among the Moplahs of Malabar.

● Twenty-two rebellions took place between 1836 and 1854. None, however, proved

successful.

● The second Moplah uprising occurred after the Moplahs came to be organised by

the Congress and the Khilafat supporters during the Non-cooperation Movement.

● But Hindu- Muslim differences distanced the Congress and the Moplahs from each

other.

● By 1921, the Moplahs had been subdued.

Q.95 How did the colonial rule affect tribal lives in India?

1. Tribal chiefs lost the influence they formerly held among their people.

2. As a result of the repressive British policies, indigenous peoples embraced the practice of

Jhum cultivation.

3. Forest regulations imposed by the British drove tribal populations to relocate to other

places in quest of work and a living.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

● Before the arrival of the British, in many areas the tribal chiefs were important people.

● They enjoyed a certain amount of economic power and had the right to administer and

control their territories.

● Under British rule, the functions and powers of the tribal chiefs changed considerably.

● They were allowed to keep their land titles over a cluster of villages and rent out lands,

but they lost much of their administrative power and were forced to follow laws made by

British officials in India.

● They lost the authority they had earlier enjoyed amongst their people, and were

unable to fulfill their traditional functions.

● The Britishers were uncomfortable with groups who moved about and did not have a

fixed home.

● They wanted tribal groups to settle down and become peasant cultivators.

● Settled peasants were easier to control and administer than people who were always on

the move. The British also wanted a regular revenue source for the state.

● So they introduced land settlements – that is, they measured the land, defined the rights

of each individual to that land, and fixed the revenue demand for the state.

● Some peasants were declared landowners, others tenants.

● However British effort to settle jhum cultivators was not very successful.

● The life of tribal groups, was directly connected to the forest. So changes in forest laws

had a considerable effect on tribal lives.

● The British extended their control over all forests and declared that forests were state

property.

● Some forests were classified as Reserved Forests for they produced timber which the

British wanted. Many were, therefore, forced to move to other areas in search of work

and livelihood.

Q.96 Consider the following statements about Kol Uprisings.

1. Buddho Bhagat led the Kols of Chottanagpur in their uprisings.

2. It was opposed to the growth of British control over their territories as well as the transfer

of their lands to foreigners.

Which of the above statement is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

● Kol Uprisings by the Kols of Chottanagpur were led by Buddho Bhagat (1831).

● The Kol Uprising (1831-1832): The Kols of Singhbhum in the Chhotanagpur area

enjoyed autonomy under their chiefs but the entry of the British threatened their

independence.

● Later the transfer of tribal lands and the coming of moneylenders, merchants, and

British laws created a lot of tension.

● This prompted the Kol tribe to organise themselves and rebel.

● The impact was such that the British had to rush troops from far-off places to suppress it.

Q.97 Consider the following pairs about the Ho and Munda Uprisings:

1. Ho: Raja of Parahat: Chhotanagpur

2. Munda: Birsa: Singhbhum

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation:

Ho and Munda Uprisings (1820-1837)

● The Raja of Parahat organised his Ho tribals to revolt against the occupation of

Singhbhum (now in Jharkhand).

● The revolt continued till 1827 when the Ho tribals were forced to submit.

● However, later in 1831, they again organised a rebellion, joined by the Mundas of

Chotanagpur, to protest against the newly introduced farming revenue policy and the

entry of Bengalis into their region.

● Though the revolt was extinguished in 1832, the Ho operations continued till 1837. Nor

were the Mundas to be quiet for long.

● In 1899-1900, the Mundas in the region south of Ranchi rose under Birsa Munda.

● The rebellion which began as a religious movement gathered political force to fight

against introduction of feudal, zamindari tenures, and exploitation by money-lenders and

forest contractors.

● The Mundas claimed Chhotanagpur as their area in 1879. British armed forces were

then deployed. Birsa was captured and imprisoned.

Q.98 Consider the following statements about Santhal Rebellion.

1. The Santhal Rebellion in Bihar, headed by Sido and Kanhu in 1855-56.

2. It was directed against Christian missionaries.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Santhal Rebellion (1855-56)

● The continued oppression of the Santhals, an agricultural people, who had fled to settle in

the plains of the Rajmahal hills (Bihar) led to the Santhal rebellion against the zamindars.

● The money-lenders who had the support of the police among others had joined the

zamindars to subject the peasants to oppressive exactions and dispossession of lands.

● It was against the practices of zamindars and moneylenders

● The rebellion turned into an anti-British movement. Under Sidu and Kanhu, two

brothers, the Santhals proclaimed an end to Company rule and declared the area between

Bhagalpur and Rajmahal as autonomous.

● The rebellion was suppressed by 1856.

Q.99 By 1832, British demarcated a large area of land as Damin-i-Koh. What was it?

(a).A reserved forest area not to be exploited for timber.

(b).A piece of land in forested areas specifically to be used for timber requirements.

(c).Land declared to be the land of Santhals.

(d).A practice adopted by British planters with Indian peasants which was similar to forced

labor.

Answer: C

Explanation:

● The Santhals had begun to come into Bengal around the 1780s. Zamindars hired them to

reclaim land and expand cultivation, and British officials invited them to settle in the

Jangal Mahals.

● The Santhals were given land and persuaded to settle in the foothills of Rajmahal.

● By 1832 a large area of land was demarcated as Damin-i-Koh.

● This was declared to be the land of the Santhals They were to live within it, practice

plough agriculture, and become settled peasants.

● The land grant to the Santhals stipulated that at least one-tenth of the area was to be

cleared and cultivated within the first ten years.

● The territory was surveyed and mapped.

● Enclosed with boundary pillars, it was separated from both the world of the settled

agriculturists of the plains and the Paharias of the hills.

Q.100 An insurrection against the mighty British in 1854 in the plains of the Rajmahal hills was

immensely helped by Gwalas and Lohars. Who were communities?

(a).Milkmen and Blacksmith respectively

(b).Oppressed farmers

(c).Artisans and Craftsmen respectively

(d).None of the above

Answer: A

Explanation:

● The agricultural people, who had fled to settle in the plains of the Rajmahal hills (Bihar)

led to the Santhal rebellion against the zamindars. Those were helped by a large number

of non-tribal and poor dikus.

● Gwalas (milkmen) and others helped the rebels with provisions and services,

Lohars(blacksmiths) accompanied the rebel bands, keeping their weapons in good

shape.

Q.101 Consider the following statements about Ramosi Uprisings:

1. The Ramosis were a tribe from the Western Ghats hills.

2. It is well-known for having a completely non-violent character.

Choose the correct answer from the codes given below-

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

● The Ramosis were the hill tribes of the Western Ghats. They resented British rule and

the new pattern of administration.

● In 1822, under Chatur Singh, they revolted and plundered the regions around Satara.

● There were revolts again during 1825-1826 and the area remained disturbed till 1829.

● The disturbance erupted again in 1840-1841 over the deposition and banishment of Raja

Pratap Singh of Satara in September 1839.

● A superior British force restored the order in the area.

● It was not totally non-violent; rather at some places in Satara there were huge

disturbances and almost 1500 tribals were killed.

Q.102 Consider the following tribal uprisings and their locations.

Uprising Location

1. Khond uprising: Odisha

2. Kol Mutiny: Chotanagpur Region

3. Chuar Uprising: Maharashtra

4. Ramosi Uprising: Bengal

Which of the above uprisings are matched incorrectly with their location?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).1 and 3 only

(c). 2 and 4 only

(d).3 and 4 only

Answer: C

Explanation:

● Khond Uprisings (1837-1856) From 1837 to 1856, the Khonds of the hilly tracts

extending from Odisha to the Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh

revolted against Company rule. Chakra Bisoi, a young raja, led the Khonds who were

joined by the Ghumsar, Kalahandi, and other tribals to oppose the suppression of human

sacrifice, new taxes, and the entry of zamindars into their areas. With Chakra Bisoi’s

disappearance, the uprising came to an end.

● Kol Mutiny (1831) The Kols, along with other tribes, are inhabitants of Chhotanagpur.

This covered Ranchi, Singhbhum, Hazaribagh, Palamau, and the western parts of

Manbhum. The trouble in 1831 started with large-scale transfers of land from Kol

headmen to outsiders like Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim farmers and money-lenders who were

oppressive and demanded heavy taxes. Besides, the British judicial and revenue policies

badly affected the traditional social conditions of the Kols. The Kols resented this and in

1831, under the leadership of Buddho Bhagat, the Kol rebels killed or burnt about a

thousand outsiders. Only after large-scale military operations could order be restored.

● Chuar uprising which covered five districts of Bengal and Bihar from 1766 to 1772 and

then again, from 1795 to 1816.The leader of the rebels was Durjan Singh, a former

zamindar of Raipur. He had a following of about 1,500 men and created havoc in certain

areas. The term ‘Chuar’ is considered derogatory by some historians who call this the

Revolt of the Jungle Mahal, instead. Famine, enhanced land revenue demands andeconomic distress goaded the Chuar aboriginal tribesmen of the Jungle Mahal of

Midnapore district and also of the Bankura district (in Bengal) to take up arms.

● The Ramosis, the hill tribes of the Western Ghats, had not reconciled to British rule and

the British pattern of administration. They resented the policy of annexation. After the

annexation of the Maratha territories by the British, the Ramosis, who had been

employed by the Maratha administration, lost their means of livelihood. They rose under

Chittur Singh in 1822 and plundered the country around Satara. Again, there were

eruptions in 1825-26 under Umaji Naik of Poona and his supporter Bapu Trimbakji

Sawant, and the disturbances continued till 1829.

Q.103 Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

1. Chuar uprising was in parts of Telengana.

2. Anand Math novel is based on Sanyasi rebellion.

3. Velu Thampi was a peasant-leader in Kerala.

Choose the correct answer from the codes given below-

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

● Chuar uprising which covered five districts of Bengal and Bihar from 1766 to 1772 and

then again, from 1795 to 1816.The leader of the rebels was Durjan Singh, a former

zamindar of Raipur. He had a following of about 1,500 men and created havoc in certain

areas.

● Sanyasi revolt (1763-1800)- The disasterous famine of 1770 and the harsh economic

order of the British compelled a group of sanyasis in Eastern India to fight the British

yoke. Originally peasants, even some evicted from land, these sanyasis were joined by a

large number of dispossessed small zamindars, disbanded soldiers and rural poor. They

raided company factories and the treasuries, and fought the Company's forces.

● It was only after a prolonged action that Warren Hastings could subdue the sanyasis.

Equal participation of Hindus and Muslims characterised the uprisings, sometimes

referred to as the Fakir rebellion. Majnum Shahor Majnu Shah, Chirag Ali,Musa Shah,

Bhawani Pathak and Devi Chaudharani were important leaders .Debi Chaudharani's

participation recognises the women's role in early resistances against the British.

● Anandamath, a semi-historical novel by Bankim Candra Chattopadhyay, is based on the

Sanyasi Revolt, Bankim Chandra also wrote a novel,Devi Chaudharani, as he saw the

importance of women too taking up the struggle against an alien rule that posed a threat

to traditional Indian values.

● Diwan Velu Thampi's Revolt (kerala)-Disgusted with the harsh terms imposed on the

State of Travancore(present day kerala) under the subsidiary alliance treaty of Lord

Wellesley in 1805, the ruler stopped the payment of subsidy to the Company resulting in

the accumulation of arrears. The Company had ordered the payment of the subsidy which

the Diwan Velu Thampi felt as a high-handed attitude. He raised the banner of revolt with

the support of the Nair Battalion. However, the revolt was crushed by the superior British

force and order was restored in the area.

Q.104 Consider the following claims about the Santhal rebellion:

1. The Santhals believed that their actions were blessed by God.

2. The British were unable to completely put down the Santhal rebellion.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

● The Santhals believed that their actions had the blessings of God.

● Sido and Kanhu, the principal rebel leaders, claimed that Thakur (God) had

communicated with them and told them to take up arms and fight for independence.

● The rebellion was led by the four Murmu Brothers - Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand and Bhairav.

● The rebellion was crushed ruthlessly. More than 15,000 Santhals were killed while tens

of villages were destroyed.

● Sido was betrayed and captured and killed in August 1855 while Kanhu was arrested by

accident at the tail-end of the rebellion in February 1866.

Q.105 Which among the following can be considered to be the reasons for a various sporadic

military uprisings that took place before the Great Revolt of 1857:

1. Social, religious and economic discontent among the sepoys.

2. Refusal of the government to attend to the tribals’ demands for autonomy over forest

areas.

3. Religious objections of the high caste Hindu sepoys to Lord Canning’s General Service

Enlistment Act 1856.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

A number of sporadic military uprisings took place before the Great Revolt of 1857 in different

parts of the country.

Causes

There was rising discontent of the sepoys against the British rule due to the following reasons:

● Discrimination in payment and promotions;

● Mistreatment of the sepoys by the British officials;

● Refusal of the government to pay foreign service allowance while fighting in remote

regions;

● Religious objections of the high caste Hindu sepoys to Lord Canning’s General

Service Enlistment Act (1856) ordering all recruits to be ready for service both within

and outside India.

● Further, the sepoys shared all the discontent and grievances—social, religious and

economic—that afflicted the civilian population.

Q.106 Consider the following mutinies which broke out during the pre-1857 period:

1. Revolt of the Grenadier Company in Assam

2. Vellore mutiny

3. Mutiny of an Indian regiment at Sholapur

4. Mutiny of the sepoys of the 47th Native Infantry Unit

5. Mutinies of the 34th Native Infantry

Arrange the above in a chronological sequence.

(a). 1-2-3-4-5

(b).2-4-1-3-5

(c). 2-4-5-1-3

(d).2-4-5-3-1

Answer: B

Explanation:

The most important mutinies which broke out during the pre-1857 period are the following:

● The mutiny of the sepoys in Bengal in 1764.

● The Vellore mutiny of 1806 when the sepoys protested against interference in their

social and religious practices and raised a banner of revolt unfurling the flag of the ruler

of Mysore.

● The mutiny of the sepoys of the 47th Native Infantry Unit in 1824.

● The revolt of the Grenadier Company in Assam in 1825.

● The mutiny of an Indian regiment at Sholapur in 1838.

● The mutinies of the 34th Native Infantry (N.I.), the 22nd N.I., the 66th N.I. and the

37th N.I. in 1844, 1849, 1850 and 1852 respectively.

However, all these mutinies did not spread beyond their locality and were ruthlessly crushed by

the British Indian government, often inflicting terrible violence, executing leaders and

disbanding the regiments. But the legacy of these revolts proved to be of immense significance

later.

Q.107 During the first 100 years of British rule in India, they faced a series of Indian rebellions.

Consider the following assertions regarding the nature of these rebellions:

1. They were typically led by deposed rajas, nawabs, and other once-powerful people.

2. They were unexpected and sudden.

3. They were mostly reactions to the fast changes made by the British in the economy,

administration, and land revenue system.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation:

● The series of civil rebellions, which run like a thread through the first 100 years of British

rule, were often led by deposed rajas and nawabs or their descendants, uprooted and

impoverished zamindars, landlords and poligars (landed military magnates in south

India), and ex-retainers and officials of the conquered Indian states.

● The backbone of the rebellions, their mass base and striking power came from the rack

rented peasants, ruined artisans and demobilized soldiers.

● These sudden, localized revolts often took place because of local grievances although

for short periods they acquired a broad sweep, involving armed bands of a few hundreds

to several thousands.

● The major cause of all these civil rebellions, taken as a whole, was the rapid changes

the British introduced in the economy, administration and land revenue system.

● These changes led to the disruption of agrarian society, causing prolonged and

widespread suffering amongst its constituents.

● Above all, the colonial policy of intensifying demands for land revenue and extracting as

large an amount as possible produced a veritable upheaval in Indian villages.

5: Revolt of 1857

Q.108 Consider the following with regards to the revolt of 1857?

1. heavy taxation under new revenue settlement

2. summary evictions

3. discriminatory tariff policy against Indian products

4. destruction of traditional handicrafts industry

Which of the above were the causes of the 1857 revolt? Select the correct answer using the codes

given below.

(a). 1 only

(b).2, 3 and 4 only

(c). 2 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

● All of these were the Economic causes.

● They included: heavy taxation under new revenue settlement, summary evictions,

discriminatory tariff policy against Indian products, destruction of traditional handicrafts

industry, and the lack of concurrent industrialization along contemporary lines, which has

harmed peasants, craftsmen, and small zamindars.

Q.109 Which of the following statement(s) is/are true about the 1857 revolt?

1. Simon Fraser was the Political Agent of the British in Delhi who was killed by sepoys.

2. Bengal was the most intensely involved region in the revolt.

Select the correct answer using codes below-

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

● Simon Fraser, the Political Agent, and several other Englishmen were killed in

Delhi, the public offices were either occupied or destroyed.

● The capture of Delhi and the proclamation of Bahadur Shah as the Emperor of Hindustan

gave a positive political meaning to the Revolt and provided a rallying point for the

rebels by recalling the past glory of the imperial city.

● Revolt at Meerut and the capture of Delhi was the precursor to a widespread mutiny by

the sepoys and rebellion almost all over North India, as well as Central and Western

India. South India remained quiet and Punjab and Bengal were only marginally

affected.

Q.110 Consider the following leaders and their region of revolt in 1857:

1. Kunwar Singh – Western UP

2. Khan Bahadur – Rohilkhand

3. Nana Saheb - Kanpur

4. Begum Hazrat Mahal - Lucknow

5. Kunwar Singh - Bareilly

6. Maulvi Ahmadullah - Faizabad

Which of the above pair(s) is/are correctly matched?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 only

(c). 2 and 3 only

(d).1,2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Important Leaders of 1857 Revolt associated with various places respectively:

● Delhi - Bahadur Shah II, General Bakht Khan

● Lucknow - Begum Hazrat Mahal, Birjis Qadir, Ahmadullah

● Kanpur - Nana Sahib, Rao Sahib, Tantia Tope, Azimullah Khan

● Jhansi - Rani Laxmibai

● Bihar - Kunwar Singh, Amar Singh

● Rajasthan - Jaidayal Singh and Hardayal Singh

● Farrukhabad - Tufzal Hasan Khan

● Assam - Kandapareshwar Singh, Maniram Dutta Baruah

● Orissa - Surendra Shahi, Ujjwal Shahi

● Bareilly - Khan Bahadur

● Faizabad - Maulvi Ahmadullah

● Baghpat - Shah Mal

Q.111 Which of the personalities given in the options below, is best associated with the

following description?

He was one of the many who played an important part in the revolt of 1857. He was a native of

Madras and had fought in the famous Battle of Chinhat in which the British forces were

defeated. He was also called Danka Shah.

(a).Kunwar Singh

(b).Maulvi Ahmadullah

(c).Shah Mal

(d).Nana Sahib

Answer: B

Explanation: Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah was one of the many maulvis who played an important

part in the revolt of 1857.

● Educated in Hyderabad, he became a preacher when young.

● In 1856, he was seen moving from village to village preaching jehad (religious war)

against the British and urging people to rebel. He was popularly called Danka Shah –

the maulvi with the drum (danka).

● British officials panicked as thousands began following the maulvi and many Muslims

began seeing him as an inspired prophet. He was elected by the mutinous 22nd Native

Infantry as their leader.

● He fought in the famous Battle of Chinhat in which the British forces under Henry

Lawrence were defeated.He came to be known for his courage and power.

Q.112 Consider the following about the White Mutiny:

1. It arose out of the resentment that the Presidency Armies were required to transfer their

allegiance from the defunct Company to the Queen.

2. The extra allowance known as Batta would still have remained upon such a transfer.

3. The demands of the White soldiers included an enlistment bonus

Which among the above is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).1 and 3 only

(c). 2 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

● In the wake of the transfer of power from the British East India Company to the British

Crown, a section of European forces employed under the Company resented the

move that required the three Presidency Armies to transfer their allegiance from

the defunct Company to the Queen, as in the British Army.

● This resentment resulted in some unrest termed as White Mutiny.

● The Company’s troops received batta, extra allowances of pay to cover various

expenditures related to operations in areas other than the home territories. With transfer

of power, the batta was stopped.

● The White Mutiny was seen as a potential threat to the already precarious British position

in India with a potential of inciting renewed rebellion among the ‘still excited population

in India’.

● The demands of the ‘European Forces’ included an enlistment bonus or a choice of

release from their obligations.

● Finally, the demand for free and clear release with free passage home was accepted, and

men opted to return home.

Q.113 Consider the following statements about 1857 revolt,

1. It was a pan-India revolt.

2. Peasants,zamindars,artisans,shopkeepers attacked the British -established law courts.

3. Hindu-Muslim unity was an important feature of this revolt as they respected each other's

sentiments.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?

(a). 1 only

(b).1 and 2 only

(c). 1,2 and 3

(d).2 and 3 only

Answer: A

Explanation: Only statement 1 is incorrect.

● One of the causes for the failure of the 1857 revolt was the absence of All-India

participation.

● The revolt of 1857 had limited territorial spread. It was not widespread and remained

confined to North and Central India only. Even in the north, Kashmir, Punjab, Sind and

Rajputana kept away from the rebels. The eastern, western and southern parts of India

were more or less unaffected by the uprising.

● It was the wide participation in the revolt by the peasantry,artisans,shopkeepers,day

labourers, and zamindars which gave it real strength as well as the character of a popular

revolt, especially in the areas at present included in UP and Bihar.

● Here the peasants and zamindars gave free expression to their grievances by attacking the

moneylenders and new zamindars who had displaced them from the land. They took

advantage of the revolt to destroy the moneylenders' account books and records of

debts.They also attacked the British -established law courts, revenue offices(tehsils) and

revenue records, and thanas.

● The British managed to get the loyalty of the Madras and Bombay regiments and the Sikh

states. Afghans and Gurkhas also supported the British.

● Much of the strength of the revolt of 1857 lay in Hindu-Muslim unity. Among the

soldiers and the people as well as among the leaders there was complete cooperation as

between Hindus and Muslims.

● The leaders of the rebellion understood the importance of Hindu-Muslim unity and

special care was taken not to hurt religious sentiments of any community. People from

both faiths respected each other's religious sentiments. For example, immediate banning

of cow slaughter was ordered, once an area was captured by the rebels.

Q.114 Which of the following concerning Queen Victoria’s Proclamation 1858 is incorrect?

(a).It declared the end of the Company's control in India and the Queen's takeover of the

Indian government.

(b).It guaranteed the Indian people of equal and impartial legal protection, as well as

religious and social freedom.

(c).The Proclamation of Queen Victoria gave a practical shape to the Act of 1858.

(d).It said that Britain and other European nations would no longer trade or invest with India

without the consent of the Indian people.

Answer: D

Explanation: In November 1858 the Proclamation of Queen Victoria was announced by Lord

Canning at Allahabad.

● This royal Proclamation was translated into Indian languages and publicly read in many

important places.

● It announced the end of Company’s rule in India and the Queen’s assumption of the

Government of India. It endorsed the treaty made by the Company with Indian princes

and promised to respect their rights, dignity and honour.

● It assured the Indian people equal and impartial protection of law and freedom of religion

and social practices. The Proclamation of Queen Victoria significantly influenced the Act

of 1858 whereby the crown was given the authority over India, rather than the company.

Q.115 The policies and structure of British authority altered dramatically after the rebellion of

1857. Which of the following modifications did the British make after the uprising of 1857?

1. Post of Secretary of State for India was abolished and Viceroy was directly made

responsible for the governance of India.

2. The number of European soldiers in the army was increased.

3. Towards the Princely states, the policy of annexation was abandoned.

4. The rulers of these states were now authorised to adopt heirs.

5. The bureaucracy was to have complete control over all civil, military, and executive

authorities.

6. There was also an attempt for the creation of an Indian Civil Service.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

(a). 2, 4, 5 and 6 only

(b).2, 3, 4 and 6 only

(c). 1, 3 and 6 only

(d).None of the above

Answer: B

Explanation:

Despite the fact that the revolt of 1857 failed, it gave a severe jolt to the British administration in

India. The structure and policies of the re-established British rule were, in much respect,

drastically modified.

● The first major change was that the power to govern India passed from the East India

Company to the British Crown through an Act of 1858. However, a Secretary of State

for India aided by a council was to be responsible for the governance of India.

Earlier this authority was wielded by the Directors of the Company.

● The second drastic change was effected in the army. Steps were taken to prevent any

further revolt by the Indian soldiers. Firstly, the number of European soldiers was

increased and fixed at one European to two Indian soldiers in Bengal Army and two to

five in Bombay and Madras armies. Moreover, the European troops were kept in key

geographical and military positions. The crucial branches of the army like artillery were

put exclusively in European hands.

● Another important change was in the British policies towards the Princely states. The

earlier policy of annexation was now abandoned and the rulers of these states were

now authorised to adopt Heirs. This was done as a reward to those native rulers

who had remained loyal to the British during the revolt.

● The Company's territories in India were to be vested in the Queen, the Company ceasing

to exercise its power and control over these territories. India was to be governed in the

Queen's name.

● The administration of the country was now highly centralized. All civil, military and

executive powers vested in the Governor in council, who in turn was responsible to the

Secretary of State.

● There was also a provision of creation of an Indian Civil Service under the control of

the Secretary of State in the GoI Act of 1858.

Q.116 Which of the following were important features of the Government of India 1858 Act

enacted for the betterment of the government of India?

1. This act made India a direct British colony.

2. It disbanded the East India Company.

3. It provided for a representative of the British government in India who was a single

person posted as both the Governor-General and Viceroy.

Select from the following combination of codes:

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Features of Government of India Act 1858:

● East India Company was liquidated.

● Indian territories of Britain were to be governed in the name of the British Crown.

● The Court of Directors and the Board of Control were scrapped.

● The powers of the Company’s Court of Directors were vested with the Secretary of State

for India.

● This Secretary of State was to be a British MP and a member of the Prime Minister’s

cabinet. He was to be assisted by a council of 15 members.

● He was also the channel of communication between the British government in Britain

and the Indian administration. He also had the power to send secret despatches to India

without consulting his council.

● Via the Secretary of State, the British parliament could ask questions regarding Indian

affairs.

● The representative of the British government in India was the Governor-General

and Viceroy (both the same person to avoid conflict).

● The Viceroy and the governors of the various presidencies were appointed by the Crown.

● The Viceroy was to be assisted with an Executive Council.

● This Act made India a direct British colony.

● This act abolished the dual government of the Pitt’s India Act.

● This Act also ended the doctrine of Lapse.

● It was decided that the remaining Indian princes and chiefs (more than 560 in number)

would have their independent status provided they accept British suzerainty.

Q.117 Who has written 'The Indian War of Independence', a book on the 1857 revolt?

(a).Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

(b).Gopal Krishna Gokhle

(c).Surendranath Banerjee

(d).Rasbehari Bose

Answer: A

Explanation-

● In his book, The History of the war of Indian Independence, Savarkar wrote about the

guerilla warfare tricks used in 1857 Sepoy Mutiny.

● The book was banned by Britishers, but Madam Bhikaji Cama published the book in

Netherlands, Germany and France, which eventually reached many Indian

revolutionaries.

About V D Savarkar:

● Born on May 28, 1883 in Bhagur, a city in Maharashtra’s Nashik.

● In his teenage, Savarkar formed a youth organization. Known as Mitra Mela, this

organization was put into place to bring in national and revolutionary ideas.

● He was against foreign goods and propagated the idea of Swadeshi. In 1905, he burnt all

the foreign goods in a bonfire on Dussehra.

● He founded the two-nation theory in his book ‘Hindutva’ calling Hindus and Muslims

two separate nations. In 1937, Hindu Mahasabha passed it as a resolution.

● In 2002, Port Blair airport at Andaman and Nicobar’s Island was renamed after Veer

Savarkar International Airport.

Q.118 What was the Azamgarh Proclamation during the freedom struggle of India?

(a).An Indian rebel manifesto released during the revolt of 1857.

(b).A formal proclamation declaring the formation of Indian national Congress.

(c).The official manifesto released by taluqadars of Awadh region to denounce the British

policy of Doctrine of Lapse.

(d).A formal victory proclamation made by the British after suppressing the revolt of 1857.

Answer: A

Explanation:

● Azamgarh proclamation or manifesto of 1857, is one of the main sources of our

knowledge about what the rebels wanted during the revolt of 1857. It provides, quite

vividly, the demands of the rebels highlighting how British rule is oppressive to

different sections of Indian society including Zamindars, Merchants, Public Servants,

Artisans and Pundits, Fakirs and Other Learned Persons.

● This proclamation was published in the Delhi Gazette in the midst of the “Great

Mutiny” of 1857.

● The author was most probably Firoz Shah, a grandson of the Mughal emperor

Bahadur Shah Zafar ( 1837–1857), whose restoration to full power was a main aim of

the rebels.

● General disillusionment with the pace of change and the fear that British missionaries

were, with government connivance, attempting to Christianize India came to a head

among the British East India Company’s sepoy troops.

● A rumor started that the grease used in the paper cartridges of the Enfield rifle contained

both cow and pig fat, an affront to the sensibilities of both Hindus and Muslims.

● The resulting mutiny (known to Indians as the Great Rebellion or the First War of

Independence) resulted in a civil war dominated by mass atrocities-and ultimately in the

imposition of the British “Raj” or direct rule.

Q119. Consider the following about the land revenue system under British rule in India:

1) Lord William Bentick introduced the Mahalwari system of land revenue.

2) In the Ryotwari system, the amount was fixed at 10/11th portion of the revenue for the

Zamindar.

3) Landlords or Zamindars were given hereditary rights of succession of the lands under

them in the zamindari system.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 and 3 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).None of the above

Answer: C

Explanation:

Mahalwari system

• The government of Lord William Bentick, Governor-General of India (1828 to 1835)

introduced the Mahalwari system of land revenue in 1833.

• This had elements of both the Zamindari and the Ryotwari systems.

• This system divided the land into Mahals. Sometimes, a Mahal was constituted by one or

more villages.

• The tax was assessed on the Mahal. Each individual farmer gave his share. Ownership

rights were with the peasants.

• Revenue was collected by the village headman or village leaders.

• It introduced the concept of average rents for different soil classes.

• The state share of the revenue was 66% of the rental value. The settlement was agreed

upon for 30 years.

• This system was called the Modified Zamindari system because the village headman

virtually became a Zamindar.

Ryotwari system

• This system of land revenue was instituted in the late 18th century by Sir Thomas

Munro and Captain Alexander Reed in 1820.

• Area covered: Madras and Bombay areas, as well as Assam and Coorg provinces.

• The rates were 50% in dryland and 60% in the wetland.

• The rates were high and unlike the Permanent System, they were open to being increased.

• Failure to pay the taxes, they were evicted by the government.

• Ryot means peasant cultivators.

Zamindari system/ Permanent Settlement

• Landlords or Zamindars were recognised as the owners of the land. They were given

hereditary rights of succession of the lands under them.

• The Zamindars could sell or transfer the land as they wished.

• The Zamindars’ proprietorship would stay as long as he paid the fixed revenue at the said

date to the government. If they failed to pay, their rights would cease to exist, and the

land would be auctioned off.

• The amount to be paid by the landlords was fixed. It was agreed that this would not

increase in future (permanent).

• The fixed amount was 10/11th portion of the revenue for the government and 1/10th

was for the Zamindar. This tax rate was way higher than the prevailing rates in

England.

Q.120 Which among the following made the causes for the revolt of 1857?

1) British introduction of railways and other modern industries destroyed traditional

handicrafts industry.

2) Excessive involvement of the British and their physical presence in the political sectors.

3) Growing discontent among the sepoys for economic, psychological and religious reasons.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a). 1 and 2 only

(b).2 only

(c). 1 and 3 only

(d).3 only

Answer: D

Explanation: The revolt of 1857 was a product of character and policies of colonial rule.

 Economic causes: heavy taxation under new revenue settlement, summary evictions,

discriminatory tariff policy against Indian products, destruction of traditional handicrafts

industry, and absence of concomitant industrialisation on modern lines that hit

peasants, artisans and small zamindars.

 Political causes: greedy policy of aggrandisement, absentee sovereigntyship character

of British rule, British interference in socio-religious affairs of Indian public.

 Military causes: discontent among sepoys for economic, psychological and religious

reasons, coupled with a long history of revolts.

Q.121 Consider the following about the significance of the 1857 revolt:

1) It was proved that the Indians possess no less a weaponry than that of the British.

2) The educated middle class also supported the violent approach of the sepoy mutiny.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a). 1 only

(b).2 only

(c).Both 1 and 2

(d).None of the above

Answer: D

Explanation:

• It brought out in the open grievances of people and the sepoys, which were seen to be

genuine.

• However, it was also obvious that the primitive arms which the Indians possessed

were no match for the advanced weapons of the British.

• Furthermore, the senseless atrocities committed by both sides shocked the Indian

intellectuals who were increasingly convinced that violence was to be eschewed in any

struggle for freedom.

• The educated middle class, which was a growing section, did not believe in violence

and preferred an orderly approach.

But the Revolt of 1857 did establish local traditions of resistance to British rule which were to be

of help in the course of the national struggle for freedom.