Bipin Chandra Flashcards
What marked the beginning of the decline of the Mughal Empire?
The reign of Aurangzeb, despite an efficient administration and strong army at his death in 1707.
The Mughal dynasty still commanded respect in the country at the time of Aurangzeb’s death.
What led to instability after Aurangzeb’s death?
His sons fought for the throne, leading to wars of succession.
Bahadur Shah emerged victorious but faced several challenges during his reign.
Who adopted a policy of compromise and conciliation after Aurangzeb?
Bahadur Shah.
He attempted to reverse some of Aurangzeb’s policies.
What was Bahadur Shah’s approach towards the Maratha sardars?
Half-hearted conciliation, leading to continued disorder in the Deccan.
His administration faced deterioration in governance and finances.
What happened after Bahadur Shah’s death in 1712?
The empire plunged back into civil war.
Ambitious nobles became direct contenders for power.
Who won the succession after Jahandar Shah?
Farrukh Siyar, supported by the Saiyid brothers.
Farrukh Siyar struggled for power with the Saiyid brothers.
What was a significant outcome of the Saiyid brothers’ rule?
They installed Muhammad Shah as emperor.
Muhammad Shah was a weak and frivolous ruler.
What marked the invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali?
They accelerated the disintegration of the Mughal Empire.
Nadir Shah’s invasion caused immense damage and loss of prestige.
What were the causes of the decline of the Mughal Empire?
Costly wars of expansion, difficulty in establishing centralized administration, failure to conciliate the Marathas, and more.
Aurangzeb’s religious policies alienated Hindus and damaged stability.
Which states emerged due to the decline of the Mughal Empire?
Bengal, Avadh, Hyderabad, Mysore, and the Maratha Kingdom.
These states established viable administrative systems.
Who founded Hyderabad?
Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah in 1724.
He consolidated his hold over the Deccan.
What was the significance of Murshid Quli Khan in Bengal?
He made Bengal virtually independent and established peace and orderly administration.
He promoted trade and industry.
What was the impact of the Anglo-French struggle in South India?
It lasted from 1744 to 1763, ending with a British victory.
The British learned valuable lessons from the war.
What event marked the beginning of the British conquest of India?
The Battle of Plassey in 1757.
This battle resulted in British control over Bengal.
What was the Dual Government of Bengal?
A system where the British controlled finances and the army while Indians held responsibility without power.
This led to the impoverishment of Bengal and the 1770 famine.
Fill in the blank: The English East India Company was granted a Royal Charter in _______.
1600.
What did the English East India Company combine with trade?
Diplomacy and war.
The Company sought political power in India.
What was the outcome of the First Anglo-Maratha War?
It ended in a stalemate.
The war was fought between 1775 and 1782.
What year did Buxar establish British mastery over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa?
1764
What was the main feature of the Dual Government of Bengal?
British control of finances and army while Indians held responsibility without power
What significant event resulted from the Dual Government leading to impoverishment?
1770 famine
Which wars did the British fight under Warren Hastings and Cornwallis?
- Wars with Haidar Ali of Mysore (1766-1782)
- Wars with the Marathas (1775-1782)
What was the outcome of the First Anglo-Maratha War?
Ended in a stalemate with the Treaty of Salbai
What did the Third Anglo-Mysore War establish?
British supremacy in South India
What was Lord Wellesley’s policy of expansion based on?
- Subsidiary alliances
- Outright wars
- Assumption of territories
Which two Indian leaders signed subsidiary alliances with Lord Wellesley?
- Nizam of Hyderabad
- Nawab of Avadh
What led to the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War?
Tipu Sultan’s resistance
What territories were annexed under Lord Wellesley’s expansionist policy?
- Carnatic
- Tanjore
- Surat
What was a limiting factor to Wellesley’s expansionist policy?
Its cost and the rise of Yeshwant Rao Holkar
What did the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818) result in?
British gaining control over most of India
What drove the conquest of Sindh in 1843?
Anglo-Russian rivalry
What policy did Lord Dalhousie use for annexation?
Doctrine of Lapse
What was the outcome of the annexation of Avadh in 1856?
Based on accusations of misgovernment
What was the role of Indian officials in the early British administration in India?
Under British supervision
What characterized the Dual Government from 1765-1772?
Corruption and inefficiency
What was the aim of the Regulating Act of 1773?
To improve the Company’s administration
What did Pitt’s India Act of 1784 do?
Gave the British Government greater control over the Company
How were Indians treated in the higher echelons of the administration?
Excluded
What was the initial focus of the East India Company?
Trade
What effect did the Industrial Revolution have on India’s economy?
Destruction of Indian handicrafts
What policy did the British follow regarding Indian industries?
Free trade, exposing them to unfair competition
What was the impact of British land revenue policies on the peasantry?
Impoverishment and rise of landlordism
What was the Permanent Settlement of 1793?
Transformed zamindars into landlords
What was the aim of the new judicial system established by the British?
Rule of law and equality before the law
What did the British outlaw in 1829?
Sati
What was the purpose of the Educational Dispatch of 1854?
Emphasized the need for mass education
Who was a key figure in the social and cultural awakening of 19th-century India?
Rammohun Roy
What did Rammohun Roy advocate against?
- Idolatry
- Caste rigidity
- Meaningless religious rituals
What was the Young Bengal Movement known for?
- Rationalism
- Questioning authority
- Championing liberty, equality, and freedom
What was the primary belief of the downward filtration theory?
Educate the upper classes who would then educate the masses
What was the impact of the British’s partial modernization policy?
Clash between conservative and radical views
What did Debendranath Tagore do?
Revitalized the Brahmo Samaj
What was the result of the militant nationalism growth in India?
Fueled by disillusionment with British rule
