British in India Flashcards
How did the chance to rise to dominance in India begin for the British ?
Traders from the East India Company were granted a Royal Charter in 1600 by Queen Elizabeth 1
Why were the British able to expand in India
At the expense of the Mughal Emperor.The system was never stable as many Indian princes were extremely powerful, and essentially acted as if they were independent.After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 the Mughal Empire gradually split apart and the local princes became independent rulers of their own provinces.
Who were the Mughal Emperors?
The Mughal Emperor’s ruled through a series of alliances with regional Hindu and Muslim ruler.
How did the real drive to extend the British Empire begin ?
Began with the annexation of Senegal - the largest Indian province.
What responsibilities did the EIC have as their influence grew ?
The East India Company emerged as a major political power with responsibilities for law, order, administration, trade, defence and diplomacy.
How did Britain react after EIC became a political power with responsibilities ?
it provoked criticism.Demands were made in Parliament for greater resolution and suspension of the government
What did the British government seek to question after the increase of EIC influence ?
The government started to doubt whether it was correct for a trading company to have such enormous responsibilities for such a large part of the empire.
How were the EIC starting to struggle in the late nineteenth century ?
The Company started to find the costs of administering and defending the territories difficult.The costs of administration and defence escalated , debts mounted , the value of shares in the company slumped.
Who did the company call on in 1773 ?
The company called on the British government for help to rule the areas under its control.
Why did further British expansion occur after intervention of the British government ?
After 1815 successive Governor - Generals expanded British rule in India.This was due to the fact that the Mughal Empire was clearly in a state of decay and there was a resulting power vacuum that created instability in some areas as many local princes were asserting their independence.
The rapid expansion of British rule was accompanied by a policy of ‘westernisation’.What was it ?
Lord William Bentick ( Governor General ) introduced a comprehensive policy of ‘ westernisation’. The controversial plan involved developing India along British lines.English was made the official language of law, administration and education. Some religious customs were outlawed too.
How was the policy of ‘ westernisation ‘ recieved ?
The policy of westernisation disregarded cherished Indian religious, social and regional customs in a way that had never occurred before.The result was growing resentment towards British rule.
