British taking over india [7]

Question 1

Why was the Battle of Plassey (1757) significant for British control in India?

Answer 1

• The Battle of Plassey in 1757 gave the British control over Bengal, the richest province in India.
• The wealth from Bengal helped the British expand their military and resources, laying the foundation for further British expansion in India.

Question 2

How did Robert Clive contribute to British control in India?

Answer 2

• Robert Clive led the British to victory in the Battle of Buxar (1764), defeating the forces of Shah Alam II, Mir Qasim, and the Nawab of Oudh.
• This victory allowed the British to capture Bihar, Orissa, and extend their influence into Oudh.

Question 3

What military achievements did the British make by the mid-19th century?

Answer 3

• By 1849, the British had annexed Sindh (1843) and Punjab (1849), consolidating their control over India.
• Their superior military technology, well-trained army, and strategic leadership helped them defeat Indian forces and expand their empire.

Question 4

How did the Industrial Revolution help the British in India?

Answer 4

• The Industrial Revolution enabled the British to produce advanced weaponry, giving them an advantage over Indian forces with outdated weapons.
• The British army was better equipped and disciplined, which helped them win key battles and expand control.

Question 5

How did India’s internal divisions help the British expand their control?

Answer 5

• India’s lack of unity due to cultural, religious, and territorial divisions made it easier for the British to exploit these weaknesses and form strategic alliances, allowing them to expand their influence and control over the subcontinent.

Question 6

What was the Pitt’s India Act (1784), and how did it strengthen British control?

Answer 6

• The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 established a Governor-General to oversee British governance in India, centralizing power and improving efficiency in managing British interests, thus strengthening their control over India.

Question 7

How did the British improve administration in India?

Answer 7

• The British introduced a professional civil service, police force, and legal system based on British models.
• These reforms centralized control, making governance more organized and strengthening British rule in India.

Question 8

What was the Permanent Settlement of 1793, and why was it important?

Answer 8

• The Permanent Settlement of 1793 required landowners to pay a fixed tax to the British, ensuring a steady income for the British East India Company.
• This policy strengthened British control over the land and economy of India.

Question 9

What was the Subsidiary Alliance (1799), and how did it benefit the British?

Answer 9

• The Subsidiary Alliance, introduced by Lord Wellesley, required Indian rulers to maintain British troops and avoid alliances with other powers.
• This policy weakened Indian states and increased British control by neutralizing local rulers.