Indian RESISTANCE [14]

Question 1

How did Indian resistance develop as British control expanded? [Para 1]

Answer 1

• As the British EIC expanded from its residencies in Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta, Indian resistance grew.
• Various Indian rulers opposed British expansion, with some successful and unsuccessful struggles.

Question 2

Why did Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula lose the Battle of Plassey in 1757? [Para 2]

Answer 2

• However, despite a massive and well-equipped army, Siraj-ud-Daula lost due to Robert Clive’s diplomatic tactics.
• Clive bribed Mir Jafar, a general of Siraj-ud-Daula, and used superior military strategies to crush the Nawab’s forces, increasing British influence in Bengal.

Question 3

What was the impact of the Battle of Buxar (1764)? [Para 2]

Answer 3

• Moreover, Shah Alam II led a resistance but was defeated by Robert Clive.
• The British gained land, taxation rights, and influence in Bihar and Orissa, further expanding their control.

Question 4

How did Mysore resist British expansion? [Para 3]

Answer 4

• Mysore, under Haider Ali and later his son Tipu Sultan, was one of the most significant sources of resistance to British expansion in the late 18th century.
• Despite facing multiple Anglo-Mysore wars, Haider Ali successfully defended Mysore against British forces until he died in 1782.
• His son, Tipu Sultan, continued the fight, winning the first two Anglo-Mysore wars and forcing the British to sign peace treaties.
• However, despite initial successes, Mysore ultimately fell in the final Anglo-Mysore War (1799).

Question 5

How did the Marathas resist British expansion? [Para 4]

Answer 5

• The Marathas, led by the Peshwa, were another key resistance force in the 18th century.
• There was no decisive outcome in the first Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782), and the British East India Company suffered more losses than the Marathas.
• However, due to internal conflicts and British diplomacy, the Marathas were weakened over time.
• By the early 19th century, they continued to resist British expansion, particularly in central India, but were unable to halt British progress, especially after the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818).

Question 6

How did Ranjit Singh prevent British expansion? [Para 5]

Answer 6

• Ranjit Singh built a large empire in Punjab, NWFP, and Kashmir.
• His strength forced the British to sign a Treaty of Perpetual Friendship (1809) instead of attacking.
• However, after his death, Sikh resistance weakened, and they lost the Battle of Aliwal in 1846.

Question 7

How did the British conquer Sindh in 1843? [Para 6]

Answer 7

• However, the British provoked the Amirs of Sindh to attack a British residency, breaking the Treaty of Friendship.
• Using this as an excuse, Sir Charles Napier led the British army to annex Sindh. The Amirs failed to resist long-term.

Question 8

Why was Indian resistance ultimately unsuccessful? [Para 6]

Answer 8

• However, although some rulers like Tipu Sultan, the Marathas, and Ranjit Singh resisted effectively, their struggles were short-lived.
• The British crushed Indian resistance through diplomacy, military strategy, and betrayal (e.g., Mir Jafar’s defection).

Question 9

How successful was Indian resistance to British expansion before 1850?
[Conclusion] [Para 7]

Answer 9

• In conclusion, while Indian resistance against British expansion between 1750 and 1850 saw notable efforts from figures like Haider Ali, Tipu Sultan, and Ranjit Singh, it was largely unsuccessful in preventing British dominance.
• Factors such as British superior military tactics, internal Indian divisions, and British diplomacy played crucial roles in the eventual failure of Indian resistance.
• The British consolidated their control and expanded their empire across India by 1850.