Modern Indian History Flashcards
Includes Economy, Freedom Struggle, Newspapers,
Which committee recommended the establishment of RBI in 1935?
The Hilton Young Committee
Who was involved in the Battle of Plassey (1757)? What were the causes?
Robert Clive+ Mir Jafar v. Nawab Siraj Ud Daulah
Causes: Misuse of Dastaks, Farruksiyar’s Farman of 1717, Blackhole Tragedy of 1756
Who was involved in the Battle of Buxar (1764)? What was the treaty signed at the end?
EIC (Major Hector Munroe) v. Shujah-Ud-Daulah (Awadh) + Shah Alam (Mughal Emperor) + Siraj-Ud-Daulah (Bengal)
Treaty of Allahabad/Awadh - Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa to EIC, English Resident in Awadh, War Indemnity
Describe the British Dual Government in Bengal (1765-72) - How did it lead to the Great Famine of 1770-73?
EIC (ROBERT CLIVE) has authority without responsibility- Subehdar appointed by EIC who took over all administration
Nawab has all responsibility, no authority.
Ended by WARREN HASTINGS
What were the FIVE main features of the Regulating Act of 1773?
Who was the installed as the first Governor General of Bengal under this Act?
- British Govt involvement
- Governor General of Bengal answerable to Court of Directors
- Unity of Command by Madras and Bombay answerable to Gov Gen of Bengal
- Governor Gen in Council - Legislative function
- Supreme Court at Calcutta
WARREN HASTINGS (GGB)
What were THREE main Limitations of the Regulating Act of 1773?
- Opposition of Council creates Deadlocks
- Inefficient Judicial system not based on clearly defined principles
- Ineffective mechanisms to control Madras and Bombay; failed to cooperate with GGB
Describe the Warren Hastings’ FIVE YEAR SETTLEMENT System (1772)
- Revenue Collection system where the govt collects Bids for revenue
- Similar to IJARADARI system of ZULFIKAR KHAN
- Officials used proxies to bid; causes failure of the system
What were the features of Warren Hastings’ Judicial System?
- Judicial powers of Zamindars Abolished
- DISTRICT LEVEL - Diwani Adalat (CIVIL) & Faujdari Adalat (CRIMINAL) - used Muslim law enforced by Qazis and Mullahs
- PROVINCIAL - Sadar Diwani & Sadar Nizamat Adalt
First CJ of Supreme Court
ELIJAH IMPEY
Who established the ASIATIC SOCIETY OF BENGAL?
WARREN HASTINGS in 1784
Translation of Gita into English in 1785
What were the FOUR main features of the Pitts India Act of 1784?
- Created BOARD OF CONTROL
- Indian Territories are now BRITISH POSSESSIONS
- Madras and Bombay subordinated to Bengal
- British Govt has the RIGHT TO RECALL EIC officers
What were the Civil Service and Police Reforms introduced by Cornwallis (1786-93)?
- Cornwallis Act gives him the Power to override Council, Commander-in-Chief of Army
- Civil Services Reforms:
separation of powers, increased salaries, structured into regular appointments, control of bribery - Police Reforms:
Abolished law and order powers of Zamindars; replaced them with a police force headed by DAROGHA
What were the JUDICIAL reforms introduced by Cornwallis (1786-93)?
- Creation of Circuit Courts & Diwani Courts;
- Post of District Judges
- Replacement of torture with Rigorous imprisonment
- GGB given the power to commute sentences
- Principles of EQUALITY & JUSTICE; SECULAR LAWS
What were the FOUR main principles of the Cornwallis Code?
- Sovereignty of Law
- Revenue and Justice segregated
- Govt Officials are accountable
- Codification of Hindu & Muslim personal laws
PERMANENT SETTLEMENT SYSTEM (1793) introduced by?
CORNWALLIS AND JOHN SHORE
Describe the PERMANENT SETTLEMENT SYSTEM (1793) introduced by
CORNWALLIS AND JOHN SHORE
Zamindars recognized as OWNERS of land and fixed the land revenue perpetually
Right to evict farmer (tenant)
BENGAL, BIHAR, ORISSA, EAST UP & NORTH TN - 19% of British India
What was the main achievement of RICHARD WELLESLEY (1799-1805)?
- Avowed Imperialist - Policy of War, More War and Further Wars
- Introduced SUBSIDIARY ALLIANCE
Who established the Fort William College in Calcutta (1800)?
RICHARD WELLESLEY as a language training center for British Civil Servants
What are the TWO main features of the Charter Act of 1793?
- More powers to GGB
- EIC given right to issue LICENCES to certain officials for PRIVILEGE/COUNTRY TRADE
What are the TWO main features of the Charter Act of 1813?
Context: Industrial Revolution in Britain, Napoleon’s Continental System
- Introduction of Christian Missionaries
- End of EIC monopoly (except Tea and China)
What are the SIX Main features of the Charter Act of 1833 (St. Helena Act)?
- End of EIC monopoly entirely
- GGB becomes Governor General of India (WILLIAM BENTINCK)
- Centralization of Power (Marathas have been defeated)
- Bombay and Madras - no more legislative powers. All in Bengal.
- Creates LAW COMMISSION OF INDIA - LORD MACAULAY (First law member in GG Council)
- Indians in Civil Service proposed
Who was the First law member in GG Council?
MACAULAY
What are the SIX main features of the Charter Act of 1853?
- No limit for Company Rights
- Sindh and Punjab Provinces added
- Expansion of Gov Gen Executive council
- Legislative Council is created (12 members: GG, Commander in Chief, 4 Members of Exec Council, CJ of SC, 1 Regular judge of SC, 4 company servants)
- Local representation in Legislative Council (ILC)
- Open Competition for Indian Civil Services - Indians allowed
Who introduced the Charter Act of 1853?
DALHOUSIE
What were the TWO main causes of the Vellore Mutiny of 1806?
Causes: 1. Dress code changes in the Army prohibiting Religious marks and 2. Disrespect shown to Tipu Sultan’s family being held in Vellore
Suppressed in one day
TWO main achievements of Warren Hastings (1813-23)
Subdues Marathas (Third Anglo Maratha War), established British paramountcy in India
Who participated in the Anglo Nepal War (1815-16)? What is the treaty at the end of it?
WARREN HASTINGS
Treaty of Sagauli (1816)
- British Resident at Khatmandu allows access to Nepal and Tibet
- EIC Gains Gurkha soldiers who fought on their behalf in 1857
What are the features and limitations of the Ryotwari System (1820)?
Where was it implemented?
Features:
- State directly settles revenue from the Ryot (no Zamindari intermediary)
- Envisioned to fix the issues caused by Permanent Settlement system.
Problem:
High levels of revenue collection (50%) creates Moneylender class
Region:
South India, Bombay, Central India - 51% of British India
Who introduced the RYOTWARI system of 1820?
THOMAS MUNRO (Governor of Madras) & Elphinstone
What is the Mahalwari System (1822)? Which regions adopted this system?
“Mahal” - village or estate
Features:
- Revenue settled with village headman (aka Numberdaar) for the entire village.
- Responsibility of farmer to calculate and collect revenue from each farmer.
Regions:
West UP, Haryana, Agra, Central Provinces, Gangetic Valley, Punjab
Who introduced the the Mahalwari System (1822)?
HOLT MACKENZIE & WILLIAM BENTINCK
What are the SEVEN reform policies of WILLIAM BENTINCK (1828-35)?
- Abolition of Sati (1829)
- Suppression of Thuggi
- Introduction of Mahalwari System
- Reduction of allowances for military officers and civil servants.
- Increasing Indians’ Employment
- Regularization of Opium Trade
- Abolition of Provincial Courts
Who was the First Governor General of India established by the CHARTER ACT OF 1833?
WILLIAM BENTINCK (1828-35)
What is the Education Minute (1835)?
Policy introduced by MACAULAY - racist in favor of english education
Downward Filtration theory of Education- Start with educating some in English and let them pass it on to the rest.
Who were the parties that signed the Treaty of Perpetual Friendship in 1831?
Ranjit Singh of Punjab and William Bentinck
Who were the parties that signed the Treaty of Eternal Friendship in 1809?
British and Rulers of Sindh - to exclude Napoleon + Russian alliance
What policy was used to justify the Annexation of Sindh in 1843?
Subsidiary Alliance in 1839
The pneumonic for the Governor Generals of Bengal (1774 to 1833)
He Could See Why Max Hated Avocadoes
Hastings, Cornwallis, Shore, Wellesley, Minto, Hastings, Amherst
The pneumonic for Governor Generals of India (1828-1856)
Blue Monkeys Are Excited to Have Dosas
Bentinck, Metcalfe, Auckland, Ellenborough, Hardinge I, Dalhousie
Ranjit Singh of Punjab is from which Misl?
Sukarchakia Misl
Who were the parties of the Treaty of Amritsar (1809)?
Ranjit Singh and EIC (Minto I)
What is the Doctine of Lapse? How were States categorized for this purpose?
Annexation of Territory in the absence of clear male successor. Adoption is now prohibited as it leads to “misrule” (fallacy)
Three categories of States:
1. “Non Subordinate states” - No British right to decide succession
2. “Subordinate States of Mughals or Peshwas” - Rulers must ask for British permission to adopt
3. “States created by British Govt.’s Sanads/Grants” - Never allowed to adopt
Who introduced the Doctine of Lapse?
DALHOUSIE (1848-56)
Which was the first state to be taken over under the Doctrine of Lapse?
Satara
How did DALHOUSIE annex Berar from the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1853?
Berar’s cotton yielding areas were taken over after the Nizam failed to pay tribute to EIC
How was Oudh annexed by DALHOUSIE in 1856?
EIC used the fallacy of misrule in 1856. EIC alleged that the Nawab ignored the welfare of people and depended entirely on EIC for defence and Law & Order.
What was the contribution of Dalhousie to Indian Railways?
He formulated the Railway Minute of 1853
laid the First Line from Bombay to Thane
Who brought Electric telegraph to India?
Dalhousie
The telegraph helped the British suppress the Revolt of 1857 as it sped up their communication channels.
Who was responsible for the Postal Reforms of 1854?
Dalhousie - New Post Office Act
Postage stamps were used for the first time.
What were the SIX main reforms undertaken by Dalhousie (1848-56)?
- Electric Telegraph
- Railway Lines
- Postage Reforms
- Creation and development of a Public Works Department that built roads, canals, and bridges.
- Development of harbours in Karachi, Bombay and Calcutta
- Opening up ports of India for commercial trade using Free Trade principles.
What is the “Great Game” of 19th Century?
- The Power struggle between the Russian empire and the British Empire in the Asian Continent.
- Two Russian expansion routes through the Black Sea and through Central Asia
- British sought to use Afghanistan as a buffer zone between India and Russian empire
What is the Scientific Frontier which acted as the entry gate of India?
The boundary between Afghanistan and Pakistan covering the Kabul, Ghazni and Kandahar provinces and the Khyber and Buland passes of the Hindukush mountains
What is the Tripartite Treaty of 1838?
What is the FORWARD POLICY OF AUCKLAND?
The treaty between the British (Auckland), the Sikhs (Ranjit Singh) and the deposed Afghan ruler Shah Shuja.
Aim is to take Sikh help and install Shah Shuja to the Afghan throne such that the British are favored over the Russians and the Persians.
What is the British Policy of MASTERLY INACTIVITY?
- It was the policy implemented by JOHN LAWRENCE to ensure that Afghanistan remains a neutral buffer state against Russian expansion.
- British do not interfere in Afghan internal affairs but give aid and assistance to the Amir of Kabul (SHER ALI) to maintain his independence.
Describe the Afghan war of Independence of 1919
After World War 1 and the Russian Revolution in 1917, Afghanistan sought independence from its colonial masters encouraged by Russia.
Assassination of the Afghan AMIR HABIBULLAH in 1919 started the war of independence which ended in 1921 with a declaration of peace by the British.
Who was the First Chairman of the Public Service Commission in 1926?
Ross Baker
Who was the first Indian to crack the Civil Services Examination?
Satyendra Nath Tagore in 1863
What are the three types of Traditional Response to British Rule?
- Civilian and Peasant Rebellions: Non-military populations led by feudal lords, deposed rulers, etc. cultivators and zamindars who suffered from impoverishment and exploitation due to British revenue policies.
- Tribal Uprisings: Organized by tribals who have lost access to their lands. Eg. Santhal (1793), Chuar (1776-1834), Bhil (1818) uprisings/revolts.
- Military Mutinies: Mutinies by members of British Armed Forces E.g. Revolt of 1857
What was the SANYASI/FAKIR REBELLION?
Between 1763-1800, sanyasis, fakirs and peasants of Northern and Eastern Bengal joined forces and rebelled against harsh economic policies of the British after the
great famine of Bengal (1770).
EIC: HASTINGS
FOUR leaders of the SANYASI REVOLT of 1770
Majnu Shah,
Chirag Ali,
Devi Chaudharani &
Bhavani Pathak
Describe the causes of the MIDNAPORE/DHALBHUM revolt of 1766-74
Zamindars, Taluqdars and Ryots joined forces to revolt against the revenue policies introduced by the British (Hastings) in 1772 in Midnapore and Dhalbhum (Bengal)
Name two leaders of the Midnapore/Dhalbhum rebellion
Damodar Singh and Jagannath Dhal
Describe the GORAKHPUR (UP/Awadh) REBELLION of 1780-81
During: Warren Hastings
English revenue farmers (ALEXANDER HANNAY) who have bid for the right to farm the lands make excessive demands from the ryots/peasants leading to a revolt.
Why did the Raja of Vizianagaram revolt against the British in 1794?
- The British fail to honour a treaty between themselves and Anand Gajapatiraju to protect the region from the French. Instead, they demand high tribute and disband the troops stationed in the area as soon as Gajapatiraju dies. His son Vijayaramaraju leads the revolt.
- Leads to the Battle of Padmanabham
What caused the civil rebellion (Benares Massacre) of Awadh in 1799?
The replacement of Wazir Ali Khan by his uncle Sadat Ali Khan by the British.
Why did the Chero tribe of Jharkhand rebel against the British in 1800? - PALAMAU REBELLION
The introduction of agrarian landlordism and feudal system in tribal areas of Palamau and Sarguja by the British caused a revolt led by their Chief, Bhukhan Singh
This rebellion was suppressed by Colonel Jones
Describe the POLIGARS’ REVOLT of 1795-1805
Local warlords of TN and AP fight against British in 3 major uprisings for two reasons:
1. Nawab of Arcot (Mohammed Ali) hands over the management of Tirunelveli to EIC in 1781.
2. Deprivation of the Poligars’ right to collect the “Kaaval Fees” (kaapala fees) by the British.
What is the DIWAN VELU THAMPI REVOLT of 1808-09?
The Diwan/Dalawa of Travancore state revolted against the harsh conditions imposed by the EIC in their Subsidiary Alliance agreement.
Describe the Disturbances of Bundelkhand (South UP and MP) between 1808-12
Bundela Chiefs who were aligned with the Marathas resisted British rule after the defeat of Marathas in the 2nd Anglo Maratha War.
Leaders: Lakshman Dawa of Ajaygarh and Darya Singh of Kalanjar.
Who was involved in the Kutch rebellion of 1816-32?
Maharaja Bharmal II and the EIC.
Due to excessive revenue demands and internal interference by EIC
What was the Paika rebellion of Odisha in 1817?
“Paiks” were local landed militia for the Raja of Khurda (Odisha). Their area is handed over to the EIC by the Marathas after their defeat in the Second Anglo Maratha war. This leads to loss of employment, revenue, and prestige.
Who was the leader of the Paika Rebellion of 1817?
Jagbandhu Bidyadhar, the military chief of the Raja of Khurda.
Which British Governor General declared Zamindars as the absolute owners of the land?
Cornwallis
(Permanent Settlement System)
Describe the Peasant Movements of the 20th Century
Two stages:
1. 1857-1921: peasants rebel against high land revenues, zamindar oppression and evictions. No clear leader. Eg. Santhal rebellion, Bengal tenant rebellions, Champaran Satyagraha, Kheda Satyagraha and Moplah Rebellion.
2. 1923-46: emergence of class consciousness. Formation of All India Kisan Sabha and Communist party of India. Eg. Kisan Sabha Movement, Tebagha movement & Telangana movement.
Describe the Narkelberia Uprising of Bengal (1782-1831)
1st Armed Uprising of India
Leader: Syed Nisar Ali (Titu Mir)
Cause: Illegal Beard taxes on Muslim peasants and high rents
Area: Bengal
GGB: Bentinck
What was the FARAIZI Movement of 1838-57?
Nature: Religious and Puritanical movement - to purge the new practises and get back to old times.
Cause: Oppression of Zamindars
Leader: Haji Shariat-Ullah
Area: Bengal
Peters our and joins the Wahabi movement
Who were the “Pagalpanthis”?
A semi religious order comprising of Hajong and Garo Tribes of Myemensingh district of Bengal.
Describe the Pagalpanthi movement of 1825-35
Leader: Karim Shah and Tipu Shah
Nature: Syncretic mix of Hinduism, sufism and animism
Cause: Zamindari Oppression
Area: Bengal
Result: Violent suppression
What were the causes and features of the INDIGO REVOLT OF 1856-60?
Leaders: Bishnu Biswas, Digambar Biswas, Rafiq Mandal, Kader Malla
Characteristics: Support of rural population and native press, all religions participate equally. Mostly non-violent.
Cause: Against European indigo planters who imposed fraudulent contracts on peasants.
Area: Bengal
Result: Indigo Commission (1860) which indicted the practices as inhumane and forced indigo plantations are abolished.
What caused the Deccan Riots of 1875?
Cause: Fall in cotton prices after the end of the American Civil War. High land revenue demands and oppression by Moneylenders.
Area: Pune, Satara, Ahmednagar
Result: Deccan Agriculturists Relief Act, 1879
What was the Moplah Rebellion of Malabar (1836-54)?
Leaders: Gandhi, Shaukat Ali & Maulana Azad
Cause: New Tenancy laws, tenure insecurity
Area: Malabar, Kerala
Result: Violent suppression when the movement becomes communal, merges with Khilafat movement.
Describe the Pabna Movement of 1870s and 80s.
Leaders: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Surendranath Banerjee, RC Datta
Cause: Exploitation by zamindars, rent hikes and constant famines.
Nature: Rent strikes; recourse to non-violent legal resistance. Creation of Agrarian League (1873)
Region: Eastern Bengal
Result: Bengal Tenancy Act passed
What were the limitations of the 19th Century Peasant Movements? (4)
- Confined to small areas; no nationwide activities.
- Lack of long-term organization
- Lack of adequate understanding of Colonial structure
- Lack of viable alternatives presented, only struggle against immediate greivances.
Tribal Revolt:
Chuar or Jangal Mahal Uprising of 1766-1772 & 1795-1816
Cause: Famine and increased land revenue demands on PAIKS
EIC: Hastings & Cornwallis (Permanent Settlement)
Leaders: Jagannath Singh, Durjan Singh, Madhab Singh, Raja Mohan Singh
Region: Bengal
Result: Violent Suppression
Tribal Revolt:
Kol Uprising (1831)
Cause: Large scale transfer of land to moneylenders and Zamindari outsiders.
EIC: Bentinck
Leaders: Buddho Bhagat, Madara Mahato
Region: Chhotanagpur region (Ranchi and Singhbhum)
Tribal Revolt:
Santhal Rebellion (1855-56)
Cause: Introduction of Permanent Settlement and outsiders (Dikus) to tribal lands
EIC: Cornwallis’ policies, Dalhousie
Region: Daman - I - Koh (Rajmahal Hills of Jharkhand)
Leaders: Sidhu & Kanhu Murmu brothers
Result:
- Fierce rebellion, violent suppression. Substantial women participation.
- Formation of SANTHAL PARGANA with special laws preventing transfer of tribal Santhal land to non-Santhals or dikus.
Tribal Revolt:
Khond Uprisings (1837-56)
Cause: Abolition of human sacrifice by British, Influx of zamindars
Leaders: Chakra Bisoi
EIC: Bentinck & Auckland
Region: Odisha, Srikakulam & Visakhapatnam
Result: Suppression, Bisoi disappears
Tribal Revolt:
Bhil Revolt (1818-31 and 1913)
Cause: Exapansion of British rule after the Anglo Maratha wars. Bhils employed in army of Marathas.
Leaders: Govind Guru
EIC: Hastings
Region: Western Ghats, South Rajasthan
Result: Force and Conciliation
Tribal Revolt:
Ramosi Uprising (1822, 1825-26)
Cause: Fall of Marathas depriving the livelihood of Ramosi tribe.
Leaders: Chittur Singh, Umaji Naik, Triambakji Sawant
EIC: Hastings
Region: Western Ghats (Maharashtra)
Result: Force and reconciliation
Tribal Revolt:
Koli Uprisings (1829, 1839 and 1844)
Cause: Discontentment with new revenue/administrative systems implemented by the British in 1829; Dismantling of forests
Leaders: N/A
EIC: Bentinck
Region: Kolis of Maharashtra, Gujarat and AP
Tribal Revolt:
Munda Rebellion/Ulgulan (The great Tumult) Revolt
(1899-1900)
Cause: Erosion of KHUNTKHATTI SYSTEM (System of Collective Ownership of land by the whole tribe); Christian Missionaries; Forced labour imposed upon Mundas for non-payment of land revenues
Leaders: Birsa Munda
EIC: Dufferin, Elgin
Region: Chota Nagpur
Result: Introduction of Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908 which prohibits the sale of land to non-tribals
Tribal Revolt:
Khasi Revolt (1830-33)
Cause: Revolt against EIC’s plan to build a road to connect Eastern Bengal and Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley through Khasi territory. Also, use of Forced Labour
Context of Treaty of Yandobo (1826) with Burmese
Leaders: Tirath Singh
EIC: Amherst & Bentinck
Region: Assam
Result: Violent suppression and economic embargo
Tribal Revolt
Singphos Revolt (1830)
Cause: British Occupation of Assam after defeating Burmese
Leaders: Nirang Phidu
EIC: Amherst & Bentinck
Region: Assam
Result: Violent Suppression
What were the features of the General Services Enlistment Act of 1856?
The Act made it compulsory for Indian troops to serve outside India where they had to travel by sea. - Kaala Paani superstition
What caused the 1824 mutiny of the 47th Native Infantry?
Indian infantry troops which had already marched about 1600 km from Mathura to Barakhpore near Calcutta were asked to march on further to Burma.
Their request for bullock carts was denied as the bullocks were being sent to Burma by Sea.
Infantry troops were given the option to either travel by sea (Kaala Paani superstition) or march by foot with no assistance.
Similar greivances led to the Assam Mutiny in 1825.
What were the EIGHT main epicenters and Who were the EIGHT main leaders of the Revolt of 1857?
Plains of North and Central India:
- Delhi (General Bhakt Khan),
- Bareilly & Rohilkhand in UP (Khan Bahadur Khan),
- Kanpur (Peshwa Nana Saheb),
- Lucknow (Begum Hazrat Mahal),
- Jhansi & Gwalior (Rani Laxmibai & Tantia Tope),
- Bihar (Kunwar Singh) ,
- Faizabad (Maulwi Ahmadullah)
- Benares & Allahabad (Maulvi Liyakat Khan)
Who were the British Officials that suppressed the revolt of 1857?
(7)
- Delhi - Bahadur Shah - John Nicholson
- Lucknow - Begum Hazrat Mahal - Henry Lawrence
- Kanpur - Nana Saheb - Colin Campbell
- Jhansi - Laxmi Bai - Hugh Rose
- Bareilly - Khan Bahadur Khan - Colin Campbell
- Allahabad - Maulvi Liyakat Khan - Oncell
- Bihar - Kunwar Singh - William Taylor
Who were the crucial groups of participants of the Revolt of 1857?
- Sepoys of the British EIC army
- Nawabs, Kings and Queens
- Zamindars and Talukdars that are disadvantaged by British Permanent Settlement policies
- Common Civilians discontented by EIC rule
- Muslims (clerics, clergy) who lost privileges/status due to the change of rule from Mughal muslims to British
What is the Policy of EFFECTIVE CONTROL?
Policy of British to exercise “effective control” over Princely states even though they were not under British Rule.
E.g. Exercising influence and espionage using British residents in Princely states (Subsidiary alliance). Using the doctrine of Lapse to interfere in succession in Princely states.
What were the political causes of Revolt of 1857? (8)
- Policy of Effective Control
- Subsidiary Alliance Policy
- Doctrine of Lapse
- The Fallacy of Indian “Misrule”
- Humiliating treatment of Bahadur Shah Zafar (Mughals)
- Reduction/Suspension of promised pensions to Nawabs, princes, etc.
- Annexation of **Awadh **in 1856.
- Foreignness/Alienness of the British rule
List the broad Economic causes of the Revolt of 1857. (8)
- Land Revenue policies like permanent settlement, ryotwari, mahalwari, etc.
- High revenue demands
- Alienation of the peasant from the land
- Transfer of lands from poor to rich
- Exploitation by moneylenders
- Destruction of Indian Handicrafts industries.
- One way free trade allowing for a slow but continuous drain of wealth from India to Britain
- Increasing pressure on agriculture causing Disguised Unemployment
What was the main feature of the Lex Loci Act of 1850?
The Act allowed people to inherit the wealth of their parents irrespective of the change of religion. Gave credence to fears that British were trying to convert Indians to Christianity.
What were the SIX assurances given by the British crown in the Queen’s Proclamation of 1858?
- No more territorial expansion
- Assurances to Princely states to honour their dignity
- Promise to honour treaties
- Clemency for those who participated in 1857 revolt
- Religious tolerance towards Indians
- Army of EIC incorporated British Army
Name TWO British historians who believed that the 1857 revolt was merely a sepoy mutiny
John Seely and John Lawrence
Who referred to the 1857 revolt as the FIRST WAR OF INDEPENDENCE?
S.B. Chaudhary
What did Jawaharlal Nehru think about the Revolt of 1857?
That it was a “Feudal revolt led by feudal chiefs and aided by widespread anti-foreigner sentiment”
What were the **SIX **main changes in British administration after the revolt of 1857?
- Implementation of DIVIDE AND RULE
- Zamindars and Princes as BREAKWATERS against revolt
- Giving up SOCIO-RELIGIOUS Reform
- RACISM more pronounced
- Queen’s PARAMOUNTCY
- REORGANIZATION of Army
Define MARTIAL & NON-MARTIAL races of the British Army
MARTIAL: races that remained loyal to EIC during 1857 revolt - Punjab, Nepal, North and North West provinces
NON-MARTIAL: races that revolted in 1857 - Awadh, Bihar and Central India
What are the SIX main features of the GOVT. OF INDIA ACT 1858?
- EIC abolished, transferred to Crown
- Indians to serve under British
- Office of “Sec. of State” created in British Cabinet.
- 15 member “Council of India” to assist Sec. of State
- Office of “Viceroy” (deputy of the royals) created to replace Governor General
- Expansion of council of Governor General
First VICEROY of India
Canning
First SECRETARY OF STATE
Stanley
SIX Features of the INDIAN COUNCILS ACT, 1861
- Addition of 5th member to GG’s council - Finance
- Between 6-12 members added to Council for Legislative purposes
- 50% of legislative members to be nominated by Viceroy
- Legislative powers of Bombay and Madras reinstated
- Legislative councils for Bengal, NWP, Burma and Punjab also added.
- More powers to Viceroy/GG
