The British Emprie And India

Question 1

When and with who did the British involvement in India begin?

Answer 1

British involvement in India began with the founding of the east India company in 1600, by a royal charter granted by queen Elizabeth.

Question 2

Why did the British involvement with India begin?

Answer 2

Because the English wanted to gain access to prized commodities like spices and tea.

Question 3

Why was there a war between the English and the Mughals in 1686?

Answer 3

Disputes over trading rights led to a war in 1686.

Question 4

What cemented the East India Company’s position in India?

Answer 4

When Robert Clive won a battle against a combined French and Indian army at Plassey in 1757.

Question 5

Why would India dislike the EIC when they first took over?

Answer 5

The EIC would use its private army to control much of India, making deals with individual rulers. However, their rule was often exploitative, leading to widespread discontent.

Question 6

Name 4 causes of the rebellion in 1857

Answer 6

• British separatism’s British viewed themselves as superior to the Indians
• EIC increasingly corrupt and unfair in its treatment of Indians
• British attempts to change the Indian culture and religion- Christian missionaries, changes to education
• Indian soldiers heard a rumour that their gun cartridges were greased with pig and beef fat which was against their religious beliefs

Question 7

Why is the Indian Rebellion often referred to as the Indian Mutiny in Britain and the First War of Independence in India?

Answer 7

Because British viewed the event as a rebellion against their rule whereas the Indians viewed it as an attempt to gain their freedom from the British.

Question 8

Name two benefits about the British rule being positive for India:

Answer 8

• British people bought and sold many things from India which created job opportunities for Indians and for British in transportation, shipping and sales.
• The British also built 30,000 kilometres of railways and 130,000 bridges in India, which improved India economically and physically.

Question 9

Name two disadvantages about the British rule being negative for India:

Answer 9

• British forced Indians to learn English and created new rules and buildings without India’s permission
• Millions of Indians died of starvation due to Britain forcing Indians to stop making affordable crops