The expansion and nature of company rule Flashcards
Which war forced Nepal under British influence?
The Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816), after which Nepal ceded territory and accepted British dominance.
Which territories were annexed just before 1857?
Berar (1854) and Oudh (Awadh) (1856).
What policy allowed the EIC to annex princely states when rulers had no direct male heir?
The Doctrine of Lapse, which denied the right of adopted heirs to inherit rulership.
Who was the Governor-General most associated with the Doctrine of Lapse?
Lord Dalhousie (1848–1856).
Name some key territories annexed through the Doctrine of Lapse
Jhansi, Oudh, Assam, Arcot, and Punjab.
Why was it easier for the EIC to control India despite its vast size?
India was politically fragmented into rival kingdoms, princely states, and provinces, preventing unified resistance.
How did Indian collaboration aid British control?
Many Indian elites allied with the British for personal gain, such as Mir Jafar (Bengal) and Bajirao II (Marathas).
What was the primary composition of the EIC’s army?
Mostly Indian sepoys, making up over 250,000 troops by the early 19th century.
How was British India administratively divided under Company rule?
Into three presidencies—Bengal, Bombay, and Madras—each with its own administrative system and army.
What major Hindu practice was outlawed by the EIC under Governor-General Lord Bentinck?
Sati (widow-burning) was abolished in 1829.
Who was a key Indian reformer that supported the abolition of sati?
Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
What major social reform regarding widowhood was enacted by the EIC?
The legalization of widow remarriage.
What major road was built by the EIC to connect key regions of India?
The Grand Trunk Road (1830s), connecting Calcutta to Delhi, Peshawar, and Kabul.
What major irrigation project was undertaken by the British?
The Ganges Canal (1842–1855), irrigating 767,000 acres of land and benefiting 5,000 villages.
What major educational act redirected funds toward Western-style schooling in India?
The English Education Act (1835).
Who was a strong proponent of Western-style education in India?
Thomas Macaulay, who aimed to create a class of Indians educated in English and British values.
How did the British change the traditional land tax system?
Zamindars were required to pay fixed taxes to the EIC; failure to do so resulted in land confiscation.
What happened to Indian textile workers under British rule?
Their industry collapsed due to competition from cheap British imports, particularly from Manchester.
What cash crop were Indian farmers forced to grow under British rule?
Poppies for opium production, with strict quotas imposed.
Why did many Indians oppose British rule on religious grounds?
Christian missionary activity increased, and many saw British rule as an attempt to undermine Hindu and Muslim traditions.
How did Urdu texts from 1857 refer to the British?
As ‘kafir’ (unbeliever) and ‘nasrani’ (Christian), indicating religious opposition
Why did zamindars and taluqdars oppose the British?
Heavy taxation and land confiscation led many into debt, and their power was greatly reduced.
What British policy alienated many Indian rulers?
The Doctrine of Lapse, which resulted in the confiscation of princely states.
Who were some of the leaders of the 1857 Rebellion that lost their territories due to British policies?
Nana Sahib and the Rani of Jhansi.
Why was the British justice system seen as unfair?
British officials were given lenient treatment, while Indians received harsher punishments.
What regions remained loyal to the British during the 1857 Rebellion, and why?
Irrigated regions like Muzaffarnagar remained loyal, while non-irrigated ones like Meerut rebelled.
Why did some peasants support British land reforms?
The removal of zamindars sometimes led to lower taxes for farmers.
Why did British reforms not always have a major impact in rural India?
Many EIC policies were only enforced in major cities like Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay.
