History of India under British Rule

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the book about India's history under British rule?

The colonial state's political strategies

The biographies of key British officials

The economic policies implemented by the British

The perceptions and experiences of the Indian people (correct)

How does the book approach the topic of the Indian nation's emergence?

By highlighting the contradictions and tensions under colonial rule (correct)

By presenting a uniform perspective of Indian society

By focusing solely on economic growth during British rule

By ignoring cultural crises faced by the people

What type of historical interpretations does the book acknowledge?

Fictional interpretations of events

No interpretations, only facts

Only the traditional interpretations

Various interpretations and historiographical contexts (correct)

What aspect of Indian history research does the book aim to relate?

Specialized research findings to the overall narrative Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the author describe their approach to writing this book?

Innovative and unorthodox at times Signup and view all the answers

What does the author identify as a significant event in recent years regarding Indian history research?

An outpouring of research publications in the field Signup and view all the answers

What does the book aim to provide for students and general readers?

A story with adequate empirical details and context Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges the book acknowledges regarding the narrative of Indian history?

The presence of multiple interpretations of historical events Signup and view all the answers

What does the author acknowledge about the narrative presented in the book?

It reflects the author's personal views on Indian nationalism. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributions does the author attribute primarily to their students?

They challenged the author's understanding of Indian history. Signup and view all the answers

Who are some of the eminent historians that influenced the author's understanding of Indian history?

Amales Tripathi and Ashin Das Gupta Signup and view all the answers

What does the author express gratitude for in relation to their colleagues?

Their early discussions that shaped the author's ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the bibliography mentioned in the book?

To offer readers alternative interpretations of Indian history. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the author's perspective is true?

The author's understanding has evolved over many years. Signup and view all the answers

What quality does the author most attribute to Gautam Bhadra?

His generosity in sharing bibliographic knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment does the author convey towards their own interpretations of history?

They acknowledge the influence of their own preferences. Signup and view all the answers

Who became the treasurer of the provincial government in 1730?

Jagat Seth Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary change in governance observed by the 1730s in Bengal?

Decentralization of power among local rulers Signup and view all the answers

Who ousted Sarfaraz Khan in the coup of 1739-40?

Alivardi Khan Signup and view all the answers

Which family was instrumental in the victory against Sarfaraz Khan?

The banking family of Jagat Seth Signup and view all the answers

What characterized Murshid Quli's rule despite his connections with the Mughals?

Autonomic governance within Bengal Signup and view all the answers

What was Sarfaraz Khan's major failing as an administrator?

Alienation of the banking family of Jagat Seth Signup and view all the answers

Who was named as Murshid Quli's successor?

Sarfaraz Khan Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable outcome of Alivardi Khan's appointment as nazim?

Endorsement from the Mughal emperor Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the mulgujari in the Mughal administration?

They collected revenue from peasants. Signup and view all the answers

How were khudkashts different from pahikashts?

Khudkashts owned the land, whereas pahikashts did not. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant source of power for the zamindars?

Their close community relations based on caste and clan. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Akbar use to influence the zamindars?

He tried to turn them into collaborators. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the open defiance of the zamindars during the later years of the Mughal empire?

The oppression from the jagirdars. Signup and view all the answers

How did the jagirdars maintain their power over the peasants?

By taking advantage of their short tenures to extract revenue. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguished primary zamindars from intermediary zamindars?

Primary zamindars had independent rights over land. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Mughal administration play in relation to the zamindars?

They relied on the cooperation of zamindars for governance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a 'nawab' in the context of Mughal governance?

Mughal provincial governor Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'panchayat' refer to in Indian society?

Village council Signup and view all the answers

Who were the 'mirasidars' in South India?

Holdings of hereditary land rights Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'sati' refer to in Indian tradition?

Custom of widows sacrificing themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'mansabdar' in the Mughal Empire?

A noble with a military rank Signup and view all the answers

What is 'mushaira' in the cultural context?

Public recital of poetry Signup and view all the answers

What does 'purdah' signify in societal terms?

Seclusion of women Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'zamindars'?

Landlords Signup and view all the answers

What is 'sharia' in the Islamic context?

Islamic law Signup and view all the answers

What does 'raja' mean in the context of governance?

Autonomous ruler Signup and view all the answers

The term 'peshwa' refers to what position in governance?

Prime minister of the Maratha ruler Signup and view all the answers

What does 'praj mandal' signify?

Nationalist people's organizations Signup and view all the answers

What is involved in 'utara' labor?

Forced labor Signup and view all the answers

What does 'shastra' pertain to?

Hindu religious texts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preface Overview

The book presents a thematic history of India under British rule, emphasizing the experiences of Indian people rather than colonial authorities.
It explores cultural crises, social changes, identity searches, and the impact of Western imperialism on the Indian nation.
Recent research findings have reshaped narratives in Indian historiography; this book synthesizes these insights while maintaining a unique interpretative angle.

Authors and Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges influences from students at Calcutta University and Victoria University of Wellington, whose questions shaped the narrative.
Recognizes contributions from eminent historians like Professors Amales Tripathi and Ashin Das Gupta, enhancing understanding of Indian history.
Friends and colleagues provided feedback that refined various sections of the book.

Glossary Highlights

Zamindars: Landholders with varying degrees of power; primary zamindars collected revenue from peasants, intermediary zamindars acted as revenue collectors.
Peasants: Differentiated into khudkashts (occupancy rights holders) and pahikashts (vagrant peasants).
Peshkash: Fixed payments to the Mughal emperor by zamindars and rulers in return for authority.
Mughal Administration: Relied on the cooperation of zamindars; loyalty declined post-Aurangzeb, leading to increased rebellion.

Transition of the Eighteenth Century

The Mughal bureaucracy incorporated local landlords in exchange for loyalty, creating a complex power structure among zamindars and peasants.
Relationships among zamindars and peasants were influenced by caste and clan, granting zamindars significant power and military capabilities.
The Mughal state faced challenges from zamindar defiance, especially after Aurangzeb's reign and the succession crisis (1707-1708).
Jagirdars often exploited peasant populations due to lack of long-term attachment, exacerbating tensions and dissent.

Key Historical Figures

Murshid Quli: Established loyalty among officials and domestic power dynamics, while maintaining ties to the Mughal Empire.
Shujauddin Muhammad Khan: Continued the tradition of autonomy in local governance post-Murshid Quli, securing authority through alliances with zamindars and merchants.
Alivardi Khan: A military general who overthrew the inefficient nazim Sarfaraz Khan, marking a shift towards local autonomy over Mughal rule.

Administrative Changes

The governance model in Bengal evolved towards local cooperation rather than external imposition by the Mughal administration.
Power dynamics shifted, reducing the authority of the nazim while empowering local merchants, bankers, and zamindars.
The events of the early 18th century illustrated a transition from Mughal dominance to a more autonomous regional governance style led by local elites.

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Description

This quiz explores significant historical themes related to India during British rule, including maps depicting British India, princely states, and the transition to independence in 1947. It provides insights into India's past and the socio-political landscape of the time.