History of the East India Company

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Questions and Answers

What was the purpose of the ICS Act of 1861?

To establish the Indian Civil Service (correct)

To create a new tax system

To implement a new education system

To abolish local governance

Which of the following options best describes Mercantilism?

The prosperity of a country depends on its capability to consume more than it produces.

The prosperity of a country depends on its capability to produce more than it consumes.

The prosperity of a country depends on its capability to export more than it imports. (correct)

The prosperity of a country depends on its capability to import more than it exports.

Which French settlement is considered significant in India?

Karaikal (correct)

Balasore

Daman and Diu

Goa

What is the assertion regarding Lord Cornwallis and the Cornwallis Code?

Both assertion and reason are true and reason explains assertion. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key result of the battle that established EEIC's dominance in Bengal?

Control over administrative powers in Bengal Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did the English East India Company achieve in 1619?

Obtained a royal farman to set up more factories Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cities did NOT have an English factory established according to the content?

Delhi Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key factors that led to the English victory over other European powers in India?

Eliminating rival companies Signup and view all the answers

By the middle of the 18th century, what role did internal conflicts within the Mughal Empire play in European colonization?

They encouraged European powers to establish control Signup and view all the answers

Why was Bengal considered an important province for the English East India Company?

It was one of the richest provinces in India Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the breakdown of the Mughal Empire by the middle of the 18th century?

Opportunism among local rulers and European powers Signup and view all the answers

What significant advantage did the English East India Company gain from the Mughal emperor in 1717?

Duty free trade Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy was crucial for European powers to control trade in India?

Controlling political power of trade-related countries Signup and view all the answers

What was a requirement for Indian rulers who accepted the Subsidiary Alliance?

They had to disband their army and keep British forces. Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if Indian rulers failed to make payments under the Subsidiary Alliance?

Their territories could be ceded to the British. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Subsidiary Alliance affect the administrative power of Indian rulers?

It reduced their control of foreign affairs. Signup and view all the answers

Who was one of the first rulers to accept the Subsidiary Alliance?

The Nizam of Hyderabad Signup and view all the answers

What was a major disadvantage for Indian rulers under the Subsidiary Alliance?

They lost financial independence. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Mir Qasim's major initiatives to oppose British control?

Dismissing officials close to the Company Signup and view all the answers

Under the Doctrine of Lapse, what condition would lead to the annexation of a territory?

If the ruler adopted an heir without British permission. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major method the British used to expand their territories in India during the period of the Subsidiary Alliance?

Annexation through the Doctrine of Lapse. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for Mir Qasim after the Battle of Buxar?

He was defeated and expelled from Bengal. Signup and view all the answers

What significant treaty was signed between the British and Shah Alam II after the Battle of Buxar?

Treaty of Allahabad Signup and view all the answers

What role did British Residents play in the courts of Indian rulers under the Subsidiary Alliance?

They interfered in everyday affairs. Signup and view all the answers

Under the dual administration in Bengal, who had control of the revenue?

The British East India Company Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Marquess Wellesley?

To control large areas without direct war Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the dual administration system in Bengal?

Bengal suffered under ineffective governance. Signup and view all the answers

What did the British receive in return for granting the Diwani to the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II?

An annual tribute of 26 lakhs Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of European mercenaries in Mir Qasim's strategy?

They trained his soldiers in modern warfare techniques. Signup and view all the answers

What action did Siraj-ud-Daulah take against the British in Calcutta?

He laid siege to Calcutta with a large army. Signup and view all the answers

Who conspired with Robert Clive during the Battle of Plassey?

Mir Jafar Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major outcomes of the Battle of Plassey?

Mir Jafar became the puppet Nawab of Bengal. Signup and view all the answers

What issue did Mir Jafar face after becoming the Nawab?

He was unable to meet the company's monetary demands. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred after the English East India Company won the Battle of Plassey?

They began to exercise real power in Bengal. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the appointment of Mir Qasim as Nawab?

Mir Jafar refused to grant additional trade privileges. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the financial advantages gained by the English East India Company after the victory in the Battle of Plassey?

They acquired the zamindari of 24 districts of Bengal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the situation prior to the Battle of Buxar?

Mir Qasim realized his dependence on the English East India Company. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Establishment of English Factories

The East India Company (EEIC) was granted a royal farman in 1619, allowing the establishment of more factories.
Factories were set up in various locations, including Surat, Madras, Bombay, Calcutta, and Broach.

The Struggle for Power

Intense rivalry among European powers aimed at monopolizing trade led to the elimination of competitors and control over political power.
By the mid-18th century, the English outmaneuvered other European companies and dominated the Indian trade market.

The British Conquest of Bengal

The decline of the Mughal Empire led to the emergence of independent kingdoms, reducing centralized authority.
Bengal, a wealthy province, became a target for the EEIC, which misused privileges granted by the Mughal emperor to gain profits.
Nawab Alivardi Khan’s regime faced financial losses, setting the stage for British intervention.

Events Leading to the Battle of Plassey

Siraj-ud-Daulah succeeded Nawab Alivardi Khan and sought to halt British fortifications and enforce tax payments.
He marched an army of 30,000 to besiege Calcutta, asserting control over internal trade.

Battle of Plassey (1757)

Robert Clive led British forces from Madras and conspired with Mir Jafar to undermine Siraj-ud-Daulah.
British victory was secured with the support of influential figures within the Nawab’s court.

Results of the Battle of Plassey

Siraj-ud-Daulah was captured and killed; Mir Jafar became a puppet Nawab.
The EEIC gained the zamindari of 24 districts and monopolized Bengal’s trade.
British control led to financial stability and expansion of political power.

Problems with Mir Jafar

Mir Jafar struggled to meet the EEIC's monetary demands, leading to his deposition in favor of his son-in-law, Mir Qasim.

Battle of Buxar (1764)

Mir Qasim aimed to assert independence from the EEIC, dismissed loyalists, and trained his forces but alarmed the British.
He allied with Shuja-ud-Daula and Shah Alam II against the British but was defeated at Buxar.

Results of the Battle of Buxar

The defeat solidified EEIC dominance in Bengal; Mir Jafar was reinstated.
The Treaty of Allahabad (1765) granted the EEIC the Diwani, allowing revenue collection in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Dual Administration in Bengal (Dyarchy)

The system established by Robert Clive divided responsibilities: the Nawab managed military matters, while the EEIC controlled revenue.
The structure led to significant suffering in Bengal, prompting Warren Hastings in 1772 to end this system and bring administration under direct Company control.

Expansion of the British Empire

Annexation Through Subsidiary Alliance

Introduced by Marquess Wellesley, this strategy allowed British control over Indian states without direct confrontation.
Indian rulers had to disband armies and maintain British forces, with financial penalties for non-compliance.

Benefits and Drawbacks

The British maintained a large army at the expense of Indian rulers while expanding territory.
Indian rulers lost decision-making rights and administrative independence.

Territories Annexed

The Nizam of Hyderabad (1798), Nawab of Awadh (1801), and Peshwa Baji Rao II (1802) accepted the alliance.

Annexation Through Doctrine of Lapse

Introduced by Lord Dalhousie, territories without male heirs or lacking adoption permissions were annexed by the British.
This policy allowed for the systematic incorporation of princely states into British India.

Establishment of the Indian Civil Service

The ICS Act of 1861 formalized the establishment of a new judicial service in British India, featuring a structured court system.
Administrative divisions were created, ensuring efficient revenue collection and law enforcement.

Key Questions

Mercantilism suggests that a country's prosperity depends on exporting more than it imports.
Recognize key French settlements like Karaikal.
Lord Cornwallis is noted as the father of Indian Civil Administration due to the Cornwallis Code, essential for judicial service guidance.
The Battle of Plassey marked the beginning of EEIC’s dominance, leading to significant territorial and administrative control.
Subsidiary Alliance disadvantaged Indian rulers by stripping them of military and administrative power, facilitating British dominance.

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Description

This quiz covers significant events involving the East India Company (EEIC) during its establishment in 1619. Test your knowledge of the company's royal farman and its impact on trade and colonization. Perfect for history enthusiasts and students alike.