Indian History: The Struggle Towards Freedom

Questions and Answers

How did the Europeans, especially the Portuguese, gain a foothold in India?

The Portuguese were the first to reach India, with Vasco da Gama reaching Calicut via the Cape of Good Hope in 1498. He got permission from the ruler of Calicut to carry on trade with India, and the Portuguese gradually established political power over areas like Calicut, Goa, Daman and Diu.

What were the main resources that made India prosperous in the past?

India was known for its wealth and was well-known for spices, cotton and silk textiles, pearls, jewelry and other resources.

How did the European countries, especially the British, gain control over India?

The European countries, especially the British, fought among themselves to gain control over India. The British eventually threw out other European countries and gained control over India.

How did the East India Company gain a foothold in India?

The East India Company, a small group of hundred English merchants, formed in 1600 A.D. and got the British Queen's permission to have trade relations with the countries of the East. The company received permission to trade in India from the Mughal Emperor, and they built settlements and godowns, called factories, at Madras, Calcutta and Bombay. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Mughal Emperor in the European presence in India?

The Mughal Emperor, Jahangir, gave permission to the East India Company to trade in India. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main reasons for the British to establish forts and keep armed soldiers around their settlements in India?

The English traders built forts around their settlements and kept armed soldiers to protect themselves, as India at that time was divided into small kingdoms which were often at war with one another. Signup and view all the answers

How did the British benefit from the internal fights between the Indian kings?

The British helped one king against the other, and benefitted from these internal fights to capture a large part of India. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Battle of Plassey and what were its consequences?

The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was fought between the forces of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah of Bengal and the British. Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah lost the battle, and the British became powerful in Bengal as a result. Signup and view all the answers

How did the British collect large sums of money from the Indian kings and people?

The British collected a large sum of money from the kings and the people of India. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the stages of British expansion in India.

The text suggests that the British expansion in India involved establishing forts and armed presence around their settlements, taking advantage of internal conflicts between Indian kingdoms, and gradually capturing a large part of the subcontinent. Signup and view all the answers