Questions and Answers
What event occurred in 1857 that involved Bahadur Shah Zafar?
What happened to Bahadur Shah Zafar after the revolt was suppressed?
What was one of the accusations made against the Company by the Bengal government?
What was the fate of Bahadur Shah Zafar's sons following the rebellion?
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What was the Company’s main argument regarding the demands of local officials?
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Who was the Mughal emperor during the 1857 rebellion?
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Which event culminated from the conflicts between the Company and the Bengal government?
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What was the effect of the Battle of Buxar on Nawab Shujauddaulah's authority?
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According to James Mill, how did the residents appointed by the Company influence local princes?
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Who became the nawab of Bengal after the death of Alivardi Khan in 1756?
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Which of the following best describes Bahadur Shah Zafar's role in 1857?
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What happens when a prince defies the wishes of the British Government?
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Why did the Company prefer a puppet ruler in Bengal?
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What does 'subservience' refer to in the context provided?
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What role does the resident play in the administration according to the narrative?
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Who was the first Governor-General to introduce administrative reforms in justice?
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What type of courts were established in each district starting from 1772?
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Who interpreted Indian laws for European district collectors in civil courts?
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What was a significant charge leveled against Warren Hastings upon his return to England?
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How long did the impeachment proceedings against Warren Hastings last?
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What was one of the main reasons the British viewed Haidar and Tipu as a threat?
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Which of the following battles marked the only British victory in the series of wars fought with Mysore?
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What happened to Mysore after the death of Tipu Sultan?
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In what year did Tipu Sultan become the ruler of Mysore?
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What cultural element often surrounds historical kings like Tipu Sultan?
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Study Notes
The Rebellion of 1857
- The rebellion against British rule in India in 1857 saw Bahadur Shah Zafar, the Mughal emperor, emerging as a symbolic leader.
- After the revolt was suppressed, Zafar was exiled, and his sons were executed.
Conflicts with the British East India Company
- The Company was accused of exploiting Bengal's revenues and undermining the nawab's authority.
- Tensions arose due to the Company's refusal to pay taxes and its humiliating correspondence with local officials.
- The Company claimed that unjust demands from local officials disrupted trade and necessitated an expansion of settlements.
The Battle of Plassey
- The death of Alivardi Khan in 1756 led to Sirajuddaulah becoming nawab of Bengal.
- The Company sought to install a puppet ruler in place of Sirajuddaulah to ensure favorable trade concessions.
- The Battle of Plassey became a pivotal conflict that established British dominance in Bengal.
Colonial Control over Bengal
- The Company's treaties post-Battle of Buxar greatly diminished the nawab's power.
- The concept of "residents" was introduced, where British representatives effectively controlled local rulers while maintaining an appearance of respect for their authority.
- James Mill criticized this system, noting that royal legitimacy depended on compliance with British interests.
The Wars against Mysore
- Four significant wars were fought against the Kingdom of Mysore (1767-1799), fueled by British concerns over rulers Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan's ambitions.
- The final war culminated in the Battle of Shrirangapatnam in 1799, where Tipu Sultan was killed, and British control was solidified by reinstating the Wodeyar dynasty under a subsidiary alliance.
Administrative Reforms by British
- Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India, implemented key administrative reforms, particularly in justice.
- He established a dual court system comprised of criminal (faujdari adalat) and civil courts (diwani adalat), with local laws interpreted by Maulvis and Hindu pandits for British collectors.
- Hastings faced impeachment in Parliament from 1785, accused of misgovernment in Bengal, resulting in a lengthy trial.
Cultural Depictions of British Power
- British artists often portrayed their power through paintings, reinforcing the narrative of British triumph over Indian rulers.
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Description
Explore the key events and figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, including the role of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor. This quiz will test your knowledge of the causes, major players, and outcomes of this significant uprising against British rule in India.
