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Questions and Answers
What key role did Mir Jafar play in the defeat of Sirajuddaulah?
Which significant battle is associated with the East India Company's first major victory in India?
Where did the Court of Proprietors of the East India Company meet?
What was one of Clive's strategies to ensure Mir Jafar's support during the conflict?
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What was the overall impact of the Battle of Plassey on the East India Company?
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What was the primary purpose of the auction visited by the individual in 1824?
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How were the female slave and her children treated during the auction?
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What emotional state did the mother exhibit during the auction?
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What contrasting behavior is highlighted in the observer's account of the auction?
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In what context is the phrase 'Tiger of Mysore' used in the account?
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What was the primary concern of the British regarding Russia in the late 1830s?
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What event triggered the wars with the Sikh kingdom in Punjab?
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What was the Doctrine of Lapse?
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Which territory was annexed by the East India Company last among those mentioned?
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Which Governor-General devised the Doctrine of Lapse?
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What was the initial battle that marked the British conquest of Bengal?
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Which doctrine was implemented by Dalhousie that justified British annexation of Indian territories?
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Which ruler was associated with the resistance against British rule in Punjab?
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How did the assumption of Diwani benefit the East India Company?
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What was a primary area of conflict between the Bengal nawabs and the East India Company?
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What was the primary desire of those who came from humble backgrounds to India?
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How were the 'nabobs' perceived in British society?
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What strategy did the East India Company primarily use to annex Indian states?
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What term refers to the anglicised version of the Indian word 'nawab'?
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Which statement best describes the East India Company's approach to new territory?
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Study Notes
The Battle of Plassey
- Mir Jafar, a commander under Sirajuddaulah, did not engage in combat, leading to a strategic defeat for the Nawab.
- Clive’s promise to make Mir Jafar Nawab after defeating Sirajuddaulah was a pivotal deal.
- The battle marked the East India Company’s first significant victory in India.
Societal Impact of British Officials
- Wealthy returnees from India, dubbed “nabobs,” often flaunted their riches upon returning to Britain.
- "Nabob" derives from the Indian term "nawab," referring to a ruler or noble.
- These figures were frequently criticized in British society, portrayed as social climbers in literature and cartoons.
Expansion of Company Rule
- The East India Company expanded its influence through diplomatic and economic strategies rather than direct military attacks.
- The period from 1757 to 1857 saw gradual annexation of Indian states with various methods of exerting control.
British Concerns Over Russia
- In the late 1830s, fears of a Russian expansion into India prompted military actions in Afghanistan (1838-1842).
- The Company established indirect control over India by capturing key regions like Sind in 1843 and Punjab in 1849 after two wars against the Sikhs.
Doctrine of Lapse
- Implemented by Lord Dalhousie (Governor-General 1848-1856), this policy allowed the Company to annex kingdoms after a ruler's death without a male heir.
- Annexations included key territories: Satara (1848), Sambalpur (1850), Udaipur (1852), Nagpur (1853), and Jhansi (1854).
- Awadh was taken over in 1856 following the Doctrine of Lapse.
Slave Auctions in History
- A visitor's account from 1824 described the emotional turmoil of a mother and her children sold at a slave auction, highlighting the cruel nature of slavery.
- The observers displayed marked insensitivity, contrasting with the profound sorrow experienced by the enslaved families.
Reflection on British Conquests
- Imagining oneself in late 18th or early 19th century England prompts questions about perception towards British conquests and burgeoning wealth from colonial exploits.
Important Figures and Events
- Haidar Ali and his son Tipu Sultan ruled Mysore and resisted British advances.
- The Diwani was the East India Company's right to collect land revenue in Bengal.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Diwani: Right to collect revenue.
- Subsidiary Alliance: A system where native rulers maintained their thrones under Company protection.
- Changes in Company's Army: The composition of the Company's army evolved, differentiating from traditional Indian military structures.
Questions for Further Reflection
- Explore motivations behind European interest in Indian trade and resources.
- Analyze conflicts between the Bengal nawabs and the East India Company, including economic disruptions and control over land.
- Consider how the British administration differed from traditional Indian rule and the impact on local governance.
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Description
This quiz explores the significance of the Battle of Plassey, the strategic decisions that led to the East India Company's victory, and the societal impacts of British officials in India. It also covers the expansion of Company rule in India and the British concerns over Russian influence in the region. Test your knowledge on these pivotal historical events!
