12 Questions
What was the outcome of the Company's attempt to help one of Sirajuddaulah's rivals become the nawab?
The attempt failed, and Sirajuddaulah remained in power.
What was the consequence of the Company's assumption of Diwani in 1765?
The revenues from India were used to finance the Company's expenses.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Plassey in 1757?
The Nawab was defeated, and Mir Jafar was made the new nawab.
What was the reason behind Sirajuddaulah's march to Calcutta?
To establish his control over the Company's fort.
Who led the Company's forces against Sirajuddaulah at the Battle of Plassey?
Robert Clive
What was the role of Mir Jafar in the Battle of Plassey?
He never fought the battle, leading to Sirajuddaulah's defeat.
What was the result of an Indian ruler dying without a male heir according to the Doctrine of Lapse?
His kingdom would 'lapse' and become part of Company territory
What was the role of Warren Hastings in the expansion of Company power?
He played a significant role in setting up a new administration
How many Presidencies were established in British India?
Three
What was the purpose of the civil court (diwani adalat) in each district?
To interpret Indian laws for European district collectors
Who was the supreme head of the administration in British India?
The Governor-General
What was the year in which the new system of justice was established?
1772
Study Notes
The Bengal Nawabs and the British East India Company
- After Aurangzeb's death, Bengal nawabs asserted their power and autonomy.
- Sirajuddaulah became the nawab of Bengal in 1756 after Alivardi Khan's death.
- The British East India Company wanted a puppet ruler and attempted to overthrow Sirajuddaulah, leading to his anger and demands.
- Sirajuddaulah captured Company officials, locked the warehouse, disarmed Englishmen, and blockaded English ships.
The Battle of Plassey
- The British Company sent forces under Robert Clive to defeat Sirajuddaulah in 1757.
- The Nawab was defeated at Plassey due to the betrayal of Mir Jafar, one of his commanders.
- After the defeat, Sirajuddaulah was assassinated, and Mir Jafar became the new nawab.
The Company's Expansion
- In 1765, the Mughal emperor appointed the Company as the Diwan of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
- The Company's revenues from India financed their expenses, stopping the outflow of gold from Britain.
The Doctrine of Lapse
- Lord Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse from 1848 to 1856.
- The doctrine stated that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, their kingdom would "lapse" and become part of Company territory.
- Many kingdoms were annexed under this rule, including Satara, Sambalpur, Udaipur, Nagpur, Jhansi, and Awadh.
The Company's Administration
- Warren Hastings played a significant role in the expansion of Company power.
- British territories were divided into administrative units called Presidencies, with three main Presidencies: Bengal, Madras, and Bombay.
- Each Presidency was ruled by a Governor, with the Governor-General as the supreme head of the administration.
The Judicial System
- A new system of justice was established in 1772.
- Each district had two courts: a criminal court (faujdari adalat) and a civil court (diwani adalat).
- In civil courts, Maulvis and Hindu pandits interpreted Indian laws for the European district collectors.
Test your knowledge on the events that unfolded after the death of Aurangzeb, including the rise of Sirajuddaulah as the nawab of Bengal and the conflicts with the British East India Company. Learn about the key battles and power struggles that shaped the region's history. Explore the intricacies of Indian politics and colonialism during the 18th century.
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