Extra Question Class 8 Chapter 2 From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power

Short Answer Questions:

Q: Who was the founder of the East India Company?

A: The East India Company was founded by a group of English merchants led by Sir Thomas Smythe in 1600.

Q: What was the significance of the Battle of Plassey?

A: The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was significant because it marked the beginning of British political dominance in India, as the British East India Company defeated the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, with the help of Mir Jafar.

Q: Name one of the Indian rulers who supported the British during their early conquests in India.

A: Raja Shivaji Bhonsle of the Maratha Empire was one of the Indian rulers who supported the British during their early conquests in India.

Q: What was the doctrine of lapse introduced by Lord Dalhousie?

A: The doctrine of lapse was a policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, which stated that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his kingdom would be annexed by the British East India Company.

Q: What was the significance of the Treaty of Bassein?

A: The Treaty of Bassein signed in 1802 between the British East India Company and the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire allowed the British to maintain a subsidiary force in Peshwa territories, giving them significant influence and control over Maratha affairs. 

Q: Who was the first Governor-General of India appointed by the British East India Company?

A: Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of India appointed by the British East India Company.

Q:What was the significance of the Battle of Buxar in 1764?

A: The Battle of Buxar in 1764 resulted in the British East India Company's victory over the combined forces of the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor. This victory established British dominance in Bengal and paved the way for their expansion in India.

Q:Name one Indian ruler who opposed the British East India Company during their expansion in India.

A: Tipu Sultan of Mysore is one Indian ruler who vehemently opposed the British East India Company during their expansion in India.

Q: What was the impact of the Permanent Settlement introduced by Lord Cornwallis?

A: The Permanent Settlement, introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793, fixed the land revenue demand in perpetuity, leading to the impoverishment of peasants and the entrenchment of zamindari system in Bengal.

Q: Which Indian state was annexed under the doctrine of lapse during Lord Dalhousie's tenure?

A: Satara was one of the Indian states annexed under the doctrine of lapse during Lord Dalhousie's tenure.

Q: Who was the last Mughal emperor and what happened to him after the Indian Rebellion of 1857?

A: Bahadur Shah II was the last Mughal emperor. After the Indian Rebellion of 1857, he was captured by the British and exiled to Rangoon, where he died in 1862.

Q: What was the significance of the Treaty of Surat in 1775?

A: The Treaty of Surat in 1775 was significant because it marked the end of the conflict between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire, allowing the British to focus on consolidating their power in Bengal.

Q: Who was Tipu Sultan and why is he remembered in Indian history?

A: Tipu Sultan was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore known for his resistance against British expansion in South India. He is remembered in Indian history for his valor, modernization efforts, and opposition to colonial rule.

Q: What role did the Battle of Plassey play in the establishment of British rule in India?

A: The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked the beginning of British political dominance in India, as the British East India Company's victory over the Nawab of Bengal allowed them to establish control over Bengal and lay the foundation for British rule in India.

Q: How did the British East India Company initially gain a foothold in India?

A: The British East India Company initially gained a foothold in India through trading activities, establishing factories and settlements along the Indian coast, and securing trading rights and privileges from Indian rulers.

Long Answer Questions:

Q: Discuss the factors that led to the rise of the British East India Company as a political power in India.

A: The rise of the British East India Company as a political power in India was influenced by several factors, including its economic strength from trade, the decline of Mughal authority, the weakening of regional powers, military advancements, diplomatic strategies, and alliances with Indian rulers. The company capitalized on political instability and rivalries among Indian states, gradually expanding its territorial control and establishing itself as a dominant force in Indian politics.

Q: Analyze the impact of British colonial policies on Indian society and economy during the 18th and 19th centuries.

A: British colonial policies during the 18th and 19th centuries had profound effects on Indian society and economy. These policies led to the decline of traditional industries, such as textiles, and the commercialization of agriculture. The imposition of heavy taxes, land revenue systems, and economic regulations resulted in exploitation, poverty, and agrarian distress. Socially, British rule reinforced existing hierarchies, discriminated against indigenous cultures, and fueled social and religious reforms and resistance movements. The introduction of modern education, legal systems, and infrastructure also brought about significant changes in Indian society.

Q: Evaluate the role of Indian rulers in the expansion of British power in India.

A: Indian rulers played various roles in the expansion of British power in India, ranging from alliances and collaboration to resistance and rebellion. While some Indian rulers, such as the Nawab of Bengal, supported the British for their own political interests, others, like Tipu Sultan and Rani Lakshmibai, fiercely resisted British annexation and colonial rule. The actions and responses of Indian rulers to British expansion were influenced by factors such as regional politics, military capabilities, diplomatic relations, and ideological considerations.

Q: Analyze the economic policies of the British East India Company and their impact on Indian agriculture and industry.

A: The British East India Company implemented exploitative economic policies such as heavy taxation, monopolistic trade practices, and the destruction of indigenous industries, leading to the decline of Indian agriculture and handicrafts. These policies disrupted traditional economic systems, impoverished peasants, and contributed to famines and socio-economic inequalities in India.

Q: Discuss the factors that led to the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of regional powers in India during the 18th century.

A: The decline of the Mughal Empire was precipitated by factors such as weak leadership, succession disputes, fiscal mismanagement, and external invasions. Concurrently, the rise of regional powers, including the Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs, was fueled by their military prowess, administrative efficiency, and ability to exploit the Mughal Empire's decline. These regional powers emerged as significant players in Indian politics, challenging Mughal authority and laying the groundwork for British expansion.

Q: Evaluate the role of Indian collaborators in facilitating British expansion in India, citing examples from different regions.

A: Indian collaborators played diverse roles in facilitating British expansion in India, ranging from diplomatic alliances and military support to administrative cooperation and economic collaboration. Examples include Mir Jafar in Bengal, Raja Shivaji Bhonsle in Maharashtra, and Nizam-ul-Mulk in the Deccan, who allied with the British for political or personal gain, contributing to the consolidation of British power in India.

Q: Explain the significance of the subsidiary alliance system introduced by Lord Wellesley and its impact on Indian princely states.

A: The subsidiary alliance system, introduced by Lord Wellesley, required Indian princely states to accept British protection and maintain a British subsidiary force within their territories in exchange for protection against external threats. This system allowed the British to control the internal affairs of princely states, undermine their sovereignty, and expand British influence in India, ultimately paving the way for British annexation and colonial rule.

Q: Critically analyze the policies of Lord Dalhousie, focusing on their implications for Indian society, economy, and governance.

A: Lord Dalhousie's policies, including the doctrine of lapse, the introduction of railways and telegraphs, and the expansion of education and public works, had mixed implications for Indian society, economy, and governance. While some initiatives contributed to modernization and infrastructure development, others, such as the doctrine of lapse, resulted in the annexation of Indian states and the disruption of traditional institutions, leading to socio-economic dislocation and political unrest.