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Modern History Events Before 1857

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Home/Modern India/Modern History Events Before 1857/Page 4

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Rajashree Shirke
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Rajashree ShirkeLearner
Asked: January 25, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Briefly introduce the Sikh Empire and its significance under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. State the purpose of the answer: to explore the factors behind its rise and decline, and the enduring legacy of the empire. Body I. Factors Contributing to the ...

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  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Factors Contributing to the Rise Strong Leadership: Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s charismatic leadership united the twelve misls (confederacies) of Punjab, such as the Phulkian and Kanhaiya misls. His conquests of key territories, including Multan (1818) and Kashmir (1819), solidified his conRead more

    Model Answer

    Factors Contributing to the Rise

    1. Strong Leadership: Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s charismatic leadership united the twelve misls (confederacies) of Punjab, such as the Phulkian and Kanhaiya misls. His conquests of key territories, including Multan (1818) and Kashmir (1819), solidified his control.
    2. Military Modernization: Ranjit Singh modernized his army by hiring European officers like General Ventura. He equipped his forces with advanced weaponry, including the Zamzama gun, enhancing military effectiveness.
    3. Administrative Reforms: He centralized authority and appointed capable generals, such as Hari Singh Nalwa, for territorial expansion and efficient governance. Revenue reforms boosted economic prosperity.
    4. Diplomatic Skills: Ranjit Singh skillfully navigated the geopolitical landscape, forming strategic alliances with the British that helped maintain stability within the empire.
    5. Economic Policies: His focus on agriculture, exemplified by the construction of canals like the Bari Doab Canal, led to significant economic growth and stability.

    Factors Contributing to Decline

    1. Succession Issues: After Ranjit Singh’s death, the absence of a clear successor resulted in internal strife, particularly due to the influence of the Dogra brothers, undermining central authority.
    2. External Threats: The First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846) was fueled by territorial disputes, leading to the Treaty of Lahore and significant territorial losses to the British.
    3. Internal Intrigues: Power struggles, including the assassination of Prime Minister Raja Dhian Singh in 1843, weakened the empire from within.
    4. Loss of Territory: The annexation of Punjab after the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-1849) marked a critical decline as the British incorporated the region into British India.
    5. Colonial Influence: The expanding power of the British East India Company exploited vulnerabilities in the Sikh Empire, facilitating its eventual annexation.

    Enduring Legacy

    Despite its fall in 1849, the Sikh Empire’s legacy remains influential:

    1. Sikh Identity: The empire symbolizes Sikh unity and sovereignty, inspiring contemporary movements for recognition and rights.
    2. Architectural Heritage: Monuments like the Golden Temple and Lahore Fort reflect the unique Sikh aesthetic and continue to inspire awe.
    3. Military Folklore: Stories of Sikh bravery under leaders like Hari Singh Nalwa are celebrated in folklore and literature, maintaining a militarized identity.
    4. Administrative Influence: The British retained many administrative structures established by Ranjit Singh, ensuring stability in post-annexation governance.
    5. Cultural Commemoration: The “Lion of Punjab” is celebrated in books, films, and statues, keeping the memory of the Sikh Empire alive in public discourse.

    In conclusion, Ranjit Singh’s leadership established a powerful Sikh state that left a lasting impact on the region’s history and culture.

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Anita Ratnam
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Anita RatnamLearner
Asked: January 27, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Contextualization: Brief overview of the Mughal Empire (16th to 18th century). Thesis Statement: Highlight the significance of technological advancements and their impact on Indian society. 2. Key Technological Advancements A. Architecture and Engineering Facts: Iconic structures: Taj Mahal, Red Fort. Fusion of ...

upsc: modern history events before 1857
  1. Team
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    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction The Mughal Empire, flourishing from the early 16th to the mid-18th century in the Indian subcontinent, marked a period of remarkable technological advancements that profoundly shaped Indian society. Key Technological Advancements 1. Architecture and Engineering The MughalsRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    The Mughal Empire, flourishing from the early 16th to the mid-18th century in the Indian subcontinent, marked a period of remarkable technological advancements that profoundly shaped Indian society.

    Key Technological Advancements

    1. Architecture and Engineering

    The Mughals are celebrated for their architectural masterpieces, such as the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort, which blend Persian and Indian design elements.

    • Impact: These structures set a standard for Indian architecture, influencing the design of temples and forts for centuries. The iconic central dome became a key feature in many buildings.

    2. Water Management and Irrigation

    Innovations in water management, including the construction of canals and stepwells, were prominent.

    • Impact: These advancements significantly improved agricultural productivity. For instance, the Agra Canal, built in the 16th century, enhanced irrigation, supporting a growing population.

    3. Modern Postal System

    Akbar introduced the efficient postal system known as Dak Chowki, featuring a network of relay stations.

    • Impact: This innovation streamlined communication and administration, laying the groundwork for modern postal services in India.

    4. Military Technology

    The Mughals introduced advanced weaponry, including matchlock firearms and artillery.

    • Impact: These innovations bolstered the military capabilities of the Mughal Empire, exemplified by the famous Mughal cannon, Zamzama.

    5. Textiles

    The production of intricate fabrics like brocades, velvet, and muslins flourished during this era.

    • Impact: Advanced dyeing technologies contributed to economic prosperity, with exports like Mughal carpets enhancing trade.

    Conclusion

    The Mughal Empire’s technological innovations extended beyond politics and architecture, enriching India’s cultural heritage. Their advancements in various domains significantly influenced social life, promoting cultural fusion, economic growth, and military strength.

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Anita Ratnam
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Anita RatnamLearner
Asked: January 27, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Context: Briefly introduce the East India Company (EIC), founded in 1600, and its rise to power in India. Thesis Statement: Present the question of whether the EIC’s success was primarily due to chance or deliberate strategy, indicating ...

upsc: modern history events before 1857
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction The East India Company (EIC), founded in 1600, emerged as the dominant European power in India. While some historians argue that the EIC's success was a result of deliberate strategy, others contend that it was largely accidental. This analysis explores both perspectives. ARead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    The East India Company (EIC), founded in 1600, emerged as the dominant European power in India. While some historians argue that the EIC’s success was a result of deliberate strategy, others contend that it was largely accidental. This analysis explores both perspectives.

    Accidental Factors

    1. Divisions Among Indian States

    The EIC capitalized on the existing conflicts among various Indian states.

    • Fact: During the Carnatic Wars, the EIC supported different local rulers, which furthered its own interests while exploiting local rivalries.

    2. Technological Advancements

    The EIC had access to superior military technology that provided a significant advantage in conflicts.

    • Fact: The use of muskets and cannons was crucial in victories at battles like Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764).

    3. Unpredictable Events

    The EIC took advantage of unforeseen circumstances, particularly the decline of the Mughal Empire.

    • Fact: This decline created a power vacuum that the EIC exploited, allowing it to expand its influence across India.

    4. Shift from Trade to Control

    The gradual transition from trade to territorial control was not part of the EIC’s original strategy but evolved due to changing circumstances, including increased British governmental intervention.

    Deliberate Factors

    1. Shrewd Diplomacy

    The EIC employed strategic diplomacy to form alliances with local rulers, enhancing its influence.

    • Fact: The alliance with Mir Jafar during the Battle of Plassey was pivotal for the EIC’s control over Bengal.

    2. Economic Exploitation

    The EIC had a clear economic agenda, exploiting Indian resources to generate wealth.

    • Fact: They capitalized on textiles, spices, and opium, securing a strong foothold in the region.

    3. Organizational Structure

    The EIC’s effective organizational structure allowed it to manage operations efficiently.

    • Fact: Their disciplined workforce and logistical planning were results of deliberate strategies.

    4. Military Strategies

    The EIC implemented calculated military strategies, including recruiting sepoys and establishing fortified trading posts.

    • Fact: This approach helped safeguard their interests and expand territorial control.

    Conclusion

    The success of the East India Company in India was influenced by both deliberate actions and accidental circumstances. While the EIC had clear intentions for expansion, its path to dominance was shaped by a complex interplay of strategic planning and unforeseen events. This duality highlights the intricate dynamics of colonial expansion in India.

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Rajashree Shirke
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Rajashree ShirkeLearner
Asked: January 27, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (Approx. 50-70 words) Start with a brief introduction about the Mughal Empire, its peak, and its eventual decline. Mention the time frame, particularly focusing on the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, which marked the beginning of ...

upsc: modern history events before 1857
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction The Mughal Empire, which began with Babur’s ascension in 1526, reached its peak during the reign of Aurangzeb (1658–1707). However, the empire began to rapidly decline after his death in 1707. Despite its immense territorial expanse and power, the Mughal Empire disintegrateRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    The Mughal Empire, which began with Babur’s ascension in 1526, reached its peak during the reign of Aurangzeb (1658–1707). However, the empire began to rapidly decline after his death in 1707. Despite its immense territorial expanse and power, the Mughal Empire disintegrated within a mere fifty years. Several factors contributed to this decline, including corruption, incompetence, religious intolerance, and military vulnerability.

    Corruption

    One of the key factors behind the decline of the Mughal Empire was the rampant corruption within the administration. During the later years, many officials used their positions for personal gain, misappropriating public funds and weakening the state’s financial stability. This corruption severely affected the empire’s economy, leading to reduced revenues and insufficient resources to manage the vast empire effectively. As a result, the empire’s central authority diminished, paving the way for its eventual downfall.

    Incompetence

    The successors of Aurangzeb were marked by inefficiency and incompetence. Weak rulers, unable to manage the complex political and military issues, became easy targets for factionalism and court intrigues. High taxes imposed to fund their lavish lifestyles drained the economy, and poor administrative decisions led to a lack of focus on critical areas such as military strength and infrastructure. This neglect weakened the empire’s defenses and reduced its ability to respond to both internal and external threats.

    Religious Intolerance

    Religious intolerance became more pronounced under the later Mughal rulers. Policies that discriminated against non-Muslim communities, particularly Hindus and Sikhs, sparked discontent and rebellion. The empire’s failure to maintain religious harmony destabilized the internal social fabric, fostering resistance movements that eventually weakened Mughal authority.

    Military Vulnerability

    The Mughal military, once a powerful force, began to deteriorate due to internal corruption, poor leadership, and lack of resources. The empire also faced external threats from powers like the Persians under Nadir Shah, who attacked Mughal territories in the 18th century, leading to a loss of wealth and territory. Additionally, the empire’s vast size made it difficult to defend effectively, especially as regional powers began to assert their independence.

    Conclusion

    The decline of the Mughal Empire was not caused by a single factor but by a combination of internal corruption, poor governance, religious intolerance, and military weakness. These, coupled with external pressures and succession wars, led to the disintegration of the empire by the early 19th century, eventually paving the way for British colonial rule in India.

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Adheesh Raman
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Adheesh RamanLearner
Asked: February 15, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing To effectively answer this question, follow this structured roadmap that provides a detailed evaluation of the Charter Acts of 1833 and 1853, while highlighting their importance in shaping colonial India’s history. 1. Introduction Purpose: Introduce the Charter Acts of ...

upsc: modern history events before 1857
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction The Charter Acts of 1833 and 1853 were pivotal legislative reforms that played a crucial role in shaping the governance and administration of colonial India. These acts marked a transition from the East India Company's commercial activities to more direct British control, iRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    The Charter Acts of 1833 and 1853 were pivotal legislative reforms that played a crucial role in shaping the governance and administration of colonial India. These acts marked a transition from the East India Company’s commercial activities to more direct British control, influencing India’s political, social, and economic structure.

    Charter Act of 1833

    • End of the East India Company’s Commercial Activities:
      • The Act ended the East India Company’s role as a commercial entity, making it solely an administrative body.
      • Fact: The company’s territories in India were held “in trust” for the British crown.
    • Centralization of Power:
      • The Act centralized power by making the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of India, with authority over the entire British territories in India.
      • Fact: Lord William Bentick became the first Governor-General of India.
      • It also stripped the Governors of Bombay and Madras of their legislative powers.
    • Civil Services Reform:
      • The Act introduced a system of open competition for the selection of civil servants.
      • Fact: Though it allowed Indians to hold civil service positions, the open competition system was not effectively implemented.
    • Creation of the Indian Law Commission:
      • The Law Commission, headed by Lord Macaulay, was tasked with codifying Indian laws.
      • Fact: This laid the foundation for modern Indian legal codes.

    Charter Act of 1853

    • Separation of Legislative and Executive Functions:
      • This Act separated the executive and legislative functions of the Governor-General’s council.
      • Fact: It created the Indian (Central) Legislative Council, a mini-parliament modeled after the British Parliament.
    • Reform in Civil Service Recruitment:
      • The Act expanded open competition for civil services, allowing Indians to participate in the selection process.
      • Fact: The Macaulay Committee (1854) was formed to implement this system.
    • Local Representation:
      • For the first time, the Act introduced local representation in the Legislative Council by appointing members from provincial governments.
      • Fact: Four out of the six new members in the council were appointed by local governments.

    Significance and Conclusion

    Both Acts contributed to the centralization of British power in India. The 1833 Act solidified direct British rule, while the 1853 Act introduced reforms that laid the groundwork for India’s future legislative and administrative structures. However, despite some reforms, these Acts reinforced British control and furthered the colonial agenda, marking a significant shift in the governance of colonial India.

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SHIVAM SRIVASTAVA
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SHIVAM SRIVASTAVABegginer
Asked: July 18, 2024In:
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MENTION THE CIVIL AND TRIBAL UPRISING WHICH TOOK PLACE BEFORE THE REVOLT OF 1857.

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  1. Ridhi Goswami
    Ridhi Goswami Begginer
    This answer was edited.

    The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence, stemmed from a century of British colonial oppression following the Battle of Plassey. Political causes included the British East India Company's efforts to expand power, using policies like the Subsidiary AllianceRead more

    The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence, stemmed from a century of British colonial oppression following the Battle of Plassey. Political causes included the British East India Company’s efforts to expand power, using policies like the Subsidiary Alliance and the Doctrine of Lapse, which threatened Indian rulers and led to widespread discontent. Economically, the British aimed to maximize profits, devastating the Indian economy. Land revenue systems imposed high rates, pushing farmers into debt, while landlords lost land due to the Sunset Clause. The Indian trade suffered due to high tariffs on Indian goods and low duties on British imports, leading to unemployment among artisans and craftsmen. The dissatisfaction among sepoys was fueled by British officers’ mistreatment, halted career progression, and the removal of foreign service allowances. The immediate trigger was the introduction of the Enfield rifle with cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, offending Hindu and Muslim soldiers. The revolt began in Meerut on May 10, 1857, and spread across Northern and Central India, with leaders like Bahadur Shah Zafar, Nana Sahib, and Rani Lakshmibai at the forefront. Despite initial successes, the revolt failed by 1859 due to various factors.

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Prakher Singh
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Prakher SinghBegginer
Asked: June 17, 2024In:
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List the factors that contributed to the Permanent Settlement system’s creation. Talk about the repercussions as well. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: modern history events before 1857
  1. Sujata Gautam
    Sujata Gautam Begginer

    Answer: The Permanent Settlement was a land revenue system introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Under this system, the company's share in the revenue was fixed permanently with the Zamindars who were made hereditary owners of the lands under their possession. Reasons beRead more

    Answer: The Permanent Settlement was a land revenue system introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Under this system, the company’s share in the revenue was fixed permanently with the Zamindars who were made hereditary owners of the lands under their possession. Reasons behind introduction of the Permanent Settlement System:

    • To develop a class of landlords who were loyal to British interests.
    • It was hoped that the system would end corruption as the officials would not be able to alter assessment at will.
    • It was meant to ensure ease in administration on part of the Company as the burden of revenue collection was given to the intermediaries or Zamindars.
    • To ensure a fixed and stable income for the company and save the government from the expenses on making periodical assessments and settlements.
    • It was expected that property ownership would induce Zamindars to make larger capital investments in agriculture. Cornwallis thought that the company could increase its revenue by taxing trade and commerce.

    However, the introduction of the permanent settlement system had far-reaching consequences:

    • Exploitation of peasants: Peasants suffered from the double injustice of surrendering their property rights and being left entirely at the mercy of Zamindars who extracted exorbitant taxes, much higher than the official tax rate.
    • Decline in agricultural productivity: Zamindars had their focus on collection of maximum revenue and took little interest in the development of agriculture.
    • Rise in absentee landlordism: Under it, new moneyed men from Calcutta with no local connections bought lands when Zamindars struggled to meet revenue obligations. The new landlords were often absentees from their lands, and generated resentment among the farmers.
    • Increase in social inequality: This system strengthened feudalism in upper sections and slavery in lower sections of society. Absentee landlordism drained out the wealth produced in the countryside to the urban centres, leaving the peasants in miserable condition.
    • Commercialization of agriculture: It led to commercialisation of land that previously did not exist in Bengal coercing the local agriculturalists to cultivate cash crops such as cotton, indigo, and jute.

    Permanent settlement did more harm than good to Indian agriculture. It led to impoverishment of the peasantry and rural indebtedness and eventually became one of the contributing factors of agricultural crises including famines in and around Bengal.

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Bhavesh singh
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Bhavesh singhBegginer
Asked: June 17, 2024In:
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Describe how the East India Company’s ties to the British government changed between 1765 and 1833.(Answer in 200 words)

upsc: modern history events before 1857
  1. Rohini Singh
    Rohini Singh Begginer

    Answer: In the period of dual government i.e., 1765-1772, the Indian officials under the overall control of the British governor and British officials had 'responsibility but no power' while the company officials had 'power but no responsibility'. This presented problems of exploitation of powersRead more

    Answer: In the period of dual government i.e., 1765-1772, the Indian officials under the overall control of the British governor and British officials had ‘responsibility but no power’ while the company officials had ‘power but no responsibility’. This presented problems of exploitation of powers & rampant corruption and also attracted the jealousy of other sections of British society, especially politicians and merchants who wanted to be a part of the huge profit being generated in India. The question of the nature of relations between the East India Company (EIC) and its possessions with the government in Britain was therefore subsequently settled through incremental acts & regulations, such as: Regulating Act, 1773:

    • It recognised, for the first time, the political and administrative functions of the Company.
    • It strengthened the control of the British Government over the Company by requiring the Court of Directors (governing body of the Company) to report on its revenue, civil, and military affairs in India.
    • The Governor of Bengal was made the Governor-General of Bengal and the governors of Madras and Bombay were made subordinate to him.
    • It prohibited the servants of the Company from engaging in any private trade or accepting presents or bribes from the natives.

    Pitt’s India Act, 1784:

    • It distinguished between the commercial and political functions of the Company and for the first time the company’s territories in India were identified as British possessions.
    • It allowed the Court of Directors (EIC representative) to manage the commercial affairs but created a new body called Board of Control (represented by the British government) to manage the political affairs. Thus, it established a system of double government or Dual Control.
    • It empowered the Board of Control to supervise and direct all operations of the civil and military government or revenues of the British possessions in India.

    Charter Act, 1793:

    • It was aimed at reviewing the Charter granted to EIC by the Regulating Act of 1773.
    • It continued the trade monopoly of EIC for another 20 years, however, the Company was asked to pay 5 lakh pounds annually from the Indian revenues to the British government (after paying its necessary expenses).
    • It separated revenue administration and judicial functions of the Company and hence led to the disappearance of Maal Adalats (revenue courts).
    • Senior officials of the Company were debarred from leaving India without permission.
    • It laid down that the members of the Board of Control and their staff were to be paid out of the Indian revenues. This practice continued till 1919 and was one of the major reasons behind the drain of wealth.

    Charter Act, 1813: The company’s rule was extended to another 20 years. However, their trade monopoly was ended except for the trade in tea, opium, and with China. Charter Act, 1813:

    • This Act was the final step towards centralization of India’s administration.
    • It ended all commercial activities of the EIC including monopoly over trade with China and in tea.
    • The post of the Governor-General of India was created and he was entrusted with legislative power over the entire British India. All revenues were raised under his authority and he had complete control over the expenditure too. Now, the power to superintend, control and direct all civil and military affairs of the Company was under him.

    Thus, various acts of the Parliament completely subordinated the company and its Indian administration to the British Government. This allowed the British to create a new system of administration to serve their purposes.

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Nandani Naina
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Nandani NainaBegginer
Asked: June 26, 2024In:
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The several uprisings that occurred before to 1857 were a sign of the growing discontent with British rule and their policies in India. Talk about it. (Answer in 250 words)

upsc: modern history events before 1857
  1. Rajesh Meena
    Rajesh Meena Begginer

    The colonial law and judiciary safeguarded the interest of the government and its collaborators- landlords, merchants, and moneylenders. Thus, the people left with no options, chose to take up arms and defend themselves. Similarly, the conditions of the tribal people were not different, the encroachRead more

    The colonial law and judiciary safeguarded the interest of the government and its collaborators- landlords, merchants, and moneylenders. Thus, the people left with no options, chose to take up arms and defend themselves. Similarly, the conditions of the tribal people were not different, the encroachment by outsiders into their independent tribal polity made them more aggrieved and violent.

    Major civil uprisings before 1857 include:

    • Sanyasi Revolt (1763-1800): The disastrous famine of 1770 due to the harsh economic order of the British compelled a group of Sanyasis in Eastern India to fight the British.
    • Midnapore and Dhalbhum revolt (1766-74): The English took hold of Midnapore in 1760 and at that time there were about 3,000 zamindars and talukdars having cordial relations with their ryots. However, this harmonious scenario changed after the introduction of a new land revenue system by the English in 1772 and fuelled the discontent against the British.
    • Poligars’ revolt (1795-1805): The problem started in 1781, when the Nawab of Arcot gave the management and control of Tinneveli and the Carnatic Provinces to the East India Company. This arrangement caused resentment among the poligars who had, for long, considered themselves as independent sovereign authorities within their respective territories.
    • Paika rebellion (1817): The Paiks of Odisha were the traditional landed militia and enjoyed rent-free land tenures for their military service and policing functions on a hereditary basis. The English Company’s conquest of Odisha in 1803, and the dethronement of the Raja of Khurda had greatly reduced the power and prestige of the Paiks.

    Major tribal and religious uprisings before 1857 include:

    • Narkelberia uprising: Mir Nithar Ali (1782-1831) or Titu Mir inspired the Muslim tenants in West Bengal to rise against landlords, mainly Hindu, who imposed a beard-tax on the Faraizis and British indigo planters. The revolt later merged into the Wahabi Movement.
    • Faraizi revolt: The Faraizis were the followers of a Muslim sect founded by Haji Shariatullah of Faridpur in Eastern Bengal. They advocated radical religious, social, and political changes. Shariatullah and his son Muhsinuddin Ahmad, popularly known as Dudu Miyan (1819-62) organised their followers with an aim to expel the English intruders from Bengal.
    • Kol mutiny (1831): The trouble in 1831 started with large-scale transfers of land from Kol headmen to outsiders like Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim farmers and moneylenders who were oppressive and demanded heavy taxes. Besides, the British judicial and revenue policies badly affected the traditional social conditions of the Kols.
    • Ho and Munda uprisings: The Raja of Parahat organised his Ho tribals to revolt against the occupation of Singhbhum (now in Jharkhand). The revolt continued till 1827 when the Ho tribals were forced to submit. However, later in 1831, they again organised a rebellion, joined by the Mundas of Chotanagpur, to protest against the newly introduced farming revenue policy and the entry of Bengalis into their region.

    The above-mentioned uprisings alongside growing discontent amongst sepoys finally culminated into the revolt of 1857. Hence, it was not an instantaneous event, rather an amalgamation of various factors that resented the ruthless colonial rule. All these mutinies remained local and were brutally crushed by the East India Company, often inflicting terrible violence. But the legacy of these revolts proved to be of immense significance later.

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Vinni Bihari
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Vinni BihariBegginer
Asked: July 1, 2024In:
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Give a brief synopsis of the three Carnatic Wars and talk about the elements that helped the British defeat the French in their conflict for India. (250 words)

upsc: modern history events before 1857
  1. Shyamlal Sharma
    Shyamlal Sharma Learner

    The Carnatic Wars were a series of military conflicts in the middle of the 18th century (1746- 1763) between the French East India Company and the British East India Company. The British conquest in these wars ultimately established their dominance over other European nations in India. The First CarRead more

    The Carnatic Wars were a series of military conflicts in the middle of the 18th century (1746- 1763) between the French East India Company and the British East India Company. The British conquest in these wars ultimately established their dominance over other European nations in India.

    • The First Carnatic War (1746-1748): It was an extension of the Anglo-French war in Europe. It started when the English captured some French ships in India. Dupleix, the French Governor-General of Pondicherry, took offense and sieged Madras. However, Madras was returned to the English by the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.
    • The Second Carnatic War (1749-1754): After the death of Nizam-ul-Mulk in 1748, a civil war broke out for succession in Hyderabad. In this war, Chanda Sahib and Muzaffar Jung were supported by the French, while Nasir Jung and Muhammad Ali were supported by the British. Ultimately, the British troops under Robert Clive were able to capture Arcot. The war ended with the Treaty of Pondicherry (1954), which recognized Muhammad Ali as the Nawab of the Carnatic. Dupleix had to resign and return to France.
    • The Third Carnatic War (1757-1763): The outbreak of the Seven Years’ War in Europe resulted in this war. The British captured the French settlement of Chandranagore in Bengal in 1757 and Madras was successfully defended by Sir Eyre Coote in the Battle of Wandiwash (1760). The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which forbade the French traders from administering their trading posts in India.

    The reasons behind the success of the British and the failure of the French in India include:

    • French continental preoccupation: The French, at that time, were fighting for the ‘natural frontiers’ for their own country and were simultaneously trying for continental expansion and colonial acquisition. It brought them into conflict with other European nations and strained their resources. British ambition was mainly colonial expansion and hence, they were able to succeed by focussing on this objective only.
    • Systems of government: The French government was despotic and depended on the personality of the Monarch. England, on the other hand, was dominated by an enlightened oligarchy.
    • Organization of the companies: The French company was a department of the State with guaranteed dividends to its shareholders. Strengthening of its financial position was neglected and was not adequate to support the expansionist policies of Dupleix. On the other hand, the English company was an independent commercial corporation and the King and the Parliament took great interest in strengthening the company. Therefore, its trade was much more extensive and it was rich enough to fight its own wars in India.
    • Role of the navy: During the Austrian War of Succession, French maritime strength was greatly reduced and at a point, it was left with no warships. However, the English had a superior naval force enabling them to have communications with Europe and supply land enforcements to its forces, as well as cut France from the rest of the world in the Carnatic wars.
    • Financial resources of Bengal: While the Deccan was too poor to support the political ambitions of Dupleix, Bengal was not only sending troops but also supplies to the Carnatic to support the English.
    • Lack of continuity in leadership: Because of State control, the Governor-General of the French company could be recalled at any time, as was done in the case of Dupleix. The British company, on the other hand, had the continued leadership of skilled leaders like Sir Eyre Coote and Robert Clive.

    Thus, the French spent resources in India for about 40 years but were not able to realize a French empire in India while the British succeeded in doing so.

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On: March 10, 2025

Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions (10 March 2025)

The National Rail Plan (NRP) for India – 2030 aims to develop a ‘future ready’ railway system by 2030. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words) भारत के लिए राष्ट्रीय रेल योजना (NRP)- 2030 का लक्ष्य वर्ष 2030 तक ‘भविष्य के लिए ...

On: March 8, 2025

Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions (8 March 2025)

Examine the key issues that obstruct the development of port infrastructure in India and outline the recent measures taken by the government to address these challenges. (Answer in 200 words) भारत में बंदरगाह अवसंरचना के विकास में आने वाली विभिन्न ...

On: March 7, 2025 Comments: 0

मानव-वन्यजीव संघर्ष का प्रबंधन

प्रधानमंत्री की घोषणा: मानव-वन्यजीव संघर्ष प्रबंधन के लिए एक समर्पित केंद्र की स्थापना। चुनौतियाँ: जनसंख्या वृद्धि और संसाधनों की प्रतिस्पर्धा। वन्यजीव संरक्षण का महत्व पारिस्थितिक संतुलन और जलवायु अनुकूलन: वन्यजीव पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र को बनाए रखने और जलवायु पैटर्न को विनियमित ...

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