Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.
The British East India Company (BEIC) and the British government had a complex and tumultuous relationship with the Nawabs of Bengal, and there were several reasons why they frequently changed them. Here are some of the main reasons: Financial control: The BEIC was interested in expanding its tradeRead more
The British East India Company (BEIC) and the British government had a complex and tumultuous relationship with the Nawabs of Bengal, and there were several reasons why they frequently changed them. Here are some of the main reasons:
- Financial control: The BEIC was interested in expanding its trade and commerce in Bengal, which was a significant producer of revenue for the Mughal Empire. By installing a puppet ruler, they could control the flow of revenue and extract more wealth from the region.
- Strategic interests: Bengal was strategically located, connecting the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The British wanted to secure control over this region to expand their trade and influence in the region.
- Fear of rebellion: The Nawabs of Bengal were known for their independence and sometimes even rebellious nature. The British feared that if they didn’t keep a close eye on them, they might stage a rebellion or form alliances with other powers to challenge British dominance.
- Rivalries and factionalism: The Mughal Empire was already weakening, and the Nawabs of Bengal were often embroiled in internal conflicts, rivalries, and factionalism. The British saw an opportunity to exploit these divisions and install their own puppet rulers.
- Debt and financial mismanagement: The Nawabs of Bengal were often deeply in debt, and the British used this as leverage to gain control over their finances. By installing a new ruler, they could restructure the debt and gain control over the revenue.
- Subjugation and colonization: As the British East India Company’s power grew, they sought to extend their control over Bengal through diplomacy, military conquest, or both. They would often install puppet rulers who would pledge allegiance to the British Crown.
- Pretext for military intervention: In some cases, the British used the excuse of misrule or corruption to justify military intervention in Bengal. This allowed them to occupy the region and impose their own administration.
[caption id="attachment_68808" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Famine during colonial era[/caption] There was a sudden surge in famines during colonial rule, mainly in the mid-eighteenth century. That was not the first time India saw famines, but colonial rule and its exploitative policies made conRead more
Famine during colonial era
There was a sudden surge in famines during colonial rule, mainly in the mid-eighteenth century. That was not the first time India saw famines, but colonial rule and its exploitative policies made conditions worse for the people of India, resulting in an uncountable number of deaths.
There were several reasons why famines saw a sudden spurt during colonial rule.
1. Colonial policies that were exploitive in nature, like the heavy taxes, and policies like the permanent settlement, which hurt farmers.
2. The farming methods of the people were not modern, and farmers had to depend on one cash crop that could fulfil the British tax requirement.
3. British trade policies like heavy taxes on Indian goods and exporting all raw materials outside resulted in the destruction of local markets and the handicrafts industry, leaving people with no money to survive during famine-like situations. And when they started exporting food grains outside the country, there was no food left for people to have during famines.
4. Under colonial rule, no arrangements were made to prepare for famines, which made the condition worse when famine hit.
5. Natural calamities like drought and flood made the situation of farmers worse as they didn’t have any modern irrigation techniques and, in this situation, had to pay taxes to Britishers, which made the farmers starve to death.
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