Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Briefly introduce Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi as two major leaders in the Indian independence movement. State that while they shared the common goal of achieving India’s freedom from British rule, their ideologies differed significantly on key aspects ...
Model Answer Introduction Despite the existence of numerous independent and resistant states in India, the British managed to establish and sustain their dominance in the subcontinent. Their success was largely due to a combination of military power, strategic diplomacy, economic control, and effectRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Despite the existence of numerous independent and resistant states in India, the British managed to establish and sustain their dominance in the subcontinent. Their success was largely due to a combination of military power, strategic diplomacy, economic control, and effective use of technology.
Political Alliances
The British capitalized on alliances with local rulers to extend their influence.
- Subsidiary Alliances: The British forged subsidiary alliances with Indian princes, offering protection in exchange for their submission to British authority.
- Support of Loyal Rulers: They allied with rulers like the Nizam of Hyderabad and other regional powers, which helped them exert indirect control.
- After the 1857 Revolt, the British system of “Paramountcy” allowed them to govern through loyal aristocrats, further consolidating their power.
Military Superiority
The British used military might to defeat independent kingdoms and suppress rebellions.
- Superior Weaponry: The British had access to superior weaponry, such as muskets and artillery, which helped them defeat powerful states like Mysore and the Marathas.
- Post-1857 Military Expansion: Following the revolt of 1857, the British expanded their military presence to suppress uprisings more effectively.
- They also used the military to maintain a constant state of vigilance, quelling revolts whenever they arose.
Economic Control and Infrastructure
The British implemented policies to economically dominate India.
- Revenue Extraction: Through exploitative revenue systems, they extracted wealth from the land, weakening local states financially.
- Infrastructure Development: The construction of railways, roads, and telegraphs allowed the British to quickly mobilize troops and resources across India, consolidating their control.
Diplomacy and Divide and Rule
The British effectively used diplomacy to divide Indian states.
- By aligning with certain Indian rulers against others, they created divisions that weakened the opposition.
- Divide and Rule: They played off Hindu-Muslim tensions and regional differences, ensuring that Indian states remained fragmented and unable to unite against British rule.
Conclusion
In conclusion, through a combination of military power, strategic alliances, economic control, and diplomatic maneuvering, the British were able to not only establish but also maintain their dominance over India, despite resistance from multiple independent and rebel states.
See less
Model Answer Introduction Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi were both iconic leaders of India's independence movement, each with a unique approach to achieving freedom from British rule. Despite their shared goal, their ideologies on non-violence, political activism, and visions for a free India diffeRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi were both iconic leaders of India’s independence movement, each with a unique approach to achieving freedom from British rule. Despite their shared goal, their ideologies on non-violence, political activism, and visions for a free India differed significantly.
Similarities in Ideologies
Differences in Ideologies
Conclusion
Though Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi had contrasting methods, their shared dedication to India’s independence, commitment to social justice, and vision for a free India united them in the struggle against British rule. Their differing approaches to achieving this goal contributed to the diverse strategies employed during the freedom movement.
See less