All questions of Important Dates for UPSC CSE Exam

Introduction
The Permanent Settlement of Bengal was a significant land revenue system introduced in British India that transformed the agrarian structure of the region.
Who Implemented the Permanent Settlement?
- The Permanent Settlement was implemented by Lords Cornwallis in 1793 during his tenure as the Governor-General of India.
Key Features of the Permanent Settlement
- Fixed Revenue: The settlement fixed the land revenue that zamindars (landlords) had to pay to the British government, making it a permanent arrangement.
- Zamindari System: It established the zamindars as the landowners, who were responsible for collecting taxes from the peasants and paying a fixed amount to the British.
- Transfer of Risks: By fixing the revenue, the British transferred the risks of agricultural fluctuations from themselves to the zamindars.
Impacts of the Permanent Settlement
- Economic Impact: The zamindars often exploited the peasants, leading to increased poverty and landlessness among the rural population.
- Agricultural Decline: The focus on revenue collection over agricultural productivity resulted in a decline in agricultural practices and yields.
- Social Changes: The system altered traditional landholding patterns and created a class of wealthy zamindars who often did not invest in agricultural improvements.
Conclusion
Lord Cornwallis's implementation of the Permanent Settlement had profound implications not only for Bengal’s economy but also for the social fabric of Indian society. It marked a pivotal moment in British colonial policy, reflecting a shift towards a more structured extraction of revenue from Indian agriculture.

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded by Allan Octavian Hume in 1885. The INC played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence from British rule and emerged as the principal political organization representing the aspirations of the Indian people.

Allan Octavian Hume:
- Allan Octavian Hume was a retired British civil servant who had served in various administrative positions in India. He had a deep understanding of the Indian society and was sympathetic to the cause of Indian self-governance.
- Hume was deeply influenced by the Indian intellectual and political leaders of the time, including Dadabhai Naoroji and Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who advocated for the rights and welfare of the Indian people.
- Hume believed that the Indian people needed a platform to voice their grievances and work towards their political emancipation. He conceived the idea of establishing a political organization that would represent the interests of the Indian people and serve as a platform for political discourse and action.

Founding of the Indian National Congress:
- In 1885, Hume organized the first session of the Indian National Congress in Bombay (now Mumbai) with the objective of promoting political education and creating a platform for political discussions.
- The founding members of the INC were a group of educated and politically conscious individuals from various parts of India. They included prominent leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Dinshaw Wacha, and Pherozeshah Mehta.
- The initial years of the INC were characterized by moderate politics, with an emphasis on constitutional methods and dialogue with the British authorities. The organization aimed to bring together Indians from diverse backgrounds and regions to work towards common goals.

Significance of the Indian National Congress:
- The INC became the primary vehicle for political mobilization and agitation against British colonial rule in India. It provided a platform for leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhash Chandra Bose to articulate the aspirations of the Indian people.
- Over the years, the INC evolved into a mass movement, with millions of Indians actively participating in its campaigns for freedom and social reform.
- The INC played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of independent India. It served as the foundation for the Indian democracy and provided the framework for governance and policymaking.

In conclusion, Allan Octavian Hume founded the Indian National Congress in 1885 with the aim of providing a platform for political discourse and action. The INC played a significant role in India's struggle for independence and emerged as the principal political organization representing the aspirations of the Indian people.

The Lucknow Pact of 1916 brought about a temporary alliance between the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress. They jointly demanded greater Indian representation in government and a broader role for Indians in the administration of their country.

Alexander's invasion of India in 327–326 BC created a land route between India and Europe. This allowed for increased trade and cultural exchange between these two regions. The invasion also influenced the development of Indian art and culture through interactions with the Greek and Persian civilizations.

Background:
Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930 to protest against the British salt tax. This movement was a significant step in India's struggle for independence.

Key Points:
- Objective: The main objective of the Civil Disobedience Movement was to challenge the oppressive British salt tax, which heavily burdened the common people.
- Salt March: Gandhi started the movement with the famous Salt March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, covering a distance of 240 miles. This symbolic act of making salt from seawater on the beaches of Dandi garnered widespread attention.
- Mass Participation: The movement saw massive participation from people across India, including women and peasants. It highlighted the unity and determination of Indians in their fight against colonial rule.
- Nonviolent Protest: Gandhi emphasized nonviolent resistance as a powerful tool against British oppression. The movement showcased the effectiveness of peaceful protests in achieving political objectives.
- Impact: The Civil Disobedience Movement brought international attention to India's struggle for freedom. It led to increased pressure on the British government and paved the way for future mass movements.
- Aftermath: Though the movement was met with repression and arrests by the British authorities, it marked a turning point in the Indian independence movement. Gandhi's leadership and the spirit of nonviolent resistance inspired generations to come.
Overall, the Civil Disobedience Movement under Gandhi's leadership played a crucial role in mobilizing the Indian masses against British colonial rule and advocating for self-governance.

The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked a turning point in Indian history, as it led to the establishment of British political rule in India. The victory of the British East India Company over the Nawab of Bengal laid the foundation for British colonial control over the Indian subcontinent.

Understanding the Formal Partition of India
The formal partition of India was primarily marked by the Indian Independence Act of 1947. This act was a significant turning point in the history of the Indian subcontinent, leading to the creation of two independent dominions: India and Pakistan.
Key Aspects of the Indian Independence Act, 1947
- Legislative Framework: The Indian Independence Act was passed by the British Parliament on July 5, 1947, and came into effect on August 15, 1947. It provided legal provisions for the partition of British India.
- Division of Territory: The act outlined the boundaries for the new nations, partitioning British India into two separate entities based on religious demographics. This led to significant demographic shifts and large-scale migrations.
- End of British Rule: The act marked the end of British colonial rule in India, transferring power to the newly formed governments of India and Pakistan.
Consequences of the Partition
- Communal Violence: The partition triggered widespread communal riots, leading to the loss of lives and displacement of millions of people as Hindus and Muslims moved across the newly drawn borders.
- Political Impact: The political landscape of South Asia was forever altered, setting the stage for future conflicts and political dynamics between India and Pakistan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Indian Independence Act, 1947, was the pivotal event that formally partitioned India, establishing two independent nations and marking a significant milestone in the struggle for independence.

The Vijaynagar empire in the South was founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336. This empire played a significant role in preserving and promoting Hindu culture and civilization in the Deccan region.

The Bengal famine of 1943–44 resulted in widespread suffering and loss of life. It was caused by a combination of factors including wartime disruptions, economic policies, and the failure of the monsoon. The suffering of the people during this period intensified anti-British sentiments.