Test: The Establishment of Company Power - Class 8 MCQ

Satyendranath Tagore was the first Indian to pass the Indian Civil Service (ICS) exam, which began to be conducted in London after 1853. His achievement marked an important milestone in Indian administrative history.

The Regulating Act of 1773 established the Supreme Court in Calcutta, marking a significant development in the legal framework of British India by introducing a structured judicial system.

The British East India Company was established on December 31, 1600, when it received a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I, granting it exclusive trading rights with the East. This marked the beginning of British commercial interests in India.

Robert Clive was instrumental in the British victory at the Battle of Plassey. His strategic alliances and military leadership were key factors in defeating Siraj-ud-Daulah and establishing British dominance in Bengal.

The Anglo-Mysore Wars, particularly the defeat of Tipu Sultan, significantly expanded British territories in South India and solidified their power, demonstrating the effectiveness of military strategies in colonial expansion.

The Treaty of Allahabad granted the British diwani rights, allowing them to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. This significantly enhanced British economic control in the region.

Under British rule, zamindars were tasked with collecting taxes and managing land. However, their role often led to exploitation of peasants, contributing to tensions between the British and local populations.

The Doctrine of Lapse, enacted by Lord Dalhousie, allowed the British to annex Indian states if a ruler died without a male heir, thereby expanding British territorial control in India.

The Battle of Seringapatam in 1799 marked the death of Tipu Sultan, effectively ending the strong resistance against British expansion in Mysore and leading to the restoration of the Wodeyar dynasty under British influence.

The Battle of Wandiwash (1760) was decisive in eliminating the French as a major rival in India, following which the British secured their dominance through the Treaty of Paris in 1763.

The first Anglo-French War (1746–1748) was primarily linked to the Austrian War of Succession in Europe. This conflict drew in local disputes in India, notably involving the capture of Madras by the French and retaliatory British actions.

The Mughal Empire's decline, characterized by internal conflicts and weak leadership, created a power vacuum that the British East India Company exploited to expand its influence and control over India.

The Regulating Act of 1773 aimed to bring the British East India Company's activities under the supervision of the British Parliament, thereby increasing the Crown's control over Indian affairs.

The British introduced administrative reforms that included the establishment of a judicial system that aimed for a uniform legal code, which was a significant shift from the prior fragmented legal traditions.

Siraj-ud-Daulah was the last independent Nawab of Bengal defeated by the British at the Battle of Plassey in 1757. This battle marked a significant turning point in establishing British political dominance in India.

The First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782) arose due to British interference in the internal conflicts of the Marathas. This war ended with the Treaty of Salbai, which did not result in a clear victory for either side.

The Subsidiary Alliance required native rulers to maintain British troops at their own expense and cede territories if they could not pay. This policy effectively diminished the autonomy of Indian rulers.

The British East India Company initially focused on trade, importing various goods like spices, cotton, and silk. Over time, this trading enterprise evolved into a political power.

The Carnatic Wars were primarily conflicts between the British and French, stemming from their rivalry for control in India, which was exacerbated by broader European conflicts.

The annexation of Awadh in 1856 was justified by the British on the grounds of misgovernment under Wajid Ali Shah, which contributed to the growing unrest that eventually led to the Revolt of 1857.