What significant event marked the beginning of instability in India during the 18th century?

The death of Aurangzeb in 1707.

Fill in the blanks: The first European trading center established in India by the Portuguese was located in ___ in the year ___.

Kollam, 1502

True or False: The English East India Company was initially known as the Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East Indies.

True

Fill in the blank: The Doctrine of Lapse allowed the British to annex kingdoms if the ruler died without a ___ heir.

Male

What were the main reasons for the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century?

Internal conflicts, regional power rises, invasions by foreign powers like Nadir Shah, and a lack of strong leadership after Aurangzeb.

Multiple Choice: Which of the following battles solidified British control in Bengal? 
A) Battle of Panipat 
B) Battle of Buxar 
C) Battle of Plassey 
D) All of the above

C) Battle of Plassey

What was the significance of the Anglo-Mysore Wars for British expansion in India?

These wars further extended British control over southern India and weakened the Mysore kingdom.

True or False: The Treaty of Salbai concluded the First Anglo-Maratha War decisively in favor of the British.

False; it marked an inconclusive end.

Fill in the blank: The first French establishment in India was in ___ on the Coromandel coast.

Pondicherry

What was the primary goal of British policy of 'paramountcy' under Lord Hastings?

To assert British supremacy over Indian states and eliminate regional powers.