India under British Rule: Governance & other Aspects MCQs for UPPSC (UP) Exam

Option c is wrong... area of zamindari is not as the same of ryotwari and mahalwari .

The correct answer is option 'C' - Both of them.

Explanation:
1. Formation of the Agrarian League:
The statement correctly states that the peasants of Yusufshahi Pargana in Patna district formed an agrarian league or combination. This league was formed by the peasants in response to the oppressive regime they were facing. The zamindars, who were the landowners, were imposing heavy demands on the peasants, leading to their dissatisfaction and desire for resistance.

2. Rent Strike by the Agrarian League:
The statement also correctly mentions that the league organized a rent strike. The ryots, which refers to the peasants or tenants, refused to pay the enhanced rents demanded by the zamindars. The ryots challenged the zamindars in the courts, seeking justice and relief from the oppressive demands.

The agrarian league's rent strike was a form of protest and resistance against the exploitative practices of the zamindars. By refusing to pay the enhanced rents, the ryots aimed to assert their rights and demand fair treatment. The strike also aimed to draw attention to the unjust conditions faced by the peasants and put pressure on the authorities to address their grievances.

Overall, both statements accurately describe the formation and actions of the Pabna Agrarian League. The league was formed by the peasants to resist the oppressive demands of the zamindars, and they organized a rent strike as a means of protest and seeking justice.

For the 2nd and 3rd statement, see the notes and references mentioned after chapter Laxmikanth.

The correct answer is option 'A', which means that only statement 1 is correct. Let's understand why the other statements are incorrect:

1. It created a new office, Secretary of State for India: This statement is correct. The Government of India Act of 1858 abolished the East India Company's rule in India and transferred the powers and responsibilities to the British Crown. As a part of this transfer, a new office called the Secretary of State for India was created in the British government. The Secretary of State became the principal authority responsible for the governance of India.

2. The Secretary of State was a member of the British cabinet and was responsible only ultimately to the British cabinet: This statement is incorrect. The Secretary of State for India was indeed a member of the British cabinet, but they were not solely responsible to the British cabinet. The Secretary of State was also accountable to the British Parliament and had to report on Indian affairs to the Parliament. The Secretary of State had significant powers and authority over the governance of India.

3. It constituted the Secretary of State-in-Council as a body corporate, capable of suing and being sued only in England: This statement is incorrect. The Government of India Act of 1858 did establish the Secretary of State-in-Council as a body corporate, but this body was not limited to suing and being sued only in England. The Secretary of State-in-Council had the power to sue and be sued in both England and India. This provision allowed for legal actions against the British government or the Secretary of State-in-Council in Indian courts.

In conclusion, only statement 1 is correct as it created the office of Secretary of State for India. Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect as they misrepresent the accountability and legal jurisdiction of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State-in-Council.

The correct answer is option 'D': 2 Only.

Explanation:
1. Fort William College - Warren Hastings: This is an incorrect match. Fort William College was established in 1800 by Marquess Wellesley, not Warren Hastings. It was set up to train British civil servants in the languages and cultures of India. Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of Bengal during the period of 1774-1785. He is known for his administrative reforms and for establishing the Calcutta Madrasah.

2. Sanskrit College - Jonathan Duncan: This is also an incorrect match. The Sanskrit College in Calcutta was established by Sir William Jones in 1781, not Jonathan Duncan. Sir William Jones was a British philologist and scholar of ancient India who is known for his contributions to the study of Sanskrit and Indian literature.

3. Calcutta Madrasah - Wellesley: This is the correct match. The Calcutta Madrasah was established in 1781 by Warren Hastings, not Wellesley. It was the first Islamic seminary in Calcutta and played a significant role in the promotion of Islamic education and culture in Bengal.

To summarize:
- Fort William College was established by Marquess Wellesley, not Warren Hastings.
- The Sanskrit College was established by Sir William Jones, not Jonathan Duncan.
- The Calcutta Madrasah was established by Warren Hastings, not Wellesley.

Therefore, the correct match is option 'D': 2 Only.

James Thomson, lieutenant-governor of NW Provinces (1843- 53), developed a comprehensive village education scheme through the medium of vernacular languages. In these village schools, useful subjects such as mensuration and agriculture sciences were taught. The purpose was to train personnel for the newly set up Revenue and Public Works Department.

Factors for the Impoverishment of the Indian Peasantry

Factors for the impoverishment of the Indian peasantry include colonial economic policies, the new land revenue system, and overcrowding of land. These factors have played a significant role in the economic and social degradation of the Indian peasantry.

1. Colonial economic policies:
Under British colonial rule, India's economy was subjugated to benefit the British Empire. The British implemented policies that exploited and drained the resources of India, resulting in the impoverishment of the Indian peasantry. These policies included:

- Drain of wealth: The British extracted enormous wealth from India through heavy taxation, trade policies, and the export of raw materials. This led to economic exploitation and hindered the development of industries and agricultural practices in India, further impoverishing the peasantry.

- Deindustrialization: The British dismantled India's indigenous industries to protect their own industries in England. This led to the collapse of many traditional Indian crafts and industries, leaving the peasantry with limited economic opportunities and forcing them to rely solely on agriculture, which further intensified their poverty.

2. The new land revenue system:
The British introduced the Permanent Settlement System, also known as the Zamindari system, in many parts of India. This system involved the fixation of land revenue, which had to be paid by the peasants to the Zamindars (landlords). This system had several negative consequences:

- Increased burden on peasants: The fixed revenue demand was often high, and the peasants were forced to pay it irrespective of their economic conditions. This led to an increased burden on the peasantry, pushing them further into poverty.

- Exploitation by Zamindars: The Zamindars, who were appointed by the British as intermediaries, exploited the peasants by extracting exorbitant rents and imposing arbitrary taxes. This further impoverished the peasantry as they were left with little to no surplus from their agricultural produce.

3. Overcrowding of land:
Due to the growing population and limited availability of land, there was overcrowding of land in rural areas. This resulted in smaller landholdings for individual farmers, leading to decreased productivity and income. Overcrowding also intensified competition for resources, further exacerbating poverty among the peasantry.

In conclusion, the impoverishment of the Indian peasantry can be attributed to factors such as colonial economic policies, the new land revenue system, and overcrowding of land. These factors, driven by British colonial rule, created a cycle of economic exploitation and social degradation, leaving the peasantry trapped in a cycle of poverty.

Regular recurrence of famines in India:
- The first statement states that regular recurrence of famines became a common feature of daily existence in India. This statement is correct.
- India has a long history of famines, with records of severe famines dating back to ancient times. However, during the colonial period, famines in India became more frequent and widespread.
- The East India Company, and later the British colonial authorities, introduced policies that disrupted traditional agricultural practices and led to the loss of livelihoods for many farmers and agricultural laborers.
- Additionally, the British policies and economic exploitation of India resulted in the concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a few, exacerbating poverty and inequality.
- These factors, combined with natural disasters such as droughts or floods, often led to severe food shortages and famines in different regions of India.
- The famines were not just a result of food grain scarcity but were also a direct consequence of the poverty unleashed by India's colonial forces.

Direct result of poverty unleashed by India's colonial forces:
- The second statement asserts that these famines were a direct result of poverty unleashed by India's colonial forces. This statement is also correct.
- The colonial policies of the British in India, such as the imposition of high taxes, the introduction of cash crops, and the destruction of local industries, led to economic exploitation and impoverishment of the Indian population.
- The British administration also prioritized the export of agricultural products from India, leaving insufficient food supplies for the local population during times of scarcity.
- The colonial authorities failed to implement effective relief measures during famines, exacerbating the suffering of the affected communities.
- Many historians and scholars argue that the colonial policies and economic exploitation of India by the British were significant factors in the occurrence and severity of famines during this period.
- The famines not only resulted in the loss of lives but also had long-lasting social and economic consequences, further deepening poverty and inequality in India.

Conclusion:
- In conclusion, both statements are correct. Regular famines became a common feature in India during the colonial period, and these famines were a direct result of poverty unleashed by India's colonial forces. The policies and economic exploitation by the British colonial authorities exacerbated poverty and inequality in India, leading to severe food shortages and famines.

There was a rush of foreign capital in India in the second half of the 19th century due to several factors. These factors include:

1. Prospects of high profits:
- The British Industrial Revolution had created a demand for raw materials for industries in Europe, and India had abundant resources such as cotton, jute, tea, and minerals.
- The availability of these resources and the potential for high profits attracted foreign capital to invest in India.

2. Cheap and readily available raw material:
- India was known for its vast reserves of raw materials, including cotton, jute, indigo, and minerals.
- These raw materials were available at low prices, making it economically viable for foreign investors to establish industries in India.

3. Willingness of administration to provide all help:
- The British colonial administration in India actively encouraged foreign investment by providing various incentives and support.
- They offered protection for foreign investors, ensured a stable legal system, and provided infrastructure such as railways, ports, and telegraph lines.
- The administration also implemented policies that favored foreign capital, such as land revenue reforms and taxation policies.

4. Ready market in India:
- India had a large population and a growing middle class, which provided a ready market for goods produced by industries.
- The demand for textiles, machinery, transportation, and other products was increasing, creating lucrative opportunities for foreign investors.
- Additionally, the British colonial government implemented policies that promoted the consumption of British goods in India, further boosting the market for foreign capital.

By combining these factors, the rush of foreign capital in India during the second half of the 19th century was fueled by the prospects of high profits, the availability of cheap and readily available raw materials, the willingness of the administration to provide support, and the presence of a ready market in India. These factors created a favorable environment for foreign investors to establish industries and exploit the resources of India for their own economic benefit.

The Demand for Regulation of Factory Conditions in India

Statement Analysis:
1. The first ever demand for regulation of conditions of workers in factories in India came from the Lancashire textile capitalist lobby.
2. They demanded the appointment of a commission for investigation into factory conditions.
3. The first commission was appointed in 1875, and the first Factory Act was passed in the same year.

Explanation:
The statement is related to the demand for regulation of conditions of workers in factories in India. The Lancashire textile capitalist lobby was the first to demand this regulation. Let's break down the statements and analyze them in detail.

1. The first ever demand for regulation of conditions of workers in factories in India came from the Lancashire textile capitalist lobby.
The Lancashire textile capitalist lobby was a group of British textile manufacturers who were concerned about the competition they faced from Indian textile mills. They demanded that Indian factories be regulated to ensure fair competition. They were also concerned about the working conditions of Indian factory workers, which they believed were inhumane and unsafe. Therefore, they demanded regulation of factory conditions in India.

2. They demanded the appointment of a commission for investigation into factory conditions.
The Lancashire textile capitalist lobby demanded that a commission be appointed to investigate the conditions of Indian factories. This was necessary to gather information about the working conditions of Indian factory workers. The commission would also be responsible for making recommendations on how to improve these conditions.

3. The first commission was appointed in 1875, and the first Factory Act was passed in the same year.
In response to the demand from the Lancashire textile capitalist lobby, the British government appointed a commission to investigate the conditions of Indian factories in 1875. This commission was known as the First Indian Factory Commission. Based on the recommendations of this commission, the first Factory Act was passed in the same year. This act aimed to regulate the working conditions of Indian factory workers and improve their safety.

Conclusion:
Therefore, we can conclude that the first ever demand for regulation of conditions of workers in factories in India came from the Lancashire textile capitalist lobby. They demanded the appointment of a commission for investigation into factory conditions, and the first commission was appointed in 1875. The first Factory Act was also passed in the same year.

1. Transferability of land was one feature of the new settlement which caused great insecurity to the tenants who lost all their traditional rights inland

- The statement is correct. The new settlement system introduced by the British East India Company allowed for the transferability of land. Under this system, the British government recognized the zamindars as the owners of the land and gave them the power to transfer land rights to others. This caused great insecurity to the tenants who were traditionally tied to the land and had customary rights over it. They lost their traditional rights and became vulnerable to eviction and exploitation by the new landowners.

2. There was little spending by the Government on the improvement of land productivity

- The statement is correct. The British government did not invest much in the improvement of land productivity in colonial India. The main focus of the colonial administration was to collect revenue from the land rather than promoting agricultural development. The government did not allocate sufficient funds for irrigation, modern farming techniques, or rural infrastructure. As a result, agricultural productivity remained low, and the farmers struggled to improve their living conditions.

3. Zamindars, with increased powers and greed to earn more money, invested for the improvement of agriculture

- The statement is incorrect. While the zamindars did gain increased powers under the new settlement system, their primary motivation was to extract maximum revenue from the land rather than investing in agricultural improvement. The zamindars acted as intermediaries between the British government and the peasants, collecting revenue from the latter and remitting it to the former. They often resorted to exploitative practices to extract more money from the peasants, which further hindered agricultural development.

In conclusion, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. The transferability of land caused insecurity to tenants, and the British government did not prioritize spending on land productivity improvement. The zamindars, although they gained increased powers, did not invest in agricultural improvement but rather focused on maximizing revenue extraction.

Cheap and machine-made imports flooded the Indian market after the Charter Act of 1813, allowing one-way free trade for British citizens. On the other hand, Indian products found it more and more difficult to penetrate the European markets.

Bardoli Satyagraha was a prominent nonviolent protest movement led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the Bardoli taluka (administrative division) of Gujarat, India, between 1928 and 1929. It aimed to resist the excessive taxation imposed by the British colonial government on the farmers in Bardoli.

1. Intelligence Wing and Tenant Compliance:
- The first statement states that an intelligence wing was set up to ensure that all the tenants followed the resolutions of the Bardoli Satyagraha. This statement is true.
- During the movement, a system was established to monitor the activities of tenants and ensure their compliance with the movement's resolutions.
- The intelligence wing was responsible for gathering information, maintaining records, and ensuring that the tenants did not cooperate with the British government's demands for increased taxes.

2. Social Boycott of Opponents:
- The second statement mentions that those who opposed the Bardoli Satyagraha faced a social boycott. This statement is also true.
- The movement adopted a strategy of social boycott against individuals who opposed or undermined the cause of the satyagraha.
- This boycott involved isolating and ostracizing those who did not support the movement, which put pressure on them to reconsider their stance.

3. Emphasis on Mobilization of Women:
- The third statement suggests that there was less emphasis placed on the mobilization of women during the Bardoli Satyagraha. This statement is false.
- The Bardoli Satyagraha was unique in its mobilization of women. Women actively participated in various aspects of the protest, including organizing meetings, providing financial support, and participating in nonviolent demonstrations.
- The women of Bardoli played a significant role in the movement, contributing to its success and highlighting their determination for social and economic justice.

In conclusion, the correct answer is option 'A' - statements 1 and 2 are true, while statement 3 is false. The Bardoli Satyagraha had an intelligence wing to monitor tenant compliance, opponents faced a social boycott, and there was significant emphasis on the mobilization of women during the movement.

The issues involved were: (i) high rents-50 per cent higher than the recorded rates; (ii) oppression of Thikadars in charge of revenue collection; and (iii) practice of share-rents.