Class 8 History Chapter 2 Practice Question Answers - From Trade to Territory

Q1: Who was the Governor-General of India when the First War of Independence, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, broke out in 1857?
(a) Lord Dalhousie
(b) Lord Canning
(c) Lord Cornwallis
(d) Lord Wellesley
Ans: (b)
Lord Canning was the Governor-General of India during the outbreak of the First War of Independence in 1857.

Q2: What was the primary reason for the introduction of the Doctrine of Lapse by Lord Dalhousie?
(a) To promote Indian education
(b) To annex princely states
(c) To improve agricultural practices
(d) To encourage religious tolerance
Ans: (b)
Lord Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse to annex princely states whose rulers did not have a natural heir.

Q3: The Battle of Plassey in 1757 resulted in the establishment of British rule in which region of India?
(a) Punjab
(b) Bengal
(c) Deccan
(d) Rajasthan
Ans: (b)
The Battle of Plassey in 1757 established British rule in Bengal.

Q4: Which Indian ruler is known for his role in the revolt against the British East India Company during the Sepoy Mutiny?
(a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(b) Bahadur Shah II
(c) Tipu Sultan
(d) Rani Lakshmi Bai
Ans: (b)
Bahadur Shah II, also known as Bahadur Shah Zafar, played a symbolic role in the revolt against the British during the Sepoy Mutiny.

Q5: Who was the French governor who established the French colony of Pondicherry in India?
(a) François Bernier
(b) Jean-Baptiste Colbert
(c) Joseph François Dupleix
(d) Marquis of Wellesley
Ans: (c)
Joseph François Dupleix was the French governor who established the French colony of Pondicherry in India.

Q6: Explain the significance of the Treaty of Bassein (1802) in the context of British control in India.
Ans: The Treaty of Bassein was signed between the British East India Company and the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. It allowed the British to establish a subsidiary alliance with the Marathas, giving the British control over Maratha affairs. This treaty marked a significant step in the expansion of British influence and control in India.

Q7: Describe the impact of the introduction of the telegraph system in India during British rule.
Ans: The introduction of the telegraph system in India revolutionized communication during British rule. It facilitated faster transmission of information, improved coordination among British officials, and allowed for quicker responses to events across the vast subcontinent. It also played a role in consolidating British control by enhancing their administrative and military efficiency.

Q8: Explain the role of the East India Company in the opium trade with China during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Ans: The East India Company played a significant role in the opium trade with China during the 18th and 19th centuries. It cultivated opium in India and traded it for Chinese tea and silk. This trade had severe social and economic consequences, including the addiction of Chinese citizens to opium and the resulting Opium Wars between Britain and China.

Q9: Discuss the impact of the Permanent Settlement on Indian agriculture and peasants.
Ans: The Permanent Settlement, introduced by Lord Cornwallis, fixed land revenue payments in perpetuity for landowners in Bengal. This system had negative consequences for Indian agriculture and peasants. Landowners had no incentive to invest in land improvement, leading to stagnant agricultural practices. Peasants, who were often the actual cultivators, suffered from increased land revenue demands and exploitation by landlords.

Q10: Explain the reasons for the introduction of the English Education Act of 1835 in India.
Ans: The English Education Act of 1835 was introduced to promote Western education in India. The main reasons were:

• To create a class of Indians who would be "Indian in blood and color, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect."
• To produce a class of Indians who could serve as intermediaries between the British administration and the Indian masses.
• To provide a Western-style education system that would serve the interests of the British colonial government.
  
  

Q11: Explain the significance of the Battle of Plassey in the establishment of British colonial rule in India. Discuss the key events leading up to this battle and its aftermath.
Ans: The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was a turning point in the establishment of British colonial rule in India. It marked the victory of the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, over the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daula. The events leading up to the battle included the conflict between the British and the Nawab over trading privileges and the manipulation of local rivalries by the British. After the battle, the British obtained the diwani (revenue collecting rights) of Bengal, effectively giving them control over the region. This battle paved the way for further British expansion in India and marked the beginning of their political power.

Q12: Describe the doctrine of lapse introduced by Lord Dalhousie. Discuss its impact on princely states in India and the reactions of the rulers and the Indian population.
Ans: The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, in the mid-19th century. According to this policy, if a ruler of a princely state died without a natural heir, the state would "lapse" or be annexed by the British East India Company. This policy had a significant impact on many princely states as it led to their annexation. The affected rulers and the Indian population often viewed this policy with resentment, as it led to the loss of their autonomy. The Doctrine of Lapse was a controversial policy that contributed to growing discontent and unrest among the Indian princely states.

Q13: Explain the concept of subsidiary alliances introduced by the British East India Company. Discuss how these alliances were used to expand British control in India and their impact on Indian rulers.
Ans: Subsidiary alliances were agreements imposed by the British East India Company on Indian princely states during the 18th and 19th centuries. Under these alliances, the Indian rulers had to maintain a British subsidiary force within their territories and seek British approval for any external affairs. These alliances effectively allowed the British to exert control over these states without formally annexing them. The impact of subsidiary alliances on Indian rulers was significant as they lost autonomy and had to bear the cost of maintaining the subsidiary forces. This policy expanded British influence and paved the way for direct British control over many princely states.

Q14: Discuss the significance of the revolt of 1857 in the context of India's struggle for independence. Explain the factors that led to the outbreak of this revolt and its outcomes.
Ans: The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence, was a pivotal event in India's struggle for independence. It began as a mutiny among Indian soldiers (sepoys) in the British East India Company's army but soon escalated into a widespread revolt against British colonial rule. Factors leading to the revolt included discontent among soldiers due to the use of animal fat in cartridge production, grievances among Indian rulers, and widespread resentment against British policies.
The revolt had significant outcomes, including the end of the East India Company's rule in India, the beginning of direct British Crown rule, and the introduction of several reforms to address Indian grievances. It also inspired later generations in the fight for independence.

Q15: Examine the impact of British colonialism on the Indian economy during the 19th century. Discuss how British economic policies affected agriculture, industry, and trade in India.
Ans: British colonialism had a profound impact on the Indian economy during the 19th century. British economic policies favored the interests of British industry and trade at the expense of Indian economic development. For example, the introduction of cash crops like indigo and opium led to the displacement of food crops, contributing to famines. British control of trade routes and tariffs hindered Indian industries, as it allowed cheap British goods to flood the Indian market, undercutting local producers.
The British also promoted a railway network primarily for their own benefit, facilitating the movement of raw materials and finished products. While the railways had positive impacts, they were primarily designed to serve British interests. Understanding these economic changes is essential for comprehending India's economic history during colonial rule.