From Trade to Territory (The Company Establishes Power) Class 8 Worksheet History Chapter 2

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1: Which European powers did the English East India Company have to compete with in the 18th century? 

A) Spanish and Dutch
B) French and Dutch
C) Portuguese and Spanish
D) French and Spanish 

Ans. B) French and Dutch

In the 18th century, the English East India Company faced significant competition from both the French and the Dutch in India. The French established their own trading posts and alliances, particularly in southern India, while the Dutch were primarily involved in trade in the East Indies. Their rivalry often led to conflicts, especially in securing trade routes and territories.

Q2: What led to the conflicts between the East India Company and the nawabs of Bengal? 

A) The Company refused to grant concessions to the nawabs.
B) The Company demanded large tributes from the nawabs.
C) The Company deprived the Bengal government of revenue.
D) The Company stopped the nawabs from extending fortifications. 

Ans. C) The Company deprived the Bengal government of revenue.

The East India Company's expansion in Bengal created conflicts with the local nawabs because the Company began to exert control over trade and revenue collection. This deprived the nawabs of their traditional sources of income, leading to tensions and confrontations as the Company sought to consolidate its power in the region.

Q3: Who led the British forces in the Battle of Buxar? 

A) Sirajuddaulah
B) Mir Jafar
C) Mir Qasim
D) Hector Munro 

Ans. D) Hector Munro

Hector Munro was the British general who commanded the forces during the Battle of Buxar in 1764. This battle was crucial for the East India Company as it resulted in a decisive victory against a coalition of Indian rulers, including the nawab of Bengal, Mir Qasim, and the Mughal emperor’s forces, significantly enhancing British control in India.

Q4: What was the policy of the Doctrine of Lapse introduced by Lord Dalhousie? 

A) It declared that Indian rulers could choose their own successors.
B) It stated that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his kingdom would become part of Company territory.
C) It allowed Indian rulers to pass on their kingdoms to their daughters.
D) It prohibited the Company from annexing any Indian kingdoms. 

Ans. B) It stated that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his kingdom would become part of Company territory.

The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy implemented by Lord Dalhousie which allowed the British East India Company to annex Indian states if the ruling maharaja died without a male heir. This policy effectively undermined the sovereignty of many Indian princely states, leading to widespread resentment and opposition among Indian rulers.

Q5: What role did Mir Jafar play in the Battle of Plassey? 

A) He led the British forces.
B) He betrayed Sirajuddaulah, aiding the British victory.
C) He fought against the British.
D) He was neutral and did not participate in the battle. 

Ans. B) He betrayed Sirajuddaulah, aiding the British victory.

Mir Jafar was a commander in the army of Sirajuddaulah, the Nawab of Bengal, during the Battle of Plassey in 1757. He secretly allied with the British East India Company and did not fully engage in the battle against them. His betrayal was instrumental in the British victory, leading to the Company's dominance in Bengal.

Q6: How did the East India Company secure its trading privileges in Bengal initially? 

A) By defeating the French and Portuguese in naval battles.
B) Through diplomatic negotiations with the Mughal emperor.
C) By bribing local officials to obtain the zamindari rights over three villages.
D) By winning the favor of the British Crown to override local Indian authorities. 

Ans. C) By bribing local officials to obtain the zamindari rights over three villages.

The East India Company initially secured its trading privileges in Bengal through bribery and manipulation. They offered money and incentives to local officials to gain zamindari rights, which allowed them to collect taxes and exercise control over land. This strategic move laid the foundation for the Company’s expansion and influence in Bengal.

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The East India Company was granted a royal charter in the year 1600, giving it the sole right to trade with the East. 

Q2: The Battle of Plassey marked a significant victory for the East India Company and led to the establishment of puppet rulers in Bengal.

Q3: Warren Hastings played a crucial role in expanding Company power and was the Governor-General from 1773 to 1785. 

Q4: The  Doctrine of Lapse, a policy implemented by Lord Dalhousie, stated that a kingdom would revert to Company control if a ruler died without a male heir.

Q5: After the defeat of Tipu Sultan, Mysore was placed under the rule of the Wodeyar dynasty. 

True/False

Q1: The English East India Company initially came to India solely for military conquest.

Ans. False (The Company originally came for trade.)

Q2: The Company's transition from trade to territory involved direct military confrontations as well as diplomatic maneuvers. 

Ans. True

Q3: The Doctrine of Lapse was used by the Company to annex territories like Nagpur and Jhansi. 

Ans. True

Q4: All Indian rulers were hostile towards the East India Company and resisted any form of alliance. 

Ans. False (Some rulers formed alliances through subsidiary treaties or were coerced into such arrangements.)

Q5: The Company used the revenue from Bengal to fund its military expenditures and other costs within India. 

Ans. True

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: Whom did the Company install in place of Mir Jafar and why?

Ans. When Mir Jafar protested, the Company deposed him and installed Mir Qasim in his place.

Q2: Who was called tiger of Mysore?

Ans. Tipu Sultan was called tiger of Mysore.

Q3: When did the company take over Awadh?

Ans. The Company took over Awadh in 1856.

Q4: Name Sirajuddaulah’s commander who never fought the Battle of Plassey.

Ans. Mir Jafar, one of Sirajuddaulah’s commanders, never fought the Battle of Plassey.

Q5: What was the prime objective of East India Company?

Ans. Its prime objective was the expansion of trade.

Q6: Why did the Battle of Plassey become famous?

Ans. The Battle of Plassey became famous because it was the first major victory the Company won in India.

Q7: Who was the ruler of England in 1600?

Ans. Queen Elizabeth I was the ruler of England in 1600.

Q8: Who was the last of the powerful Mughal rulers?

Ans. Aurangzeb was the last of the powerful Mughal rulers.

Q9: Who became the Nawab of Bengal after Alivardi khan?

Ans. Sirajuddaulah became the Nawab of Bengal after Alivardi khan.

Q10: Who was made the Nawab of Bengal after the Battle of Plassey?

Ans. Mir Jafar was made the Nawab of Bengal after the Battle of Plassey.

Q11: Who discovered the sea route to India?

Ans. Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer had discovered the sea route to India in 1498.

Q12: Which governor general was impeached by British Parliament?

Ans. Warren Hastings was impeached by British Parliament.