Class 5 SST Question Answers - Colonial India

Q1: Who were the first European traders to establish prosperous trade with India, and what did they trade in?
Ans: The first European traders were Arab traders who established trade with India. They traded in textiles, silk, and spices.

Q2: Who was the first European to reach India by sea, and in which year did this happen?
Ans: Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach India by sea, and he did this in the year 1498.

Q3: What was the name of the trading company formed by British traders in 1600, and why did they form it?
Ans: The trading company was called the East India Company, and they formed it to trade with eastern countries, especially India.

Q4: Which Mughal Emperor allowed the British to trade and establish factories in India?
Ans: The Mughal Emperor Jahangir allowed the British to trade and establish factories in India.

Q5: Where did the East India Company set up its first factory in India?
Ans: The East India Company set up its first factory in Surat for storing goods and commodities.

Q6: How did the British acquire India according to the information provided?
Ans: The British acquired India by taking advantage of internal unrest among Indian rulers, using religion and caste differences to divide and rule the Indian population, and defeating Indian rulers.

Q7: What were some of the advantages of British rule in India mentioned in the text?
Ans: Some advantages of British rule included the introduction of modern developments like railways, post and telegraph systems, improved agricultural methods, the abolition of social evils, and making education accessible to both males and females.

Q8: What was the Doctrine of Lapse, and how did it enable the British to acquire more Indian territories?
Ans: The Doctrine of Lapse was a law that allowed the British to take over Indian territories if an Indian king died without a natural heir. This law enabled the British to acquire more Indian territories.

Q9: How did the British exploit Indian farmers and resources, according to the information provided?
Ans: The British forced Indian farmers to sell food grains and cash crops at lower prices, which were then sold at higher rates in England. This provided raw materials for British mills.

Q10: What were some of the negative consequences of British rule in India mentioned in the text?
Ans: Negative consequences included increased social discrimination, widening caste differences among Indians, and economic exploitation through unfair trade practices.