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

Q1: What was the impact of the Royal Charter granted to the East India Company in 1600? 

Ans: The Royal Charter granted the East India Company the sole right to trade with the East, eliminating competition from other English trading companies.

Q2: How did the competition among European companies in India lead to conflicts and battles? 

Ans: The competition among European companies, seeking the same goods, raised prices, leading to conflicts and battles as they tried to eliminate rival competitors.

Q3: Explain the events that led to the Battle of Plassey in 1757. 

Ans: After the death of Alivardi Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, Sirajuddaulah, opposed the East India Company's influence. The conflict escalated, leading to the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

Q4: What role did Mir Jafar play in the Battle of Plassey, and how did it contribute to the Company's victory? 

Ans: Mir Jafar, one of Sirajuddaulah’s commanders, betrayed him and supported the Company, ensuring their victory in the Battle of Plassey.

Q5: How did the British justify the annexation of Indian states under the Doctrine of Lapse? 

Ans: The Doctrine of Lapse declared that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his kingdom would become a part of Company territory. This was used to justify annexations.

Q6: What factors led to the direct military confrontation between the East India Company and Mysore under Tipu Sultan? 

Ans: Trade restrictions, alliances with the French, and modernization of the army under Tipu Sultan led to direct military confrontation with the East India Company.

Q7: Explain the impact of the Battle of Seringapatam on Mysore and Tipu Sultan. 

Ans: The Battle of Seringapatam resulted in Tipu Sultan's death, Mysore being placed under the Wodeyars, and the imposition of a subsidiary alliance on the state.

Q8: How did the Company expand its influence in Indian states after the Battle of Buxar in 1764? 

Ans: The Company appointed Residents and used political, economic, and diplomatic methods to interfere in the internal affairs of Indian states, often imposing subsidiary alliances.

Q9: What was the significance of the Battle of Panipat in 1761 for the Marathas? 

Ans: The defeat in the Battle of Panipat shattered the Marathas' dream of ruling from Delhi, leading to their division into many states under different chiefs.

Q10: How did the Company's policy of "paramountcy" contribute to its territorial expansion? 

Ans: The policy of "paramountcy" claimed the Company's authority as supreme over Indian states, justifying annexations to protect its interests.

Q11: Discuss the impact of steam technology on the East India Company's transformation into a territorial colonial power. 

Ans: Steam technology reduced travel time to India, aiding the Company's transformation into a territorial colonial power by facilitating quicker communication and control.

Q12: What administrative reforms were introduced by Warren Hastings in the late 18th century? 

Ans: Warren Hastings introduced administrative reforms, including the establishment of two courts in each district, a new system of justice, and the creation of the Supreme Court.

Q13: How did the East India Company army change in the early 19th century, and what challenges did this transformation pose? Ans: The Company army underwent European-style training, drill, and discipline, posing challenges as it ignored caste and community feelings among soldiers.

Q14: Explain the significance of the Revolt of 1857 in understanding the sepoys' reactions to changes in their lives and identity. Ans: The Revolt of 1857 provides insights into how the sepoys reacted to changes in their lives and identity as they were subjected to European-style training and discipline.

Q15: How did the arrival of steam technology impact the East India Company's control over India by 1857? Ans: The arrival of steam technology reduced travel time to India, enabling more Britishers to come, and by 1857, the East India Company exercised direct rule over a significant portion of the Indian subcontinent.